Sources of in-depth lnformaton
Most of the facts and figures, testimony, examples, ideas for narratives, and material for presentation aids will come from in-depth sources of information such as periodicals and books. The “Guide to Library and Internet Resources” contains an annotated list of periodicals that may be useful in speech preparation. As you research your speech, try to use a variety of sources representing different perspectives on your topic. Keep in mind that periodicals have a reputation of their own. Some periodicals, such as the Wall Street Journal, will be perceived as highly credible and objective, whereas other periodicals may be less acceptable to your audience. Even highly credible sources may be tinned with bias on certain topics. For example, the American Cancer Society might be an excellent source of information about the relationship between cancer and smoking, but may be biased by self-interest on the question of government funding for medical research.
When you need facts and figures, consult an almanac, yearbook, or atlas. Almanacs and yearbooks provide accurate, up-to-date compilations of information on a wide range of topics. Such materials go beyond simple lists to include short articles and graphics that you can adapt for presentation aids. Atlases are useful when your topic calls for geographical information. They often include data on such things as population density or industrial production and are a good source of materials for presentation aids. Biographical resources can provide information about the qualifications of experts you might cite in a speech. Books of quotations can offer material for the introductions and conclusions of speeches. Most such books are indexed by topic and author, making it easy for you to find what others had to say about your subject. Most of these resources are available on the Internet as well as in the library.