COM ARTS 100: Introduction to Speech Composition (Spring 2024) : Finding Sources
Books
Books often provide background and comprehensive information about a topic. They are also outstanding for topics related to history! You don't need to read the whole book... There is likely an introductory chapter that frames the history/historical event, and then individual chapters that cover subtopics (aspects of the history/historical event that may serve as subpoints you wish to address in your speech).
Topic Overviews / Developing Subpoints to Address
- CQ Researcher (Current Issues)Still deciding on an informative speech topic? Or you have a topic and you're trying to identify subpoints? CQ Researcher provides excellent overview information, especially related to current issues.
Articles
Articles provide more specific information about a topic. Your assignments may require you to find popular magazine, scholarly journal and/or newspaper articles.
A Sample Informative Speech Topic
I wish to inform my audience about the safety of self-driving cars.
- Possible subpoints I plan to address:
- handling poor weather / lighting conditions
- artificial intelligence and decision-making
- terrorism concerns
- The Future of CarsHere's an article I found about self-driving cars. What are the claims or arguments? What evidence does the author provide? Is this a useful source for my informative speech? Why or why not? What information do I still need to fully address my topic?