LibGuides: Fundamentals of Speech: Starting Your Research

Selecting A Topic

Before selecting a topic to research, be sure to understand the the assignment. Check with your instructor about specific guidelines.

Do you need to include specific types of sources (e.g. scholarly, books, popular press, etc)?
When is the assignment due? How much time do you have for research? The earlier you start your project the better.
Is the currency of the information important? For example, do you need to only use information from the last five years? Check with your instructor. This is often one of the requirements of the assignment.

Databases to Help You Select a Topic

Opposing Viewpoints This link opens in a new window
Reprinted essays from scholarly and popular newspapers, magazines, blogs, speeches and other stories. Essays present a particular viewpoint or argument on a topic of current interest.
This resource is also available through the Metropolitan Library.
CREDO This link opens in a new window
More than 700 subject encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, and reference handbooks, as well as short reference videos, high-resolution art images, photographs and maps across all subject areas.
Library Research Tutorials
Research Basics Guide

Picking your Topic is Research courtesy of North Carolina State University