Explain The 4 Ways To Gather Materials For Speech Content

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Now, we are looking at gathering materials for an effective speech. Skilfully drawing from one’s own knowledge and knowing how to find needed information from library resources, Internet resources, and conducting research interviews are the 4 main skills we are about to discuss today.

The below content may sound a little technical and dry (Oops) but with proper practice, you should be able to comprehend them. The main aim here is to let you know that your speech content can be prepared in a credible manner. Much authentic information is out there that can be obtained by using the correct content-gathering methods. For better understanding, we will have an activity toward the end of this chapter.

4 ways to gather materials:

1. Using Your Own Knowledge and Experience:

What one knows and has experienced personally is a prime source for speech topics because we are naturally inclined to speak better about that with which we are familiar. Information from oneself can also give an effective personal touch as a supporting detail.

2. Doing Library Research:

Librarians

These professionals can help locate sources of information, and specific information – and can save valuable research time.
The Catalogue

This lists all the books, periodicals, and other resources in a library. Books can be searched in this computer system by author, title, subject, or keywords. Periodicals are given in the catalogue by title. A call number classifies books and periodicals and indicates the shelf location.
Periodical Databases

These catalogue articles from many journals and magazines.

There are two kinds: general databases (mostly popular magazines) and special databases. Periodicals can be searched by subject. An abstract summarizes a magazine or journal article by someone other than the author.
Newspapers Databases are available for national and international newspapers.
Reference Works

These are encyclopaedias (general and special), yearbooks, dictionaries, quotation books,

biographical aids, atlases, and gazetteers (geographical dictionary).

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3. Searching the Internet:

Use Search Aids

(Search engines, metasearch engines, and virtual libraries), Keyword Searches,

Subject Searches, Bookmarks, and Specialized Research Resources (government, reference, news and

multicultural resources).

Evaluating Internet Documents

Analyze their authorship, sponsorship, and recency.

Citing Internet Sources

Do this fully, clearly, and consistently in the speech and bibliography.

4. Interviewing:

(Before) Define the purpose of the interview, decide whom to interview, arrange the interview, decide whether to record the interview and prepare questions. During: Dress appropriately and be on time, repeat the purpose of the interview, set up the recorder (if using one), keep the interview on track, listen carefully, and stay within the period.
(After) Review notes as soon as possible and transcribe them.

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HANDY TIPS FOR DOING RESEARCH:

1. Start early
2. Make a preliminary bibliography
   - A list compiled early in the research process of works that looks as if they might contain helpful information about a speech topic.
3. Take notes efficiently
   - Take plenty of notes
   - Record notes
   - Distinguish between quotes and your own ideas