2.3 Conducting research and gathering supporting materials
5 min read•august 15, 2024
Conducting research and gathering supporting materials are crucial steps in crafting a compelling speech. This process involves identifying credible sources, collecting relevant information, and evaluating its . By mastering these skills, you'll build a solid foundation for your arguments.
Once you've gathered your materials, the next challenge is synthesizing your findings. This means organizing and integrating information from various sources to create a cohesive, original argument. By effectively synthesizing research, you'll develop a persuasive speech that resonates with your audience.
Identifying Credible Sources
Academic Journals and Books
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- are peer-reviewed publications containing original research articles, review articles, and written by experts in various fields
- Highly credible sources due to the rigorous review process (double-blind peer review)
- Examples of reputable academic journals include Nature, Science, and The Lancet
- Books published by reputable academic presses or written by established experts in the field provide in-depth information on a topic
- Consider the author's credentials and the publication date to ensure the information is current and reliable
- Examples of reputable academic presses include Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press
Reputable Websites and Online Databases
- Reputable websites, such as those affiliated with educational institutions, government agencies, or well-known organizations, can provide credible information
- These websites often have domain extensions like .edu (universities), .gov (government agencies), or .org (non-profit organizations)
- Examples of reputable websites include the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Online databases, such as JSTOR, ProQuest, and EBSCOhost, provide access to a wide range of academic journals, books, and other scholarly resources
- These databases are often subscription-based and accessible through university libraries or research institutions
- Avoid using sources with questionable credibility, such as personal blogs, forums, or websites with biased or unverified information
- These sources may lack the necessary expertise, objectivity, or fact-checking processes to ensure the accuracy of the information
Gathering Supporting Materials
Statistics and Examples
- provide quantitative data that can support an argument by demonstrating trends, patterns, or relationships
- Obtain statistics from reputable sources such as government agencies (U.S. Census Bureau), research institutions (Pew Research Center), or academic journals
- Examples of persuasive statistics include "According to the World Bank, the global poverty rate fell from 36% in 1990 to 10% in 2015"
- Examples help illustrate abstract concepts or ideas by providing concrete instances that the audience can relate to
- Draw examples from personal experiences, case studies, or real-world events
- For instance, when discussing the impact of social media on communication, you could mention the role of Twitter during the Arab Spring protests
Anecdotes and Expert Opinions
- are brief stories or narratives that can engage the audience emotionally and make the argument more memorable
- Use anecdotes that are relevant to the topic and sparingly to avoid overshadowing the main points
- An example of an effective anecdote could be sharing a personal story about overcoming a challenge to illustrate the importance of perseverance
- Expert opinions, such as quotes or from recognized authorities in the field, can lend credibility to an argument
- Carefully select opinions to ensure they are relevant and unbiased
- For example, when discussing climate change, you could quote a statement from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
- A diverse range of supporting materials helps create a well-rounded and persuasive argument by appealing to different aspects of the audience's understanding and interests
Evaluating Information Reliability
Reliability, Relevance, and Currency
- Reliability refers to the trustworthiness and accuracy of the information
- Assess reliability by considering the credibility of the source, the author's expertise, and the presence of any potential biases or conflicts of interest
- Indicators of reliability include peer-reviewed publications, well-established authors, and reputable organizations
- Relevance pertains to how well the information addresses the specific topic or supports the argument
- Evaluate whether the collected material is directly related to the main points and contributes to the overall persuasiveness of the argument
- Avoid including information that is tangential or only loosely connected to the topic
- Currency is the timeliness of the information, especially important in rapidly evolving fields such as science and technology
- Use the most up-to-date sources to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information
- Consider the publication date and any recent developments in the field
Verifying Information and Addressing Questionable Sources
- Triangulation, or comparing information from multiple sources, can help verify the accuracy and reliability of the collected data
- If multiple reputable sources present similar findings or arguments, it increases confidence in the information's reliability
- If the reliability, relevance, or currency of a source is questionable, it may be necessary to seek alternative sources or exclude the information from the argument
- Questionable sources may include those with clear biases, lacking proper citations, or presenting outdated information
- In some cases, acknowledging the limitations of the available information can demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of the topic
Synthesizing Research Findings
Organizing and Integrating Information
- Synthesizing involves combining and integrating information from various sources to create a cohesive and original argument
- This process requires critical thinking and the ability to identify connections and patterns among the collected data
- For example, when researching the effects of social media on mental health, synthesizing may involve identifying common themes such as increased feelings of loneliness or the impact of social comparison
- Organize the research findings by themes, concepts, or main points to identify the most relevant and compelling evidence for the argument
- Grouping related information can help create a clear structure and logical flow for the argument
- Example themes for a speech on the benefits of renewable energy could include environmental impact, economic advantages, and energy security
Developing a Persuasive Argument
- Identify any gaps, inconsistencies, or contradictions in the collected information and address them in the argument
- This may involve seeking additional sources or acknowledging limitations in the available data
- Addressing counterarguments or conflicting evidence can demonstrate a well-informed and balanced perspective
- Develop a clear and logical structure for the argument, ensuring that each main point is supported by relevant and credible evidence from the synthesized research
- A well-structured argument guides the audience through the reasoning process and makes the case more compelling
- Use transitions and signposting to guide the audience through the argument and demonstrate how the various pieces of evidence connect to and support the main points
- Transitions (moreover, furthermore, however) help create a smooth flow between ideas
- Signposting (first, second, finally) helps the audience follow the structure of the argument
- Conclude the argument by summarizing the key findings and emphasizing the significance of the synthesized research in supporting the central claim or purpose
- A strong conclusion reinforces the main points and leaves a lasting impact on the audience
Key Terms to Review (18)
Academic journals: Academic journals are periodical publications that feature scholarly articles written by researchers, academics, and experts in specific fields. They are essential for sharing new findings, advancing knowledge, and providing a platform for rigorous peer review, which ensures the quality and credibility of the research presented. These journals are key resources for conducting research and gathering supporting materials as they contain in-depth analyses and discussions that contribute significantly to academic discourse.
Anecdotes: Anecdotes are short, personal stories used to illustrate a point, create a connection with the audience, or add interest to a speech. These engaging narratives can enhance the speaker's message by providing relatable examples that resonate emotionally and logically with listeners.
Authority: Authority refers to the legitimate power or right of an individual or organization to make decisions, enforce rules, and command influence. In the context of conducting research and gathering supporting materials, understanding authority is crucial because it helps determine the credibility and reliability of sources. Sources with established authority can enhance the persuasiveness of a speech and provide solid backing for claims made during presentations.
Case Studies: Case studies are in-depth examinations of a particular instance, event, or phenomenon that provide detailed insights and analyses of real-world situations. They are valuable tools for understanding complex issues, offering rich context and evidence that can support arguments, inform decisions, or stimulate discussions. By presenting actual scenarios, case studies enhance learning and engagement by relating theory to practice.
Cause and Effect: Cause and effect refers to the relationship between events where one event (the cause) leads to another event (the effect). This concept is essential in understanding how various factors influence outcomes, making it a fundamental aspect of research, particularly when gathering supporting materials for arguments and presentations.
Charts: Charts are visual representations of data that simplify complex information, making it easier for audiences to understand trends, relationships, and comparisons at a glance. They can be used to highlight key points in a presentation, helping to support claims and arguments effectively. Charts enhance communication by turning raw data into an easily digestible format, making them essential tools for anyone looking to present information clearly.
Chronological Order: Chronological order is the arrangement of events or information in the sequence in which they occurred in time. This method helps create a clear timeline for the audience, making it easier to understand how events or ideas are related and how they unfold over time.
Citing sources: Citing sources refers to the practice of acknowledging and giving credit to the original authors or creators of the materials used in research, speeches, or any form of content. It serves to validate the information presented, enhance credibility, and allow audiences to trace back the original works for further reading. Citing sources is crucial for avoiding plagiarism and maintaining academic integrity while supporting arguments with evidence.
Government reports: Government reports are official documents produced by government agencies that provide information, analysis, and data on various topics, policies, and programs. These reports serve as a vital resource for understanding government operations, public policy decisions, and statistical trends that impact society and the economy.
Interviews: Interviews are a method of gathering information through direct conversation between an interviewer and an interviewee, where questions are asked to elicit specific responses. This technique is valuable in understanding perspectives, experiences, and knowledge of individuals, making it essential for tailoring messages to an audience and collecting relevant data for supporting arguments.
Mind Mapping: Mind mapping is a visual technique used to organize information, ideas, or concepts in a hierarchical manner, showcasing relationships and connections between different elements. This method helps in brainstorming, structuring thoughts, and breaking down complex information into manageable parts, making it particularly useful when selecting and narrowing down topics or gathering supporting materials for presentations.
Outlining: Outlining is the process of organizing thoughts and ideas into a structured format that serves as a roadmap for a speech or presentation. This technique helps speakers to logically arrange their content, ensuring clarity and flow, while also facilitating the integration of supporting materials and managing anxiety during delivery. By creating an outline, speakers can effectively build confidence and maintain focus throughout their presentation.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work, ideas, or expressions without proper acknowledgment, presenting them as one's own. This unethical practice can occur in various forms, such as copying text, paraphrasing without credit, or failing to cite sources. Understanding plagiarism is crucial when conducting research and gathering supporting materials, as it helps ensure the integrity and credibility of one's work.
Reliability: Reliability refers to the consistency and trustworthiness of information and sources used in research. It is essential for ensuring that the evidence presented in support of arguments or claims is valid and dependable, thereby enhancing the overall credibility of a speaker’s message. A reliable source produces consistent results and can be trusted to provide accurate information over time.
Slides: Slides are visual aids used in presentations that typically consist of a series of images, text, and graphics displayed on a screen to support the speaker's message. They enhance communication by making information more accessible and engaging, allowing the audience to better retain the content. Effective use of slides involves clarity, simplicity, and relevance, ensuring they complement rather than distract from the spoken message.
Statistics: Statistics is the science of collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data in a meaningful way. It helps in making informed decisions by providing numerical evidence that can support claims or arguments, which is crucial when gathering supporting materials, structuring speeches, or employing persuasive strategies.
Surveys: Surveys are structured methods used to gather information from individuals or groups, often utilizing questionnaires to understand opinions, preferences, or behaviors. They play a crucial role in tailoring messages based on audience analysis, gathering relevant data for research, adapting persuasive techniques across cultures, and ensuring language and style are suited to the audience's needs.
Testimonials: Testimonials are personal accounts or endorsements given by individuals that support a speaker's argument, idea, or product. These accounts can lend credibility and enhance the persuasive power of a speech, making them important for supporting materials. They not only serve to validate claims but also help create emotional connections with the audience, making the speaker's message more relatable and impactful.