LibGuides: Speech: Speech Web Resources

Evaluating Sources

Before you use a website -- or any source -- for an assignment, consider:

Purpose: Why was it created?
Authority: Who created this material? What are the author’s credentials?
Scope/Coverage: What does it include and leave out?
Accuracy: Is the information provided correct?
Currency: When was it created or last updated?
Objectivity: What is the author’s or sponsor’s point of view?

There are many variations on this technique -- here are links to a few of them.

The ABCD of Website Evaluation
When evaluating a web site, see if you can identify the authority, bias, currency and documentation of the site. You can also see this explained in a video. From Oklahoma City Community College.
CRAAP Test
The CRAAP Test looks at currency, relevancy, authority, accuracy, and the purpose of websites. It is a list of questions to help you evaluate information you find on the web. From CSU Chico.

Select Topics

Selecting a topic for your research paper or speech is one of the most difficult steps in the research process.

Define the issue and identify your main concepts and keywords.

Excelsior Online Writing Lab: Finding Topics

Strategies for finding and narrowing your topic.

Having difficulty focusing on a topic or subject - ask your Instructor or your friendly off campus Librarian for assistance for ideas about how to choose and refine your topics.

Newspapers

Dallas Morning News (main campus) with online access
New York Times (microfilm)
New York Times Book Review (microfilm)
New York Times Magazine (microfilm)
The Paris News (microfilm) and print
Wall Street Journal - print and online access

Database - Newspaper Source plus - under Ebsco/Academic Search complete - select Choose databases - select Newspaper Source plus

Database - Gale Group - Opposing Viewpoints

Speech: Speech Web Resources

Evaluating Sources

Select Topics

Newspapers

Public speaking tips