Research Starting Guide:
Research/Hot Topics, Current Events & Speech Tips/Topics
The Research Process: How to do it! | Plagiarism: What is It? | Works Cited Tips | Sample Papers
Powerpoint | Speeches How-to's | Speeches on the Web
Databases
TIP: Don't forget the subject specific databases... start with the general databases and then click on one of the subject displayed down the right side of this page.
TIP: Start out by using the databases in the order they are listed below, especially for Speech. The most useful databases, which include articles, great attention-getters and some images are listed first in this list.
- Opposing Viewpoints
- Great list of suggested topics. Includes e-books, pros and cons, and some images. REFERENCE section is good for informative speeches. The VIEWPOINTS tab is very good for persuasive speeches. STATISTICS tab includes charts and graphs.
- SIRS Researcher
- Great database for attention getter and motivater for Speech.
Includes a list of suggested topics, pros and cons, and country reports. Make sure to click on KEYWORD SEARCH. Includes lots of good images, charts and graphs. Summaries includes good information for Speech attention/motivators.
- Great database for attention getter and motivater for Speech.
- Student Research Center
- Great database for Speech and English research papers. Includes articles, pictures, biographies, country reports, news, transcripts, and e-books! Good source of basic statistics.
- CQ Researcher
- Includes a list of suggested "hot topics", images, in-depth, historical and current. Great charts and graphs for speeches.
One of the best sources for speeches about topics in the news!
- Includes a list of suggested "hot topics", images, in-depth, historical and current. Great charts and graphs for speeches.
- eLibrary Curriculum
- One of the best sources for pictures, biographies, npr, news and tv transcripts, and e-books.
- Academic Search Complete
- Articles from over 4,000 newspapers and magazines.
TIP: click the PULL DOWN MENU to add: Newspaper Source, Business Source, CINAHL, Regional Business News, and more - allowing you to search multiple databases simultaneously!
- Articles from over 4,000 newspapers and magazines.
- Omni/WilsonWeb
- Includes science, art gallery images, and biographies. Biography Reference Bank includes pictures with most biographies. Includes links to articles for additional information.
Newspapers
- InfoTrac Newspapers (articles from over 150 different newspapers)
- Newspaper Source
- Dallas Morning News
- New York Times/Wall Street Journal (including the Historical New York Times)
Specialized Databases
- American History Online
- More than history - includes information on anything dealing with American life and culture
- LexisNexis Academic
- Great source for news, business, people.
- Texas Reference Center
- Texas and Dallas history, landmarks, and famous people.
- Facts. com (includes science, history, biographies, country reports)
- Current Issues (part of WilsonWeb)
- Pro & Con Online
- Issues & Controversies
TIP: You may want to click on any of the topics displayed on the right side of the screen for more detailed information. For example, click on MEDICINE for medical information.
Check the Periodicals Guide to insure that the Library subscribes to the print journal you need. Request journals at the Circulation Counter.
-- END OF DATABASES --
Timer
- StopWatch (times your speech - includes a PAUSE button, a CLEAR button).
Video Tutorials
- Looking for Database Articles
- Creating an MLA Work Cited
- Creating a Powerpoint Presentation for Your Speech Class
Speech & Presentation Tips
- Examples of Persuasive Speeches
- Checklist for Persuasive Speech
- Persuasive Speech Outline
- How to Overcome Fear from Public Speaking
- 10 Tips for Better Speeches
- Effective Presentations
- Presentation Skills
- Presenter's University
- Presentation Tips
- Tips on giving speeches and presentation. Includes opening lines, powerpoint ideas, and tips for speeches for various events.
Research & Speech Ideas
- Idea Generator
- Doesn't provide links to information BUT does give you hundreds of topic ideas. Click on each subject area (arts, education, technology, sciences, psychology, social sciences, sports, health) for a list of topics.
Speeches on the Web
- Listen to Speeches on the Web
- Presidential Speeches
- Inaugural speeches for every United States President.
- Gifts of Speech: Influential Women
- History Place: Great Speeches
- Susan B Anthony, George Bush, Churchill, Kennedy, Nixon, Woodrow Wilson...
- Online Speech Bank
- 5,000 speeches, sermons, lectures, debates, interviews, media events, legal proceedings...
The best guide to resources is a librarian who can help you in using the catalog, databases and the Web. A librarian can also assist you in selecting materials appropriate for your needs. Please ask at any service desk for information or assistance!
The El Centro College Library does not guarantee the currency or accuracy of these websites. Links to these sites do not represent an endorsement of the site or of information contained within the site.
Reference/Information Desk: 214-860-2174 Circulation:
214-860-2175
Comments or suggestions are welcome.
©2006 El Centro College Library
Dallas, TX
Last Updated:
November 17, 2008