Research Guides: Public Speaking CMST& 220 : Evidence

Support for your speech

Types of supporting materials:

ANALOGIES a comparison based on similarities between a familiar and an unfamiliar instance

DEFINITIONS a statement of the meaning of a word.

EXAMPLES are samples or instances that support your claim

FACTS an event or truth that is known to exist or has been observed. The strongest form of evidence.

NARRATIVES are anecdotes (brief stories) used to support your points

"QUOTATIONS" using the exact words of a source (person, book, article, web site) with appropriate citation.

STATISTICS a collection of numerical facts. Supports accuracy of statements.

TESTIMONY quoting or restating another persons opinion, often an expert in the field.

Academic Search Complete This link opens in a new window
Using Advanced Search, search within the Publication Vital Speeches of the Day for quotations
Search Options can refine your results.
Document Type you might choose: Case Study, Editorial, Interview, Report, or Speech to find facts, testimony or quotations.
Image Quick View Types offers: Diagram, Graph, or Chart to find facts or statistics.
Image Quick View will limit your results to articles which include any kind of graphic.
ProQuest This link opens in a new window
Search Options can refine your results
Document Type you might choose: Case Study, Editorial, Interview, Speech/Lecture, or Statistics/Data Report to find examples.

Statistical Abstract of the United States This link opens in a new window
Get current and historical statistics, compiled from government sources. Historical statistics date back to colonial times. Log in using your MYSVC login and password. Employees log in with network login and password.

Google Advanced Search
Choose site or domain: .gov to search for statistics. Search for organizations or associations using site or domain: .org.

Login with your MYSVC/Canvas user name and password.

LIBRARY ONLINE RESOURCES

CREDO Reference: Over 650 specialized reference books. Online access.

Some examples of the kinds of resources you'll find there:

PRINT SOURCES IN THE LIBRARY

Quotation books are found in Reference 808.88
Dictionaries are found in 420s.
Find Specialized Print Dictionaries with the library catalog using your topic with the word encyclopedia or dictionary as a WORD search.

Facts on File: Issues and Controversies This link opens in a new window
In-depth investigations of today's top issues, featuring pro/con arguments. Primary source documents show up in search results if available. Log in with full SVC email address and password.
Films on Demand This link opens in a new window
Find documentaries on a topic or search for a clip on a topic. Log in with full SVC email address and password.