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COMM 1130 - Purcell

Introduction

Welcome to the DACC Library research guide for Communication 1130 with Professor Purcell. The tabs on the left side of the screen will take you to information on how to approach your assignment and a variety of resources available at the DACC library.

Research guides are tools created by librarians to help students find valid, reliable, and credible information for their college coursework or any information need. They are intended to give a broad overview of a subject or skill, and guide you to a DACC Librarian when you need additional help, or just some tips on how to get started.

You can start a chat with a Librarian directly from the library website, or text, email, call or come in to a DACC Library location. Or make an appointment with a librarian online or in-person. Use the links in the Ask Us! box at the bottom of this page.

What is an Informative Speech

An informative speech serves to inform your audience about a topic or idea. Just remember to find something that interests you or that you are passionate about. It is always more fun to research a topic you have a genuine interest in. 

Step 1: Choose a topic. Need help? Reference sources, such as CredoReference, Britannica Encyclopedia and Pro/Con databases like CQResearcher or Points of View Reference are accessible through the DACC Library and are a great place to start.

Or check out the Choose a Topic section on this guide. 

**Always check your professor's directions for your assignment**

Step 2: If you are looking for broad information on a topic to get you started, the library has a great resource called Gale eBooks.  You can type in keywords about your topic to discover "topic overviews."  These may give you more ideas about your topic and things you can consider including in your speech.

Another option is to try using the Opposing Viewpoints in Context database.  In here you will see a section for "Browse Issues" with a lightbulb icon.  In that section you can search through hundreds of topics already put together for you.  Inside each topic will be an introduction article as well as sections called Viewpoints and Featured Viewpoints.  These articles will contain both pro & con articles and can be used as sources.  You will also find academic journals, magazines, and newspaper articles in this database as well.

What is a Persuasive Speech

A persuasive speech seeks to sway, convince, or motivate your audience one way or another on your topic. The topic can be anything, but again, remember to choose something that interests you. 

**Always check your professor's directions for your assignment**

Step 1: Your first step will be to choose a topic.  Need help coming up with a topic? GuideStar is an online tool that can help you identify non-profits in the U.S. that work in your area of interest, for instance hunger, cancer research, or diabetes. You can also search by state, city, or zip code. 

Step 2: Once you have chosen a topic, a good place to find articles and to do strategic searching would be in library databases such as Gale eBooks or Opposing Viewpoints in Context. For instance, how to fight hunger and why it is important, new developments in cancer research, or why it is important to make the public aware of the increase in diabetes diagnoses.