Speech: Two Sides of an Issue Informative Speech

• Issues & Controversies 
  Each topic presents information in a balanced, pro/con format—an ideal resource for informative speeches.
  
  
• Opposing Viewpoints 
  Includes pro/con viewpoints, reference articles, interactive maps, and infographics.
   
• SIRS® Issues Researcher 
  Balanced content selections covering social, scientific, health, historic, economic, and political issues. 

• only enter your topic keywords into the search box
• use quotes to search as a phrase e.g. "climate crisis" 
• use the asterisk to extend a word e.g. child* = children, childhood
• limit search results to make them more relevant:
• by date
• by format -  books, journal articles, newspapers or other options
• by peer-reviewed or scholarly
• use the search operators AND, OR, NOT

It is useful to think of alternative keywords to search for. There are no right and wrong answers when doing this - it should help narrow the focus of your topic a way that is unique to you. If a topic is about how technology affects the relationships of young people we can think of related words and phrases to search for: 

Library databases are the best place to locate credible articles. It's important to have a good mix of sources for your speech, and not just rely on websites. By using credible sources, your argument as a speaker will be more powerful and persuasive.

Best bets to get started: 

• Academic Search Complete
• Associates Programs Source Plus
• MasterFile Premier
   

Data associated with public opinion can support persuasive arguments by demonstrating majority or minority opinions, or the shift of general beliefs over time.

PollingReport.com

Find results of recent polls, election polls, and surveys on hot topics in the news.
 

Pew Research Center

Find results of recent polls, organized by topic, including international opinions.
 

The Gallup Poll

Gallup Polls are often referenced in the mass media as a reliable and objective audience measurement public opinion.