Class Research Guides

SPEECH RESOURCES
Got a presentation due? Library staff are available to assist you from the start to the finish, from selecting your topic to polishing the footnotes. We recommend you use this page to launch your research.

Choose your topic:
Browse LTCC Magazines such as:

• Vital Speeches of the Day

What other magazines does LTCC Library subscribe to? Check out our periodical titles, such as these, which are available online:

• Executive Speeches
• Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research : JSLHR
• Language and Speech
• Essential Speeches (primary source)

Pinpoint keywords and synonyms on your topic.

Search for books:
Use keyword or subject search options in the LTCC Library Catalog to learn what Library of Congress call numbers are assigned to            
your topic.

The LTCC Library Director highly recommends these resources on public speaking:

The New TalkPower: the Mind-Body Way to Speak without Fear by Natalie Rogers.

Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln by James C. Humes.

Um—Slips, Stumbles, and Verbal Blunders, and What They Mean by Michael Erard.
                      
DVD—Greatest Speeches of all-time Vol. II (Faculty Media)

Scan academic periodicals and web sites:
Access the most current data via online databases such as:

Academic Search Elite - offers full text for nearly 2,000 scholarly journals.
MasterFILE Premier--provides full text articles and general reference publications dating as far back as 1975.
Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center - gives both sides of the argument, pro and con, on hot topics  using multimedia, statistics, and news and primary sources.

Also consider these recommended web sites:

American RadioWorks: A Century of Great African American Speeches
American Rhetoric: Top 100 Speeches
The History Place
Procon.org—gives an overview, core question and pros and cons on a wide variety of controversial issues.
Learn2 Write a Speech –help on thorough preparation of a speech to minimize public-speaking panic.
FactCheck.org – A nonpartisan fact checking organization that critiques political speeches, ads and issues.
Big Dog's Leadership Page: Presentation Skills   -- covers a range of presentation skills needed to be an effective communicator.
 

Review, refine & critique:
Do you have a focused thesis? Does your main point get delivered at the beginning and again in the conclusion? Is the topic too broad? Refine and edit to ensure clarity.

Prepare your Bibliography:
Use consistent citation formatting such as APA or MLA styles. For more information, see Style Guides for specific examples.

Got questions?

Your library is here to help you. (530) 541-4660 ext. 232