Research Guidelines
Research guidelines are an effective way to make topic
research a “positive and productive experience” (Coopman). There are several
steps that will aid in researching your topic. I will be discussing each one in
simple yet detailed terms.
11)
START EARLY- First you need to mark down (or
commit to memory) the due date of your speech materials and presentation. Once
you have done that you will work backward, allowing yourself enough time to
identify your supporting materials, organize and outline your ideas, integrate
effective language, develop relevant presentation materials, and practice.
22)
SCHEDULE RESEARCH TIME- Give your self a block
of time to do research every day.
33)
ASK QUESTIONS- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Use your teacher or library as helpful resources.
44)
KEEP ACCURATE RECORDS- Make sure to record
accurate citations for sources.
55)
TAKE NOTES ON EACH SOURCE- Write down ideas that
seem most relevant to your topic.
66)
REVISE AS NEEDED- Review your work to make sure
you didn’t go off topic. You may need to revise the body of your speech or your
thesis/ purpose.
77)
KNOW WHEN TO MOVE ON- Don’t spend too much time on
research because you may neglect other important steps in the speechmaking
process. It’s also important not to spend too little time on research because
your speech will lack substance. Once you’ve gathered enough research and you
feel confident speaking, MOVE ON!
88)
KNOW WHEN TO GO BACK- Revisit your work and make
sure there are no gaps in your research or unanswered questions. If there are,
do the necessary research to correct these issues.
These steps are very helpful in the researching process.
Although many of them are common sense or are pretty routine, often times we
forget simple steps, which can have a serious impact on our presentation. If we follow these simple steps our
chance for success will be much greater, our confidence will be higher, and at
the very LEAST, our speeches should be well thought and superbly organized.
These are great tools to use, and I couldnt agree more to plan early and schedule time to do the research without being interrupted. I think the tip that stands out the most to me, is knowing when to move on. I get caught up all the time searching over a lengthy page searching for my one keyword I used, and I shouldnt waste my time. I know better. It has been quite a long time since I have done a research project, so I am already starting on my research, trying to get quality information. What are you doing your research project on? Have you used or have experience with your topic?
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of good tips in this chapter! Definitely plan ahead of time, gather a good amount of sources, and start sorting out which ones you find to be the most reliable. I've always had a tough time when it came down to the wire of creditable information. However, I've gotten better at it over the year. Another important aspect is to choose a topic you'll be interested in. Sometimes people end up trying to be fancy, and they choose subjects that aren't interesting to them. So they end up getting into data that doesn't make a lot of sense. This creates a problem because they aren't able to discern what is fact and crap. You’re greatest asset is the reliable data you gather, so it’s best to make sure you understand your own topic and points you’re making.
ReplyDeleteThese all seem like important points, however 4 and 5 particularly stands out to me. I've often read things and forgetting to write them down, or forgotten to put the source. I end up wasting so much time going back and finding where I read that piece of information, what the full idea was, and what is the source. It wastes so much time and is very tedious. Plus, there is the possibility that if you can't find the source then you will not be allowed to use that information. That could really mess up the credibility of your speech.
ReplyDelete