I didn’t
grow up with television. In fact, I was
at varsity already before they became available. The first four-function Remington calculators
came out in 1974 –when I was in matric. At R74, that was a great deal of money
at the time. What I am trying to tell
you is that I really am a bit of a digital dinosaur.
Because of
my handicap, I used to ask my sons to assist me whenever it came to matters
technical or scientific. They would help; but with mounting bad grace. Until the day Gareth, my elder son, responded
to yet another question of mine with: “Google only knows, mom!”
That was a
defining moment for me – and the point of my speech: I’d like to give you some ideas on how to do
the research for your next speech.
Why do research?
- It enhances your credibility. You sound more informed on the topic and your audience is more likely to trust you.
- It provides useful information for you to share on your given topic.
- It speaks to those people in your audience who are facts oriented; who need information to remain involved
Research begins with a topic.
Obviously,
the objectives that have been outlined for your speech, will have guided you to
explore in a certain direction. The usual rules of speaking on a subject that
interests you, will apply, but you might want to fine-tune your knowledge on
the subject or to explore in a different direction.
Arthur Conan
Doyle (as Sherlock Holmes) It is a capital mistake to theorize before one
has data.
A way to
determine where you want to go with your topic is to brainstorm it.
If you want
to tell your audience about reflexology,
explore a range of sub-categories in this field, for example: its history;
the principles on which it is based and how it compares with more “acceptable”
forms of therapy like physiotherapy.
There are a
number of options for you to explore:
- You could interview a registered reflexologist
- Check your library for books or other resources on the subject
- Obtain a wall chart indicating visually how the feet and hands are linked to specific parts or organs of the body
- Do a YouTube search for videos on reflexology in action.
- Use a search engine like Google, each time defining your search to encompass a different aspect of your subject matter
Your librarian is a veritable mine of
information. Many of them have research degrees and would welcome being able to
assist you in finding what you need.
Some points about interviews
- You can’t just arrive at someone’s doorstep and expect them to be happy to grant you an interview. Make an appointment. Tell the person exactly what it is that you will be asking and why. Also, how long you expect the interview to take.
- Come prepared for the interview. Don’t expect the person to ‘entertain’ you.
- Specific, open-ended questions mean you won’t waste anyone’s time.
- Interviews mean you find out information first hand – and you get to meet new people.
. Most of us
want to use the Internet as our only
source because it is so easily accessible. It should rather be one of your sources. Also, please note
the following:
- Do you know who has published the site? Can the material be trusted?
- The accuracy of an article can usually be determined by the cross-references that they provide.
- If you want to refine your search because you can’t find the material you are looking for, make use of the advanced search function of your search engine
- Watch out for sites like Wikipedia. Don’t avoid them. They make excellent initial research tools. However, once you are looking for more specialised information, refine your search.
- Make note of the sources where you obtained your information and remember to acknowledge any quotes, statistics or other information that you include directly in your speech.
Statistics – Most people feel the need to use statistics
to lend credence to their speech. This may well be so, but do make sure that
you have checked out the reliability of your source.
Don't
be a novelist --- be a statistician. Much more scope for the imagination
--- Darrell Huff (How to Lie with
Statistics)
Once you
have gathered all your information, you will find that you have far more than
you need. Now it is important that you
sift and sort the information, until you have organised it into a logical
order.
Begin with a
catchy introduction. Here you could use
a quotation or statistics to grab the attention of your audience.
Then the
body of your speech: three or four points only; each one well-substantiated by
means of your research examples.
Finally,
your conclusion. Leave your audience
with something to think about. Make them want more.
So, no
matter how well you already speak, doing the spade work in terms of your
research can only improve the content of your speech. You might find yourself amazing the
computer generation with your own research skills - and the fact that Google isn't the only one who knows!
Until next time
Ricky Woods
