Researching in Public Speaking and Rhetoric

This guide is intended to point you to books, periodicals, subscription databases, and websites that will help you to define and complete your research projects in public speaking and rhetorical studies.

If you have any questions regarding the resources or need further help in finding information for your speech assignments, please contact the library reference desk at 503-725-5874 or e-mail or visit us!

Tips on Researching Your Speech: 

Articles are helpful for researching speeches, but keep in mind most articles (particularly academic articles) are not designed to give an overview of a topic. Most articles examine a particular aspect of a topic or issue, such as the effect reduced manufacturing in Asia and its impact on global warming, versus the topic of global warming in general.

When beginning research on your topic or composing an informative speech, encyclopedias and specialized dictionaries (in print and online), are the best resources. 

Articles are excellent for discovering different viewponts, helpful when researching for a persuasive speech. Newspaper articles are particularly helpful for current event topics, particularly if looking for an opinion or opposing (or "pro and con") viewpoints.

Ready to begin?  Select one of the research options listed to the left of this page.