Informing your Audience
Writing your Informative Speech
Your informative speech should rely on communal wisdom. For example, I might talk about racing in sailboats. I would talk about the various rules, what types of boats are involved, and what the parts of the boats are called.
I might look to professional and club organizations to find pictures to support my presentation.
- Summon This link opens in a new window
A research tool that searches all DelVal databases simultaneously. Contains books, ebooks, dvds, online videos, journals, magazines, newspapers, conference proceedings, and more.
Persuading your Audience
Looking at Both Sides
When writing a persuasive speech, it is important to understand both sides of an issue. The databases listed below help provide a more complete picture so you can effectively present your points and refute the other side.
- Pro/Con: The Leading Source for Pros & Cons of Controversial IssuesSource: ProCon
A series of websites including pro/con arguments and background information, including relevant data, court cases, etc. on nearly 40 current controversies.
Other Interesting Resources
- Book/DVD Catalog
Access the Library's many books, eBooks, audiobooks, and DVDS. - Brookings InstitutionSource: Brookings Institution
A nonpartisan private research institution that publishes analysis and commentary, research reports, and policy briefs on a broad range of topics. - Public AgendaSource: Public Agenda -- A non-profit, non-partisan organization that conducts opinion research in an effort to bridge the gap between the political debates of an issue and the public’s view.
Statistics
- International Statistical AgenciesSource: U. S. Census
Contacts for International Statistical Agencies around the world and links to their websites. - United Nations DataSource: UN
Website allowing the cross search of numerous databases, tables and glossaries containing over 60 million data points. - World Health Organization (WHO)Source: WHO
The World Health Organization's website provides access to data and analyses for monitoring the global health situation. - Pew Research CenterSource: Pew Research Center
Nonpartisan American think tank which provides information on social issues, public opinion, and demographic trends shaping the United States and the world.
Setting up RefWorks
RefWorks
RefWorks is a new way to collect, manage, and organize research. You can read, annotate, organize, and cite your research as well as collaborate by sharing collections.
From simple bibliographies to papers formatted with in-text citations or footnotes, RefWorks handles it all. To learn more about RefWorks, use our RefWorks research guide.
To create a RefWorks account:
- Go to the link below and click Create account
- Fill in your information, making sure to use your DelVal email address.
- Go to your inbox and click the email link to complete the activation process.
Already have an account? Just go to the link below and click "Log In"
- RefWorksCitation generation service covering hundreds of styles including Chicago Scientific (Author-Date), Journal of Animal Science, and Council of Scientific Editors (Name-Year).
Online Tutorials
- Getting Started with New RefWorksRefWorks screencasts are available 24/7 on ProQuest's YouTube Channel.
Getting Help
Meet with a Librarian
The Writing Center
The Writing Center is staffed by DelVal undergraduate peer tutors who help with writing assignments in all your courses. We view writing as a process that involves planning, reading, drafting, revising, and editing—writing with substance involves discovering your meaning through brainstorming, sharing, and getting lots of feedback.
Tutors help you gain a fresh perspective on the writing process, and can assist with any stage of the process: choosing a topic or working through writer's block, generating ideas, creating an outline, sharpening a thesis, arranging and organizing paragraphs, citing correctly and fluently, editing grammar and mechanics, and more.
Instructors receive a copy of the tutor report completed during the session, to illustrate your engagement with the writing process and meeting the demands of writing across disciplines.
Services are on a walk-in basis, so no appointment is necessary. Schedules are posted in the Writing Center, on Inside DelVal, and on professors' Blackboard course pages.
Tutors look forward to working with you!
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The Writing CenterWe offer in-person writing tutoring AND remote writing tutoring through Zoom. To receive in-person tutoring, simply stop by Miller Hall, room 103 during our open hours. You will be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis.