BUILDING A BETTER SPEECH Argumentative Resources, Statistics and Surveys Frederic Murray, M.L.I.S.

Argumentative Information Identify your topic State the position you will support Highlight points of your discussion Use information to support your position Pro/Con Materials Opinion Polls Statistics

Argumentative Information Topic Advertising in U.S. Position Bad for Children Points Obesity, Ethics, Ed. Pro/Con Books, databases Opinion Polls Books,databases,web Statistics Books, web

What kind of Information Sources should I use for my speech? Use both Electronic AND Paper Sources For current events, use materials published in the last 3-5 years Know BOTH sides of the story Use information literacy skills to select the most authoritative information

Helpful Keywords to Use Issue Controversy Statistic Ethical Rights Debate Attitude Trend Condition Examples: rights and abortion death penalty and controversy household spending and trends

Print Pro/Con Resources Book Series Contemporary Issues Opposing Viewpoints Reference Shelf Taking Sides

Electronic Pro/Con Resources CQ Researcher contains information on current and controversial issues concentric to the U.S. Government Issues and Controversies provides up-to-date, in-depth and objective information on the most prominent and hotly debated issues of the day. It combines objective analysis with clear explanations of opposing points of view. TOPICsearch (EBSCOhost) contains articles from more than 2,700 sources, including international and regional newspapers, magazines, biographies, public opinion polls, book reviews, pamphlets, and government information.

Exercise Issues & Controversies Sidebars Related Articles Key News Events Overviews Animal Testing College Grade Inflation Domestic Surveillance Ecstasy Reconstruction of Iraq Stem Cell Research

Which sounds better? Americans believe the war in Iraq was not justified. Of Americans polled, 56% believe the war in Iraq was not justified. A COLLECTIVE OPINION IS STRONGER THAN A SINGLE OPINION

Opinion Resources Editorials on File Ref Ed48 Gallup Poll Ref G13g an organization studying human nature and behavior for more than 70 years through public surveys collects attitudes and opinions of individuals and key groups within the American population concerning national and international issues and events

Opinion or Fact? Whales are mammals. Whales are superior to dolphins. Stephen King is talented. Stephen King is a prolific writer. Abraham Lincoln was the best president the United States has ever had. John Adams was the second president of the United States.

Opinions vs. Facts (Statistics) Opinion-Strengths A consensus of opinions are much stronger than a single opinion Reflects the culture and society that experience these issues and events (primary resource) Opinion-Weaknesses Less concrete A view formed by someone’s belief which can be biased Not necessarily the truth Opinions can differ widely Facts-Strengths Very concrete Based in scientific/research methodology Data supports arguments Statistics helps determine the accuracy of information in the evaluation process Facts-Weaknesses Data can be manipulated Unless data collection is a regular practice, data can become outdated and irrelevant

Which sounds better? A lot of students drop out of school each year. 40% of U.S. high school students drop out of school each year. NUMBERS CARRY WEIGHT, PEOPLE ARE INFLUENCED BY STATISTICS

Statistical Resources Reference Collection (Behind Ref Desk) American Attitudes Americans at Play Education Statistics of the United States Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics Statistical Handbook on the American Family World Almanac

Statistical Resources Government Information Provides statistical information directly from the U.S. Government and the agencies who collect the data. Google Unclesam (Gov’t Search Engine)

Online Surveys & Reports Pew Research Center (Main Site) Pew Global Attitudes Project Pew Internet & American Life Project Pew Hispanic Center Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life

Ready to Argue

Thank You Frederic Murray, M.L.I.S. Reference Librarian