6.1: Introduction

Understanding Research in Public Speaking

Research is the process of gathering information to better understand a topic, solve a problem, or make an informed decision. It involves asking questions, seeking credible answers, evaluating what we find, and using that knowledge to guide our choices. Although many people hear the word “research” and think of academic papers or scientific studies, the truth is that we all conduct research every day often without realizing it. Whenever you compare prices before buying a new phone, read restaurant reviews, plan a vacation, look up how-to videos, or evaluate what classes to take next semester, you’re researching. You are gathering evidence, weighing options, and using information to make choices that matter to you.

How We Use Research in Everyday Life

• Comparing prices for textbooks, laptops, meal plans, streaming services, or apartment rentals.
• Reading reviews before buying products, choosing restaurants, or selecting online services.
• Planning travel, including comparing flights, checking hotel ratings, researching transportation, and finding things to do.
• Selecting classes by researching instructors, course difficulty, prerequisites, and scheduling options.
• Managing finances, such as searching for scholarships, comparing bank accounts, learning about budgeting, or reading about credit scores.
• Exploring career options by researching majors, internships, job requirements, salaries, and professional expectations.
• Solving everyday problems, like learning how to fix something, cook a meal, organize a schedule, or improve study habits.
• Checking facts when hearing rumors, social media claims, or information that seems questionable.
• Deciding on entertainment, such as researching movie trailers, game reviews, concert details, or event options..
• Learning new skills through YouTube tutorials, how-to guides, or step-by-step articles.
• Comparing viewpoints, such as researching multiple sides of a debate, social issue, or topic before forming an opinion.
• Supporting academic work, including researching articles, books, and evidence for assignments, speeches, and presentations.

Research In Public Speaking

In public speaking, research serves the same essential purpose: it strengthens your ideas, supports your arguments, and increases your credibility with an audience. Strong speakers do not rely on opinions alone they build their messages on accurate, relevant, and trustworthy information. Whether you are delivering an informative speech about mental health resources, a persuasive speech about financial literacy for college students, or a special-occasion speech that celebrates a person or event, research helps you speak with authority and confidence. It allows you to clarify complex ideas, anticipate audience questions, and present evidence that is grounded in facts rather than assumptions or guesses.

This chapter will guide you through the research process from start to finish. You will learn how to find quality sources, evaluate credibility, organize your information, and ethically use evidence in your speeches. By the end, you will see that research is not only a foundation of strong public speaking, but also a practical life skill, one you already use every day and can continue to improve as a communicator, student, and decision-maker.

Example \(\PageIndex{1}\)

Example 1: Research in Everyday Life, Planning a Trip

Jordan wants to take a weekend trip during spring break. To plan it well, Jordan starts researching without even thinking of it as “research.” They compare flight prices on different travel sites, check hotel reviews, look up public transportation options, and read articles about local attractions. Jordan also searches for budget-friendly restaurants and finds YouTube videos that show what the city looks like and what activities other travelers recommend. By gathering information, evaluating credibility (such as ignoring overly dramatic one-star reviews), and comparing choices, Jordan uses everyday research skills to make smart, informed decisions about their trip.

Example 2: Research in Public Speaking, Preparing a Speech

Aaliyah is preparing an informative speech on financial stress among college students. To build a credible speech, she begins by researching the topic. She reads articles from her campus library database, checks statistics from government and nonprofit websites, and finds credible studies that explain why financial stress affects academic performance. Aaliyah also looks for real examples and quotes that help humanize the issue. Once she gathers her research, she evaluates which sources are trustworthy, organizes her evidence into clear main points, and uses the information to support her speech. Just like with everyday research, she asks questions, compares sources, checks accuracy, and uses reliable information to make her message stronger.

Key Takeaways 

• Research is a normal part of everyday life, helping us make informed decisions about everything from travel and shopping to school and finances.
• In public speaking, strong research strengthens your credibility, supports your ideas, and helps you communicate clearly and ethically.
• Learning how to find, evaluate, and use reliable information is an essential skill that improves both your speeches and your daily decision-making.

Exercises 

• Everyday Research Log: Choose one recent everyday decision (buying something, planning an outing, selecting a class) and write a brief reflection on what information you gathered, where they found it, and how it influenced your decision.
• Speech Topic Research Mini-Search: Pick a possible speech topic and spend 10 minutes finding three credible sources, then write one to two sentences explaining why each source is trustworthy.
• Compare-and-Check Exercise: Use one credible source and one questionable online source on a similar topic, and identify at least two differences in credibility, clarity, or accuracy between the two.