Need Help?
Suggested Websites
The following websites may be useful to you in your research. These links are external sites. As such, content may change frequently and they may contain ads. Per policy, the Library does not review links suggested via email.
- FlackCheckLearn how to recognize flaws in arguments, specifically political arguments.
- Public Speaking ResourcesIncludes a section on Speech Topics.
- ToastmastersThere are four Gainesville clubs, including one that meets at the Santa Fe College Blount Center.
- American Rhetoric Online Speech BankSee also their YouTube channel.
- Castro Speech Data BaseTranslated speeches and interviews by Fidel Castro from 1959-1996.
- Figures of SpeechFamous speeches read by actors.
- It Was Said PodcastPodcast that analyzes famous speeches throughout history.
- Pope Francis: SpeechesChoose the Speeches link on the left. See also the speeches of Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
View the Popular Speech Topics page to see in-depth introductions to finding books, reference books, and websites about popular topics.
- AllSidesCovering both sides of issues, with bias made clear.
- Congressional Research Service ReportsIn-depth reports about current issues in the United States, aimed to help legislators understand the issue.
- Counterbalance Interactive LibraryViews on issues from science, ethics, philosophy, and religion.
- National Conference of State Legislature: ResearchFind out about key issues and how they relate to states.
- Pew Research CenterPublic opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research for issues across America.
- FactCheck.orgNonpartisan site that aims to monitor the factual accuracy of major political players.
- The Fact Checker [Washington Post]Evaluates statements from political figures and government officials.
- GovTrack.usInformation about members of Congress, bills, and voting records.
- LegiStormDisseminating public information about Congress.
- OpenSecretsResearches funding for political candidates, lobbying, and earmarks.
- PolitiFactRates statements, promises, and claims by political figures; also includes a Florida edition.
- Project VoteSmartFind public statements, issue positions, voting records and more for political candidates.
View the Statistical Sources guide to find resources for statistics in a variety of areas.
Critically Evaluating Websites
The wide variety of information you can find on the Internet is a double-edged sword. There is more information available at your fingertips than every before, but much of it has not been reviewed or vetted. Many sites may have biased opinions, incorrect information, or malicious intent.
When locating websites, always be sure to critically examine your results. By having neutral and authoritative sources, your argument and speech will be stronger. Use these questions to guide your evaluation.
Who?
- Who is the author of this page?
- Are the author's qualifications clearly stated?
- Is the author separate from the "webmaster"?
- Can the author be contacted for clarification?
What?
- What is the purpose of this site?
- What topics are covered?
- What goals/objectives does this resource meet?
- What opinions are expressed?
- What is the context in which the information is provided?
When?
- When was this site created?
- When was it last updated?
Where?
- Where did the writers obtain their information? Are citations included?
- What institution published this? Are they reputable?
- Where can I verify this information?
Why?
- Why is this information useful?
- Why is this page better than other pages on this topic?