Library Sources:
Tips & Tools:
Having strong, reliable sources of
information not only helps you relate your topic to your
audience, but also enhances your ethos as a speaker. For
these reasons, it is important to evaluate the quality of
your potential sources. Ask yourself the following questions
and visit
Critically Examining Information Sources (Cornell University) for
more information.
Who is the author of this source and what are his/her credentials (e.g. education, experience with the topic, organizational affiliations)?
As you investigate this question, look for a biographical sketch of the author (often included at the bottom of journal articles or in the beginning pages of a book). If you cannot find a biographical sketch, try searching the Internet for information about the author.
Is the information contained in the source objective, accurate, and credible?
As you examine this question, look to see if the author provides citations for the information he/she presents. READ the source to investigate if the author provides evidence to support his/her points. Be sure to also note if the author appears to have bias that would require further investigation into the topic in order to glean enough objective information to use in your speech.
How current is the information?
Currency influences the accuracy of a source because some information simply becomes outdated. Internet sites that provide a copyright date and/or a date of any revision assist in evaluating currency.