Library Sources:
Tips & Tools:
Visual aids serve important functions in a speech: they generate attention, sustain audience interest, and clarify verbal content. Use the following resources to locate photographs, charts, graphs, tables, maps, etc. for your speeches. When creating visual aids, keep these tips in mind:
Use computer software (e.g. Microsoft Excel) to create charts and graphs.
Import images or photographs into Microsoft Word to print them for a poster or transparency.
Import photographs, charts, etc. into Microsoft PowerPoint to create a professional presentation.
Take advantage of library equipment such as computers, scanners, and a color printer for transparencies and other documents.
Remember to add a title and a citation for the final touches on a professional visual aid.
Visual Aid Type Tools Photographs
Tip: Many state historical societies and archives have digital photograph collections. For assistance, consult with a reference librarian.
- EbscoHost MegaFile>Images
- CQ Researcher
- American Memory Project>Prints & Photographs
- Google Image Search
- USASearch.gov
- Minnesota Reflections
- Print sources--locate a book or article related to your topic to see if there are images you could scan to create your own visual aid
Maps
- EbscoHost MegaFile>Images (select maps)
- WorldAtlas
- American Memory Project>Maps
- NationMaster
- StateMaster
- Print sources--locate a book or article related to your topic to see if there is a map to scan
Charts, Graphs, & Tables
Tip: The library has access to many resources from which statistical data can be gleaned. A reference librarian will be able to identify additional resources that will be relevant to particular topics.
- CQ Researcher
- World Atlas
- CIA World FActbook
- USAGov: Data & Statistics
- Statistical Abstract of the United States
- U.S. Census Bureau American FactFinder
- Print Sources--locate a book or article related to your topic and scan accompanying charts, graphs, and tables
Videos
- YouTube
- Check the library's collections by searching for your topic and limiting to "video recordings" in the Format drop-down menu.