3) Pick one concept from the reading this week and discuss it in detail.
The book identifies the first step in developing a clear research plan is “determining what you already know about a topic”(Coopman). It recommends that the first step in the process should consist of making a list , or jotting down some aspects of your topic. Followed by writing out a few phrases about each. For example, if I were to be giving a speech on Mutual Funds, I would site such things like: Long term, investment, retirement, growth funds, small cap, mid cap, etc. Next, I would write out a few sentences about each one of the listed aspects. Next, I would identify how I learned about the topic. These steps should provide a solid foundation for one to begin the research step. As I discussed in my previous post, the research step is just as crucial in the quality of the final speech, as is, the development stage of the speech.
Great perspective. It is always a good idea to acknowledge what you already know about a subject as a sort of blue print for your research. I also like how the book, and you, mention to make note of 'where' you know this information from so that proper citation can be made and also to validate its credibility. This leads me to the next phase of preparation which is the Identification of multiple perspectives and sources(Coopman). I thought this was very informational as well. Credibility of each source needs to be examined thoroughly so one is aware of any biases in the material.
ReplyDeleteTaking inventory of what you already know about a subject is definitely something to consider. After all, you don't know what you need to research until you first evaluate what you don't know. A lot of time can be wasted researching things that really don't need to be researched, just talked about. For instance, what I am going to be doing my demonstration speech on is something that I could demo without researching. However, I don't know much about the precise history of it so that is what I will have to research. In doing so, I will probably come to have a greater appreciation for the subject as I will know the foundation of it.
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