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Unlocking the Internet's Potential for Speech Preparation

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Chapter 1: Understanding the Internet

The Internet offers a wealth of information that can significantly enhance your speech preparation, provided you use it wisely and ethically. Understanding its structure is the first step. It's essential to distinguish between the Internet and the World Wide Web (the Web):

  • The Internet is the vast global network connecting millions of computers, enabling them to share and access information.
  • The Web is a framework built on the Internet that allows us to navigate and utilize that information. When you access a browser like Google Chrome or Safari, you are exploring the Web.

The content available on the Web can be divided based on accessibility:

The visible Web consists of information that can be accessed through standard search engines like Google.

Section 1.1: Search Engines

When using a web browser, search engines are vital tools for finding information. These engines deploy what are known as spiders to scour the Web for content related to your chosen keywords. They return a list of relevant web pages, files, images, and more. While this section highlights some popular and effective search engines, numerous others exist.

It’s important to note that scholarly articles are often stored in databases, which are typically part of the invisible Web. Accessing these resources generally requires a library visit.

TIPS: Search Terms

  • Use specific keywords or phrases to refine your search.
  • Combine multiple terms with "and," "or," or "not" to narrow your focus.
  • Place the most important term first; for instance, enter the last name before the first when searching for a person (e.g., Walker, Alice).
  • Use quotation marks around phrases to search for exact matches.
  • Explore search options to filter results by date or full text.

What are the benefits of using the Internet? - This video discusses how leveraging the Internet can streamline your research and enhance your speech preparation.

Section 1.2: Commercial Websites

Commercial websites are run by for-profit businesses or organizations. They often serve promotional purposes and can include news outlets, television networks, and multimedia platforms like YouTube or Google Maps.

Advantages

  • Can provide information not found in print.
  • Often current (always check publication dates).
  • Viewed by audiences as credible sources regarding a business or organization.

Disadvantages

  • May exhibit bias reflecting the interests of the site owner or advertisers.
  • Information may require cross-verification with other sources.
  • Not all sources may be credited.

When to Use

  • To gather insights about a business.
  • To source materials from reputable news organizations.
  • To locate up-to-date cultural content or presentation aids.

Tips for Locating

  • Use search engines to pinpoint specific sites or to explore related topics.

Chapter 2: Nonprofit and Personal Websites

Nonprofit organization websites are dedicated to various issues and causes, such as UNICEF or the Magic Johnson Foundation, often ending in ".org."

Advantages

  • Offer background and current information on specific services or issues.
  • Generally considered reliable and may link to other trustworthy sources.
  • Use straightforward language.

Disadvantages

  • May have specific agendas that influence how information is presented.
  • Credentials of authors may not always be disclosed.
  • May include paid advertisements, affecting objectivity.

When to Use

  • To find in-depth details about a specific organization or issue.

Tips for Locating

  • Search using the name of the organization or the cause it advocates.

How to Start a Speech: The Best (and Worst) Speech Openers - This video provides insights into crafting effective speech openings that engage your audience.

Section 2.1: Understanding Blogs

Blogs are platforms for regular postings by individuals or groups, often resembling a journal format. They cover a wide range of topics and may invite reader comments. When authored by experts, blogs can offer credible insights, but they often reflect personal opinions.

Advantages

  • Provide up-to-date information.
  • Helpful for gauging public sentiment.
  • Can present unique perspectives.

Disadvantages

  • Often biased toward the author's viewpoint.
  • May require fact-checking against other sources.
  • Crediting of sources is not always consistent.

When to Use

  • To explore public opinions or recent developments on a topic.
  • To assess the relevance or controversy surrounding a subject.

Tips for Locating

  • Use specialized blog search engines like Google Blog Search or Technorati.

Section 2.2: Utilizing Personal Websites

Personal websites are created by individuals or groups focusing on personal interests. If authored by reputable sources, they can provide valuable insights or expert opinions, similar to blogs.

Advantages

  • Can serve as reliable support if the author is credible.
  • May present unique content.

Disadvantages

  • Can be authored by anyone, regardless of expertise (always verify credentials).
  • Information may need cross-verification.
  • Often promotional or biased toward the author's views.

When to Use

  • To obtain material that adds a personal touch to your topic.
  • To gather personal insights about the author(s).

If you're interested in further coaching, feel free to reach out to Martin Hahn — Bratislava Career Coach | Noomii