During step 2: Investigate, you begin looking for sources for your speech. Although many resources are easily available, not all of them will help you prepare a good speech. After all, Googling your topic is likely to result in thousands of hits. Taking the time to plan a proper search can help you develop a factual speech.

Once you have crafted your specific purpose statement, you may be tempted to start researching your speech. But this could generate more information than you can possibly sift through, and you may not be sure of exactly what to look for. To manage your time effectively and focus on finding relevant information, plan a strategy for conducting your research. A successful research strategy includes (1) identifying your information needs, (2) drawing on your personal knowledge, (3) talking with librarians, and (4) determining how to document and file your research findings.