Anyone can make a speech. A good speech, however, should offer listeners something new, some information, insight, perspective, or idea that they didn’t have before. Such original thoughts are usually the product of both deep reflection and careful research.

In a speech, research is information that helps support the points that you make, strengthening your message and credibility. For many students, the prospect of researching for a speech or presentation might seem boring, overwhelming, or both—and it can be. But if you are working with a topic that intrigues you and you approach your research in a practical way, the research process can be better than you think.