Page 222 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

Chapter 7 Researching Your Message 189

• Ask the interviewee if he or she can suggest other sources of information—
books, pamphlets, periodicals, or other experts. Often an expert will know
of sources we never would have thought of ourselves. Sometimes the inter-
viewee may even loan some relevant journals or other publications.
• Use the listening skills discussed in Chapter 5, especially being mindful,
blocking out distracting stimuli, suspending judgment, using multiple chan-
nels, and taking effective notes.
• Either record (with permission) or take complete notes during the inter-
view. Ask follow-up questions to make sure to get the essential points on
paper. Quotations from the interview used in a speech must be accurate.
• When time is about up, ask the interviewee if there is anything he or she
can add to what has been said. Perhaps there is some area that has been
completely overlooked.
• Thank the interviewee again for his or her time and exit graciously.

After the Interview
• A follow-up thank-you letter is common courtesy.
• Transcribe the recording or notes while the interview is fresh in your mind.
Notes that may have been clear at the moment will quickly fade from
memory unless we fl esh them out soon after the interview.
• Follow up on leads or other interviews suggested by the interviewee.
Interviews provide a rich source of information and add credibility to our speak-
ing. The fact that a speaker takes the time to speak directly to an expert shows
concern for the audience. Further, the audience’s perception of a speaker’s ex-
pertise is enhanced by virtue of the interview. Be sure to let the audience know
why the interviewee is a credible source on the topic.

Using Your Research

Preparing References or Works Cited

Before beginning in-depth reading on a topic, we prepare a preliminary list of
the sources we have found. For example, 20 sources on global warming might
look like they will be relevant. Using either a computer word processor or small
note cards (4 by 6 inches is a good size), list the following information about
each source.
For all sources: author(s), preferably by full name, if an author is listed; also
include the author’s qualifi cations on the subject matter
For books: exact title and the following facts of publication: location,
publisher, and date
For periodicals: article title, periodical title, volume number, date, and pages
For government documents: the agency issuing the document as well as the
document’s full title, date, and publication information
For electronic resources: author, title, and publication information, as well
as the e-mail address, Web site, or path by which the material was located