Public Speaking

Can't think of a topic to research?  Ask yourself:

• Do you have a strong opinion on a current social or political controversy?

• Did you read or see a news story recently that has interested you?

• Do you have a personal issue, problem or interest that you would like to know more about?

• Is there an aspect of one of your classes that you would like to learn more about?

Other Ideas:

• Look at current news articles for ideas in Google News
• Use one of the visual brainstorming tools from the library
  • Credo's Mind Map will help you to see relationships between ideas
  • Academic OneFile's Topic Finder Tool will show you how others are writing about a topic and connect you to articles
• Check out the Opposing Viewpoints in Context list of topics
• Discuss topics with your professor, a librarian or a friend.

Tip:  Choose a topic that interests you and holds your attention.  If you do so, the research will be much more enjoyable!

• Homesteading
• Driverless Vehicles
• Student Loan Forgiveness
• Conceal Carry Gun Laws in Kansas
• Gasoline Tax Policy and Alternative Energies
• Organic Foods vs. Genetically Modified Foods
• Transgender Identification under Federal or State Law
• Marijuana Legalization in Kansas
• Herbal Medicine vs. Traditional Medicine
• Health Insurance Practices in the United States
• Private Prisons
• Mandatory Military/Civil Service in the United States
• US Fiat Currency vs. The Gold Standard
• Online Privacy
• Use of Sugar, Salt, or Fat in Processed Foods
• Freedom of Speech (US 1st Amendment) Exceptions
• Social Security 20 year from now
• US Terrorism Policy and Protections from Unreasonable Search and Seizure or the Right to Counsel/Trial (US 4th and 5th Amendments)
• The US Electoral College vs the US Popular Vote
• The Ability of Localities to Enact Gun Restrictions (US 2nd Amendment)
• Home Schooling vs. Traditional Public Schooling
• Permaculture
• Negative Income Tax
• US Drug Law and Minimum Sentencing Guidelines
• Pharmaceutical Advertising and Consumer Protection
• Lucid Dreaming
• US Trademark Law vs. Freedom of Expression on Social Media
• End User Licensing Agreements for Social Media and Online Programs
• National Security Agency: Right to Privacy vs. Safety
• Right to Legal Counsel: Who Pays for Those that Can’t Afford It? (US 5th and 6th Amendments)
• Do “Enhanced Interrogation Techniques” Such as Waterboarding Constitute Cruel and Unusual Punishment (US 8th Amendment)
• Effects of Negative Advertising on Political Campaigns
• Does Your Vote Really Matter? The Economics of Voting in the United States
• Blockchain Technology
• Polyphasic Sleep
• Vegan vs. Paleo Diet