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Communicating Effectively: Choosing a Topic

This Research Guide is for students taking the course "Communicating Effectively."

Subject Guide

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Robyn Reid
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Librarian for: Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Communication Studies, Education, Geography, History, Military Science, Political Science
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Generating Ideas

Choosing a Topic

When choosing a topic, choose something that interests you. Here are some questions to consider when picking a topic:

  • What are you passionate about?
  • What organizations have you been involved in?
  • What kinds of issues have affected you or people you care about?
  • What issues interest you that have been in the news lately?
  • What issues do you think your audience needs to understand or value more?

Then generate ideas. Spend some time brainstorming. Which topics are worthy of your time and your audience's time? Why is your topic significant?

Opposing Viewpints, CQ Researcher, and U.S. Major Dailies are all great resources to use to find topic ideas.

Topic Generator

Browse these Databases for Topic Ideas

Opposing Viewpoints Logo

Opposing Viewpoints

A collection of full text articles about current issues and events. Each topic is presented with points of view (pros and cons) from each side of the issue.

CQ Researcher Logo

CQ Researcher

In-depth analysis about current and controversial issues, including viewpoints from different sides of each issue.

U.S. Major Dailies Logo

U.S. Major Dailies

Provides access to The New York Times and Washington Post,  Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. The content is available by 8am each day. Images are not included. Coverage dates: 1985 - present