Speak with Substance: a Guide to Finding and Using Information Effectively
- Lesson introduction
- 1. Background information
- 2. Data and statistics
- 3. Lived experiences
- 4. Analysis
- Lesson review: Types of information
- Evaluate information
- Citing information in a speech
- Reference list or Works cited
Statista -- a new library database!
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Statista This link opens in a new windowStatista is an all-in-one statistics and data platform perfect for PCC students across all disciplines. It offers access to over a million charts, graphs, and infographics covering topics in business, health, technology, social sciences, and more. Students can easily download visuals for use in presentations, papers, and research projects in formats like Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF. Every data point includes citation tools in APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, making academic referencing simple. Statista is a reliable, easy-to-use resource for finding up-to-date, trustworthy data to support your coursework and projects.
Policy & research institutes
Policy and research institutes conduct and publish credible research, often including polls, and advocacy on social, political, cultural or economic issues. While most policy and research institutes are non-profit organizations, some have a political or ideological slant.
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Brookings InstituteThe Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC.
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Carnegie Endowment for International PeaceTheir mission is to advance the cause of peace through analysis and development of fresh policy ideas and direct engagement and collaboration with decision makers in government, business, and civil society.
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Cato InstituteThe Cato Institute is a public policy research organization dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace.
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Center for American ProgessThe Center for American Progress is an independent, progressive, nonpartisan policy institute dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans.
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Council on Foreign RelationsThe Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher.
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Gallup PollCurrent polls and research on a wide variety of topics. They often track polling responses over time, so you can see shifts in public opinion.
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Heritage FoundationThe Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institution—a think tank—whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies.
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Kaiser Family FoundationKaiser is a non-profit organization focusing on national health issues, as well as the U.S. role in global health policy.
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Pew Research CenterPew Research Center is an independent center that conducts polls and studies.
Library database focused on statistics
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Statista This link opens in a new windowStatista is an all-in-one statistics and data platform perfect for PCC students across all disciplines. It offers access to over a million charts, graphs, and infographics covering topics in business, health, technology, social sciences, and more. Students can easily download visuals for use in presentations, papers, and research projects in formats like Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF. Every data point includes citation tools in APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, making academic referencing simple. Statista is a reliable, easy-to-use resource for finding up-to-date, trustworthy data to support your coursework and projects.
Next, go to the section on Lived experiences.
- Last Updated: Oct 15, 2025 11:36 AM
- URL: https://guides.pcc.edu/speakwithsubstance
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