As a persuasive speaker, you must understand both sides of an issue so you can answer the objections of listeners who do not support your point of view. You can use the Internet to help by visiting the Web sites of organizations that take opposing views. For example, if your topic is stem cell research, visit both the Stem Cell Research Foundation (www.stemcellresearchfoundation.org) and Do No Harm: The Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics (www.stemcellresearch.org/). Or, if you are speaking on gun control, access the National Rifle Association (www.nra.org) and the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (www.csgv.org/).

If you want your listeners to take action by writing their U.S. Senator or Representative, encourage them to use e-mail. For a list of Senate e-mail addresses, see Contacting the Senate (www.senate.gov/contacting/index.cfm). For assistance in contacting members of the House, log on to www.house.gov/writerep/.