Verbally documenting your sources of information gives your speech credibility. When mentioning facts, statistics, or testimony – you must reference not only the source itself, but background information for each source. Your speech should include the appropriate number of sources as outlined in your rubric, and be chosen based off the value it adds to your speech content.
When To Cite:
- Word-for-word quotes
- Paraphrasing: restating or summarizing ideas
- Illustrations, diagrams, or graphs from another source
You do Not Need to Cite in the Following Situations:
- Reporting your original ideas
- Discussing common knowledge (ex: the earth revolves around the sun)
How to Cite Your Speech
| TYPE OF SOURCE | WHAT TO CITE, VERBALLY | EXAMPLE |
| Journal | Name of publication | Communication Education |
| Periodical | Name of publication | Scientific American |
| Book | Primary author’s name & title | Henry Kissinger – World Order |
| Interview | Name of person & credentials | Bill Nye – Science Guy |
| Website | Sponsor information | NASA |
Additional tips
- Cite before stating the information. This will be useful in gaining credibility and providing current information.
- Vary the way that you introduce the source. Refrain by beginning each citation with “According to…”
- Do not use secondary sources. A secondary source occurs when a speaker cites a source that is found within another source.