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Citing Sources: Verbal Citations

Why it matters? Help in doing it right.

Guidelines

Things to keep in mind:

  • Be brief
  • Give enough information so that listeners can track down the source
  • Introduce the source before sharing the quote, ideas, or facts
  • Include information that proves credibility:
    • Author
    • Author's credentials
    • Title of Work
    • Publication Title
    • Date
  • Aim to keep the introduction as close to your natural speech as possible
  • Have a long-form citation available to give out if asked for one

Introducing Citations

Introductions to your sources provide valuable information to the listeners.  They provide the backup for why this information is important and included in your presentation.  However, your introductions should be natural to your speech so that they flow.
 

For example:

An April 2020 Pew Research Center report by Emily Vogels, demonstrates how Americans are using the internet during the pandemic.

As Abraham Lincoln once eloquently said . . . "Four score and seven years ago . . ."

According to Professor Snape at Hogwarts . . .

The more well-known the source, such as a President of the United States, the less information needs to be included in the introduction.  The less well known, the more introductory material is needed.

Tips for Verbal Citations

Quotations

Quotations that are included in your presentation should be introduced with a PAUSE.  In other words:

  • Provide your introductory information
  • Pause
  • Quote
  • Pause
  • Resume with presentation

DO NOT:

  • Use the terms QUOTE and UNQUOTE around a quote
  • Use visual quotation marks