Citing Sources in Oral Presentations

Citing Sources in Oral Presentations

Properly citing sources is necessary when delivering your speech. Demonstrating subjective arguments are supported by objective data is necessary in both informative and persuasive speaking. Competent communicators establish their credibility by providing evidence, and providing content to make their presentation more memorable. You must avoid using less credible and non-scholarly sources.

In the writing phase, documentation should be provided for all specific information gained from consulting outside sources. This includes: textbooks, lectures, personal interviews, journal and newspaper articles, Internet sites, televised programs, or more.

Oral citation of sources requires less information than printed citations. However, there is still the need for academic rigor. The two obligations when citing data orally are attribution and recency.

Attribution is simply citing your source and your information.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control, 98% of all Zika virus cases in America were diagnosed in Florida.”

“As aired in a January 10th interview this year with Dr. Cynthia Bioteau, President of Florida State College at Jacksonville, 71% of all freshmen will earn at least a B in speech class.”

Recency demonstrates your references and evidence are current, salient and relevant.

“On January 1st of this year, the Centers for Disease Control predicted a strong flu season.”

“One week ago today the first man in space said, “We must teach young people more science.”

Remember, without proper source citation, you run the risk of losing credibility and being guilty of plagiarism. Any material drawn from a source must be properly cited. Plagiarism can be intentional or unintentional. If you have any questions, please ask them early to avoid any misunderstanding, confusion or delay in completing your work.