Speech Resources (COM 101)

When and How to Cite Sources for a Speech

Most COM 101 courses require that you use MLA or APA style when you cite sources in a speech. These style guides are a set of rules for formatting the citation for each source you use. Learn more about using MLA and APA style with our quick guides:

For most speech assignments, you will cite your sources in three ways:

1- In your speech outline: Use our in-text examples for MLA or APA format

2- In your bibliography: Use our reference page examples for APA and MLA format

3- Orally (when you are delivering your speech): Use our Oral Citation Guide for examples of how to cite your sources orally

Evaluate Your Sources

Use the following criteria when evaluating your sources:

Authority

  • Who is the author of this source?
  • What are their credentials?
  • Do they have experience in the field they are writing about?
  • If this information is not on the source itself, try doing a Google search for the author's name and a keyword for the topic they are writing about.

Accuracy

  • Are there in-text citations or a bibliography?
  • Check the quality and references of any evidence presented in the source. Do they use credible, published sources like books and academic journal articles? 
  • What is the purpose? Is the aim to inform or is it to promote their own interests?

Objectivity

  • Check for bias.
  • Does the author's bias (political, religious, etc) limit the validity of the information?

Timeliness

  • Check when the source was published.
  • Is there more recent information you should be considering?