Verbal Citations
Checkout out this great video about citing verbally in your speech!
It is important to let your listener know where you found your information. The best way to deliver this information during your speech is by using a verbal citation.
Verbally Citing Websites
- Locate the website information which is often found on the About page and/or the footer of the website. According to the Modern Language Association, website citations should include the name of the author (some websites may not have an author), the website’s title, the publisher, the copyright date or the last date it was updated, and the website address/URL.
- Where do you find the title of the website and the website’s address or URL?
You use the website’s address/URL to locate the website on the internet. For example, you cannot find your way around a city or town without having the address of your destination, and the internet functions in the same way.
You can find the title of the website and the website’s address/URL in your search results on Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.
The title of the website and the website’s address/URL can be found on the website too. Right-click anywhere on the web page for a menu. Once the menu is open left-click on View Page Info.
The Page Info window will open with the title of the website and the website’s address/URL.
- Put the facts in logical order. Since the citation will be given verbally, you should present the website information in a complete sentence and in a logical order for your audience to comprehend. You may choose not to verbalize the entire citation information. Speak with your instructor to find out the amount of information you should include in the verbal citation. Colorado State University (CSU) suggests beginning the citation with the author, followed by the website title and the date.
- Your speech should flow as you give the verbal citation. When verbally citing a website give the citation information before you present the information you found on the website. This may include a brief reference or a direct quote. This helps the audience understand the citation and helps you avoid plagiarism.
Verbal Citation Resources
Verbal Citations, Holman Library
Written Citations in MLA Style
ALWAYS GIVE CREDIT!
If you are writing in your own words (paraphrasing) or quoting someone make sure to give the author credit.
An example of what not to do can be seen in this video of a breaking dancing duo stealing the moves of famous dancers, the Les Twins.
MLA Citation Formats
When writing your citations always make sure to double-space and indent the second line of your citation.
Book (Printed book)
(When writing your citations always make sure to double-space and indent the second line of your citation.)
Citing an Entire Website
(When writing your citations always make sure to double-space and indent the second line of your citation.)
Editor, author, or compiler name (if available). Name of Site. Version number. Name of institution/organization affiliated with the site (sponsor or publisher), date of resource creation (if available). Medium of publication. Date of access.
Articles found in the Library’s Databases
(When writing your citations always make sure to double-space and indent the second line of your citation.)
Last name, First name, and First name Last name. “Title of Article.” Title of Periodical Day Month Year: page numbers. Name of Database. Web. Day Month Year database accessed.
MLA Resources
Cornell University Library, MLA Citation Style
Long Island University, MLA Citations
Purdue Owl, MLA Formatting and Style Guide
Speech 101 Library Guide 