6 A Fact or Statistic Without a Source is Meaningless
Whenever you cite a fact or statistic in a speech, you must tell your audience where it originated. For example, if you state, “Almost 40 percent of people in the U.S. had insufficient sleep during the past year,” this statement has little meaning. It could be that you have ten friends, and four of them have complained to you about insomnia. However, it would be different if you said, “According to a 2022 report titled ‘Sleep Facts and Stats,’ published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, forty percent of all Americans cited having difficulty getting sufficient sleep.” Now, your information has a qualified source and more validity.
This is also the case when you are making a statement of fact. Let’s look at this example: “People often choose to skip breakfast in exchange for a little extra sleep.” This may be true for you and others you know, but this cannot be cited as a fact without referencing it to a reliable source.
When citing sources during your speech, avoid citing your sources at the beginning or end of your speech. Cite your sources as you present the information associated with the source. You want the source to be easily connected to your information. If you clearly connect your information to its source, your audience can more easily refer back to it later and conduct further research. Citing a source can be done smoothly without interrupting the flow of your speech. “In his book How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie points out that….”
Reliable Sources
If you give your audience inaccurate information, the blame will not be placed on your sources; it will rest with you. Your audience trusts you to vet your sources responsibly. The following are considerations to take into account when gathering information for a speech:
A. Verify Your Sources
Avoid relying on a single source whenever possible; cross-checking information can verify accuracy and identify bias. Investigate your source’s credentials. Is the author or organization reliable and known for possessing expertise?
B. Use Primary Sources Whenever Possible
Firsthand, original information rather than secondary sources will help to ensure that your information is reliable and not altered by interpretation.
C. Use Up-To-Date Information
Information about many topics changes rapidly, particularly in areas like technology, health, and current events. Outdated information can present an inaccurate picture of your topic.
D. Sources of Reliable Information
Academic databases, governmental and educational websites, and libraries are good places to start when researching informational content. Be cautious of social media, blogs, or unverifiable websites. These may contain biased or unsubstantiated information.
E. Consider Sharing Your Sources with Your Audience
Providing your audience with a list of sources can be a valuable supplement to your speech, enabling them to conduct further research on your topic. If you are using PowerPoint in your presentation, you can include a list of citations at the end. You can also use handouts for in-person presentations.
