How can you ensure accurate and reliable information for persuasive arguments?

1 Why sources matter

Sources are the evidence that support your claims and arguments. They can be facts, statistics, examples, quotes, stories, or anything else that can back up your points. Sources matter because they show that you have done your research, that you are not making things up, and that you respect your audience's intelligence and curiosity. Sources also help you to establish ethos, or the ethical appeal, which is one of the three modes of persuasion according to Aristotle, along with logos (logical appeal) and pathos (emotional appeal).

3 How to cite sources

Citing your sources is not only a way of avoiding plagiarism, but also a way of showing respect and gratitude to the original authors and acknowledging their contributions to your speech. To do this properly, you should choose a citation style that is appropriate for your field, discipline, or occasion. This could be APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard. Additionally, you should provide in-text citations whenever you quote, paraphrase, or summarize a source in your speech. This usually includes the author's name and the year of publication, and sometimes the page number or the URL. At the end of your speech or on a separate handout, you should also provide a list of references or a bibliography with full details of your sources such as titles, publishers, dates, and URLs. When selecting sources for your speech, be sure to use credible and reputable ones such as peer-reviewed journals, books, government websites, and reputable news outlets. Avoid unreliable sources that are outdated, biased, or anonymous.

4 How to present sources

Presenting your sources is not just a matter of reading or reciting them in your speech. To ensure that you use accurate and reliable information for persuasive arguments, and to enhance your public speaking skills and credibility, you need to integrate them smoothly and effectively into your speech. Before you quote, paraphrase, or summarize them, introduce your sources with some context and background information. Use signal words and phrases to indicate how you are using the source, quotation marks, ellipses, and brackets to indicate when you are quoting, omitting, or adding words. Paraphrase or summarize a source in your own words and voice so that you capture the main idea and the tone of the source. Comment on your sources after quoting, paraphrasing or summarizing them to explain how they relate to your point and support your argument. By following these tips, you can connect with your audience in a meaningful way.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?