How do you cite sources in a speech without sounding boring or repetitive?

One thing that can be helpful is tailoring the format of the citation to how influential or high profile the source is. For example, if the source is well-known and well-respected in the industry, and you’re using it to support your points, make sure to emphasize the source as your are citing it, ie “in [source]’s comprehensive study of…” Conversely if the source is lower profile and you are just using it for statistics, you can just credit the source in a diagram that is shown during your speech.

If I'm quoting from a book, journal, or academic paper: I like to have it with me. Picking-up your source and showing it to the audience, full of highlighter ink and margin notes, suggests that you have actually read it, adding to your credibility. It increases visual interest and also allows you to quote word-for-word without relying on memory. Arranging such props does require a little organization though.

This may sound very simplistic but I've found the key to citing sources without sounding dull is to make sure the citation isn't dull in the first place. You can do this by either making the citation highly relevant or highly intriguing. Ex: If I am writing a paper on the possibility of Big Foot being real and I say "According to sources there have been over 450 instances where scientific evidence points to the existence of Big Foot" by the end of that statement the listener is dying to know the sources. Is it someone I know? Are these reputable sources? This is amazing please elaborate on the sources. Where many people go wrong is they use sources as filler instead of a resource to engage your reader.

More than anything, people want to see a quote in action. Otherwise, they can sound like empty platitudes without real life application. Therefore I use personal stories to anchor the quote, while giving credit to the author.

A conversational approach can be extremely valuable and help to keep sources from sounding monotonous and boring. Using one's own words to paraphrase and highlight the importance of the sources can demonstrate a deeper understanding of the material and also avoid repetitiveness. And, when used appropriately, one should never discount the value of using humor. This can help to lighten the mood and keep the audience engaged.

We can learn from others examples of what to do or say. We can also learn from others examples of what doesn’t work. Making comparisons are great ways to come up with new thinking and ideas to move the conversation or project forward.