Using Quotes in Speeches
“It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.” – Mark Twain
Quotations are a favorite device of orators. Often used as attention grabbers, they can support or illustrate a speaker’s ideas. Some quotations are used because they lend authority to the speaker or because they sound artful—a quote from a famous writer like Henry David Thoreau is convincing both because Thoreau said it and because of the eloquence of his words. However, quotations should not replace your own words or overshadow your message.
Incorporating Quotations
Always acknowledge your sources in a speech, including quotations. Cite every source clearly (1) while speaking, (2) on a handout, or (3) on a slide. For example, while speaking, you might tag the quotation so the audience knows when the quote begins and ends. In the example that follows, the tag–the part explaining the quote’s source – is bolded.
According to Strunk and White, “The habitual use of the active voice . . . makes for forcible writing.” [Voice change or pause indicates the end of the quotation.] They advise that writers always check sentences for passive voice and consider revising them to use active voice.
Note the ellipses (the three dots) indicate the word “however” was deleted from its place in the original text, (shown below). You can delete or make small adjustments in wording, as long as the original meaning is preserved, to make a quotation fit smoothly into your speech.
Alternatively, you might write out a quotation on a handout or slide and give the complete source information
(the title, page number, the place and date of publication, and so on), as in the example that follows.
“The habitual use of the active voice, however, makes for forcible writing. This is true not only in narrative principally concerned with action, but in writing of any kind. Many a tame sentence of description or exposition can be made lively and emphatic by substituting a transitive in the active voice for some such perfunctory expression as there is, or could be heard.”
William Strunk and E. B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed. NY: Longman, 1999.
No matter which method you select —speech, handout, or slide—you should always tell your audience when you are citing a source directly (using the exact words of the author) or paraphrasing your source (putting someone else’s ideas into your own words). Following is an example of the same quotation in paraphrased or indirect form. Notice you should still acknowledge the source.
Like Strunk and White, writers should always check sentences for passive voice and consider revising them to use active voice. The active, in their opinion, should be used for all types of writing because of its strength and clarity.
Direct Quoting Versus Paraphrasing
Direct quotations are most effective when they are brief, when they convey your message more clearly than you would, and when they are particularly witty, compelling, or articulate.
Paraphrasing is better than using direct quotations when a quote’s wording is too difficult to understand. It is also better to paraphrase if a particular quote is longer than two or three sentences.
Placement of Quotations
Introductory quotations lead into a subject and are usually at the beginning of a speech. They should be captivating. Effective introductory quotations set the tone and framework for the speech.
Embedded quotations are placed throughout the presentation. They are used to add evidence to your speech.
Transitional quotations can be used to separate the major parts of a speech–introduction, conclusion, or main points. An effective technique is to present transitional quotes on a slide with a relevant visual such as a photograph.
Conclusive quotations should be memorable and leave the audience with a sense of closure or something to consider.
Pitfalls and Perils
It’s a good idea to keep quotations short because you want to focus on your ideas and not bore the audience by reading long passages aloud. Likewise, be wary of overusing quotations and remember the audience wants to hear what you have to say.
Avoid quotations that have no relevance to your speech; carefully consider a quotation’s purpose and its benefits to your presentation.
Consider your audience. If you are speaking to people who may not know Plato, there is no point in using his name. Instead, refer to him as “an ancient Greek philosopher.” In the example above, many people will recognize Strunk and White as the authors of the famous writing manual, The Elements of Style. Audiences who haven’t read much about writing, however, probably won’t. For these audiences, it’s useful to provide a clue, like “Strunk and White, who wrote an often used writing manual called The Elements of Style . . .”
If you use a maxim or proverb, you don’t need to cite. Although you don’t want to fill your speeches with clichés, a well-placed proverb or maxim can help your audience understand or relate to your point.
Many websites and reference books suggest familiar quotes for speeches, such as this handout’s quote from Mark Twain. In general, if the quote is simply for interest or to add style to your speech, it is sufficient to acknowledge the original author or orator. If, however, you are using the quote as evidence to support a point or lend authority to your argument, cite the full source.
