How to Reference What Someone Said: A Comprehensive Guide

Citing Spoken Words in a Text

When incorporating the spoken words of someone other than the author into your text, it is crucial to provide proper citation. Follow these steps to reference spoken words in a text:

1. Include the name of the person: Begin the citation by mentioning the name of the person who spoke the words.
2. Specify the name of the author: Identify the author of the text where the quote or reference appears.
3. Provide the date: Include the publication or recording date of the text.
4. Include page reference: Add the page number(s) where the quote or reference can be found in the text.

Example: According to Smith (2022), “In the interview with Johnson (2021), he stated, ‘The research findings are groundbreaking'” (p. 45).

Citing Someone Interviewed or Quoted

When referencing someone who has been interviewed or quoted, follow these guidelines:

1. Mention the name of the person: Introduce the name of the person who was interviewed or quoted.
2. Provide publication or article details: Include the name of the publication or article where the quote appeared.
3. Use quotation marks and page number: Enclose direct quotes in double quotation marks and include the page number(s) where the quote appears. For online sources, use “online” instead of a page number.

Example: In an interview with Johnson (2021), he stated, “The research findings are groundbreaking” (Smith, 2022, p. 45).

Citing Someone Speaking in a Video, Film, Broadcast, or Audio Recording

When referencing someone speaking in a visual or audio recording, follow these steps:

1. Introduce the name of the person: Begin by mentioning the name of the person who spoke the words.
2. Use quotation marks and start time: Enclose the quote in double quotation marks and include the start time (in minutes and/or seconds) at which the words were spoken within the bracketed citation.
3. Provide title, date, and format: Include the title of the video, film, broadcast, or audio recording, along with the date of publication or recording and the format.

Example: In the documentary “Research Insights” (2023), Johnson stated, “The research findings are groundbreaking” (Johnson, 2023, [00:02:30]).

Conclusion

Properly referencing what someone said is essential in academic writing to acknowledge sources and avoid plagiarism. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can accurately cite spoken words in various contexts, ensuring credibility and integrity in your scholarly work. Always consult the specific citation style recommended by your institution for further guidance on formatting and referencing requirements.

FAQs

How do I reference a direct quote from an interview?

Answer: To reference a direct quote from an interview, include the name of the person interviewed, the publication or article where the quote appeared, and the page number(s) if applicable. Enclose the quote in double quotation marks.

What if the person’s name is not mentioned in the interview or source?

Answer: In cases where the person’s name is not explicitly mentioned in the interview or source, it is best to attribute the quote or information to the author or the source itself. Use phrases like “According to the interview conducted by Author” or “As stated in Source.”

How do I cite someone’s speech or presentation?

Answer: When citing a speech or presentation, include the name of the speaker, the title or topic of the speech, the date it was delivered, and the event or venue where it took place. If available, provide the URL or location of the speech.

Can I reference informal conversations or discussions I had with someone?

Answer: In academic writing, it is generally recommended to prioritize published sources over informal conversations or discussions. However, if the information obtained from such conversations is crucial and cannot be found in any published source, you may include it as a personal communication in the text but do not include it in the reference list.

How do I reference what someone said in a recorded video or audio clip?

Answer: When referencing what someone said in a recorded video or audio clip, include the name of the speaker, the title of the video or audio recording, the date of publication or recording, and the format (e.g., video, podcast). If applicable, provide the start time (in minutes and/or seconds) at which the words were spoken.

Can I use footnotes to reference what someone said?

Answer: Footnotes can be used to provide additional context or explanations but are not commonly used for referencing direct quotes or information from someone. It is generally recommended to include citations within the main text or in parentheses.

How do I reference someone’s statement made in an online forum or social media?

Answer: When referencing a statement made by someone in an online forum or social media, include the person’s username or real name (if available), the title or topic of the post, the name of the forum or social media platform, the date of the post, and the URL or permalink.

Can I paraphrase what someone said instead of using a direct quote?

Answer: Yes, you can paraphrase what someone said instead of using a direct quote. In this case, you should still provide an in-text citation or attribution to the person and the source of the information. Paraphrasing involves rephrasing the original statement in your own words while maintaining the meaning and intent.