| Use quotes worth using. | Don’t quote something that you could say or explain more effectively in your own words; paraphrase instead, with an attribution to the original source. |
| Use relevant quotes. | Even the prettiest bit of prose is useless if it doesn’t support your points. |
| Include a clear attribution. | Whether you’re quoting Shakespeare or your six-year-old nephew, it’s important that audiences know who said what. |
| Is the quote from a notable source? | Cite not only the author in your speech but also the date and the work in which the quote appeared, if relevant. |
| Double-check for accuracy. | You do not want to misquote anyone in your speech, so it’s important that you proofread your copy against the original. If you’ve used an online quote source, it is wise to double-check the quote against additional sources known to be reliable because many online quotes fail to provide accurate source information. |