Start with a Quote

Leading with a quotation is a convenient and interesting speech opening. Quotes can connect you as a speaker to real people and real situations. For example, Kenneth is preparing an informative speech on Alzheimer’s disease. In his opening, he uses a quote from former president Ronald Reagan, who passed away in 2004 after a ten-year struggle with the disease:

“I now begin the journey that will lead me to the sunset of my life.” That’s how Ronald Reagan, upon learning he would be afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease, described the illness that would eventually rob him of the eloquence, wit, and intelligence that had defined him as an actor, politician, and president. I’m here today to talk about the tragedy of Alzheimer’s disease.

Quotations can come from familiar sources, like Reagan, or from everyday people. Table 13.2 offers tips for using quotes wisely.

Table :

TABLE 13.2 USING QUOTES WISELY
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.