Speechwriting Fundamentals and Best Practices - Fact checking and sourcing

» Articles » Marketing Articles » Article

December 13, 2016

Your audience loves quotes and quips. They appreciate the valid statistic that backs up your point. They enjoy when you link a story to a fact. They trust you to give them reliable information. Use this trust wisely. Protect your credibility.

Facts on the internet

Few people will take the time to check your facts, but it only takes one person finding one mistake to make you look like a fool. Misquoting is the same as lying. Once you have been labelled a liar, you will no longer be taken seriously, and it will invalidate your entire presentation.  

Similarly, not crediting the source is the same as lying. If someone recognizes your words as someone else’s, they will not pay attention to the rest of what you have to say. Why bother listening to you when you are taking credit for something that is not yours?

Case Study: Ben and Beer

Do your fact checking thoroughly. Always credit your source, even if you are only using their basic concept or a couple of their words. Cross-check your sources. Just because it is on the internet does not mean it is true. If you cannot find a minimum of three trustworthy corroborating sources, then it is not verifiably true. Let it go. Find another fact or story. Better yet, use your own experience!

Mark Twain did not say everything folks credit him with. Every inspirational quote did not come from George Washington or Steve Jobs. Even if widely accepted on Facebook, memes are not fact. Do your homework.   

Continue reading below

FREE Marketing Training from Lorman

Lorman has over 37 years of professional training experience.
Join us for a special white paper and level up your Marketing knowledge!

How to Develop an Engaging Personal Brand in LinkedIn®
Presented by Jasmine Sandler

Learn More

Here is one more point to consider: if you have heard it a thousand times, your audience has heard it a thousand and one. Give them something new!
 

The material appearing in this web site is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Transmission of this information is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. The information provided herein is intended only as general information which may or may not reflect the most current developments. Although these materials may be prepared by professionals, they should not be used as a substitute for professional services. If legal or other professional advice is required, the services of a professional should be sought.

The opinions or viewpoints expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Lorman Education Services. All materials and content were prepared by persons and/or entities other than Lorman Education Services, and said other persons and/or entities are solely responsible for their content.

Any links to other web sites are not intended to be referrals or endorsements of these sites. The links provided are maintained by the respective organizations, and they are solely responsible for the content of their own sites.