What is the primary purpose of citing sources in a speech?

Citing sources in a speech serves the primary purpose of lending credibility to the speaker's message. When a speaker references authoritative sources, it enhances the reliability of the information being presented. This practice not only establishes the speaker as knowledgeable and well-informed, but it also helps to build trust with the audience. They are more likely to accept the ideas and arguments presented if they are supported by credible evidence. Citing reputable sources demonstrates that the speaker has done their research and is not merely presenting personal opinions, thus solidifying the overall impact of the speech.

Moreover, while showcasing the speaker's knowledge could play a role in the citation of sources, the overarching goal remains to enhance the audience's perception of the message's validity and reflect the integrity of the research behind the speech. Filling space or confusing the audience are counterproductive notions that do not align with the intent behind effective source citation.