When using a literary quotation as supporting material, what is the best practice?

When using a literary quotation as supporting material, keeping it brief is the best practice because short quotations tend to be more impactful and easier for the audience to remember. A concise quotation allows the speaker to emphasize the point being made without overwhelming the listeners with excessive detail. This approach enables the quotation to resonate more effectively, as it draws focus to the key idea being expressed.

By keeping the quotation brief, you also ensure that it integrates smoothly into the overall presentation, allowing for a more fluid transition between your own words and the author's. This ensures clarity and helps maintain the audience's interest. Lengthy quotes can disrupt the flow of your speech and risk losing the audience's attention, while extensive paraphrasing may dilute the original message's potency. Ignoring the source altogether diminishes the credibility of your argument, as using authoritative voices strengthens your case.