How does one cite a quote which does not have any apparent source other than the speaker’s mouth?
Like the quote wasn’t from a speech or a book … it was just something the speaker said and someone happened to note?
In a scientific paper? It would be cited as a “personal communication,” often abbreviated “pers. comm.”.
Well, it will depend on the style guide for the particular publication. I think “personal communication” usually means, and is usually taken to mean, something written in a personal letter or an email. I think I have seen “in conversation” used to mean something that one just heard someone say.
Also, if you heard it in a formal speech, like a conference presentation, you can cite the speech as a “paper” something like this:
Adams, C. (2012). Is a “chicken gun” used to test jet engines? Paper delivered at the 10th Annual Conference on Dopology, 1st May 2012 Chicago, Il,.
IceQube,
We need more information to correctly answer your question.
(I’m assuming) The top two styles are APA and MLA. Depending upon whom you’re writing for; they likely have style that you’re supposed to use.
APA: (Taken from here)
MLA (Taken from here)