In-text Citation:
The key is to provide enough information for the reader to understand the source, without cluttering the flow of your essay. You'll generally only include the expert's last name and the date of the communication in the in-text citation. Avoid disrupting the narrative with a full citation.
* Example (APA Style): (Expert's Last Name, Year, personal communication).
*For example: "The impact of climate change on coral reefs is significant, according to Dr. Smith (Smith, 2023, personal communication)."
* Example (MLA Style): (Expert's Last Name).
*For example: "The latest research suggests a strong correlation between sleep deprivation and cognitive decline (Jones)."
* Example (Chicago Notes and Bibliography Style): A footnote or endnote would be used:
*For example: 1. Dr. Jones, personal communication, October 26, 2023.
Bibliography/Works Cited Entry:
Because personal communications are not retrievable by others, they are *not* usually included in the bibliography or works cited page. The information is considered confidential and inaccessible to your readers. However, you may include a general note in your acknowledgments section thanking the experts for their contributions. You may even include their credentials (briefly) if relevant to build your credibility.
Important Considerations:
* Accuracy: Double-check the accuracy of information you receive from an expert. It's your responsibility to ensure that what you're writing is correct.
* Paraphrasing vs. Quoting: If you're using direct quotes, enclose the quote in quotation marks and cite appropriately as described above. Paraphrasing is usually preferred, but make sure you're accurately conveying the expert's meaning.
* Permission: While not always required, it's considered good practice to get the expert's permission before directly quoting or prominently featuring their insights, particularly if the information is sensitive or potentially controversial.
* Date of Communication: Record the date of the conversation carefully. This is crucial for your citation.
* Method of Communication: While not typically included in the citation itself, knowing *how* you communicated (email, phone call, interview) helps you remember the context of the conversation. This is helpful for your own notes.
By following these guidelines, you can properly cite information gained from conversations with experts, maintaining academic integrity while acknowledging the source of your knowledge. Remember to always consult the specific style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) you're required to use, as formatting requirements may vary slightly.