Chicago Style Citations in Google Slides: A Painless Guide (Hopefully)
So, you've got a shiny new Google Slides presentation and you're ready to wow your audience with your incredible research. But wait, there's a catch! You've got to do those pesky Chicago style citations. Don't worry, we've all been there. It's like trying to teach a cat to fetch – possible, but you're probably going to end up with a chewed-up ball of yarn.
Let's Break This Down
First things first: Chicago style is a bit like a fancy dress party. It has rules, and you're supposed to follow them, but it's also okay to have a little fun with it. So let’s get this party started!
What you'll need:
- A strong cup of coffee (or tea, or whatever keeps you going)
- A basic understanding of Chicago style (we'll cover the basics)
- A willingness to embrace the chaos that is formatting
The Basics of Chicago Style in Google Slides
- Footnotes or Endnotes: These are little numbers at the bottom of the page (footnotes) or at the end of your presentation (endnotes) that link to your citations. Think of them as the backstage passes to your research party.
- Bibliography: This is a fancy list of all your sources at the end of your presentation. It's like the guest list, but without the RSVPs.
How to Actually Do It
- Choose Your Weapon: Decide if you want to use footnotes or endnotes. Footnotes are like cliffhangers – they keep your audience on the edge of their seats. Endnotes are more like a post-credits scene – they provide extra information after the main event.
- Insert That Footnote/Endnote: Google Slides doesn't have a built-in citation tool (yet, Google, get on it!), so you'll have to do it manually. Insert a text box at the bottom of the slide or at the end of your presentation and number it.
- Format the Footnote/Endnote: This is where the fun (or nightmare) begins. You'll need to follow the specific Chicago style guidelines for formatting your citation. Don't worry, there are plenty of online resources to help you out.
- Create Your Bibliography: Once you've finished your presentation, create a new slide for your bibliography. List your sources in alphabetical order by author's last name.
Tips and Tricks
- Consistency is Key: Make sure your citations are consistent throughout your presentation.
- Use a Citation Generator: There are online tools that can help you format your citations. But remember, always double-check the output!
- Don't Panic: If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a break. Come back to it with fresh eyes.
How to...
- How to choose between footnotes and endnotes? It depends on your preference and the length of your presentation. Footnotes are better for shorter presentations, while endnotes are better for longer ones.
- How to format a Chicago style footnote? Typically, a footnote includes the author's last name, first name, title of the work (place of publication: publisher, year), page number.
- How to format a Chicago style bibliography entry? A basic bibliography entry includes the author's last name, first name. Title of the work (Place of Publication: Publisher, Year).
- How to cite a website in Chicago style? Include the author's name (if available), "Title of the Page," Website Name, URL, accessed date.
- How to deal with multiple authors? For two authors, list both names. For three or more, list the first author followed by "et al."
Remember, Chicago style can be a beast, but with a little patience and perseverance, you can conquer it. Good luck! And don't forget to reward yourself with a big slice of pizza when you're done. You deserve it!