Personal communication
Learn how to cite personal communication in APA 7 style. Follow correct in-text citation rules for emails, conversations, lectures and other private sources to reference sources accurately in your writing.
APA 7Journal articlesBooks and ebooksWeb and social mediaImagesSound and videoReports and web documentsAI tools and softwareBrochure, pamphlet or exhibition catalogueCourse materialsIndigenous sourcesLegal materialMedia sources and opinion piecesInterview transcriptPersonal communicationSpecialised health resourcesThesis and conference papersAustralian Standards
Check with your teacher or lecturer before including personal communication as a reference source.
In text citations
Personal communications are not recoverable, so they are not included in the reference list but may be referred to in the text. Identify the communicator (seek approval for private communications) and include the date in round brackets. Omit any detail already in the surrounding sentence.
The following sources are considered to be personal communications:
- Live lectures, presentations, performances, speeches, etc.
- Private communications, such as letters, emails, conversations, personal interviews, or posts and comments on social media or other sites protected by privacy settings.
- Class or lecture notes were taken by yourself or other students, and material accessible only to students of the unit course or institution.
| Citation format | Example |
| Paraphrase |
(E. Jensen, personal communication, June 7, 2008). Ford’s Adelaide performance (Festival Theatre, May 6, 2008). |
Reference list
No reference entry required.