Proper citation is crucial for academic integrity, ensuring acknowledgment of intellectual contributions. When citing speeches, following MLA (Modern Language Association) guidelines is essential. MLA provides a standardized format for referencing spoken presentations, including information such as the speaker’s name, speech title, event details, and publication data. Understanding the elements of an MLA speech citation enables researchers, students, and writers to accurately credit sources and maintain ethical scholarly practices.
Citing a Speech in MLA
When referencing a speech in your writing, it’s important to follow the Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style to properly credit the speaker and ensure accuracy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to structure an MLA citation for a speech:
Basic Format:
- Speaker’s Last Name, First Name.
- “Title of Speech.”
- Name of Event.
- Location of Event.
- Date of Speech.
In-Text Citation:
- (Speaker’s last name)
Additional Information:
- Name of Event: If the speech was given at a specific event, such as a conference or symposium, include the event’s title.
- Location: Indicate the city and state or country where the speech was delivered.
- Date: Use the date the speech was given, in the format “day month year.”
Example:
- Doe, Jane. “The Importance of Education.” National Education Conference. New York, NY. 15 March 2023.
In-Text Citation:
- (Doe)
Additional Notes:
- If the speech was published in a book or journal, cite the publication information instead of the event details.
- If the speech is not titled, use “Speech” in place of the title.
- If the speaker’s name is unknown, use “Speaker” in place of the last name.
- If the speech was retrieved online, include the URL in brackets at the end of the citation.
Table of Sample Citations:
| Example | In-Text Citation |
|---|---|
| Smith, John. “Climate Change: A Global Crisis.” Environmental Summit. San Francisco, CA. 20 April 2022. | (Smith) |
| Jones, Mary. Speech. National Conference on Women’s Leadership. Washington, D.C. 10 October 2021. | (Jones) |
| Speaker. “The Future of Technology.” TED Talk. [Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/speaker_name_the_future_of_technology] | (Speaker) |
Question 1:
What are the essential elements of an MLA citation for a speech?
Answer:
An MLA citation for a speech includes four essential elements: speaker’s name, title of speech, venue and date of delivery, and publication information (if available).
Question 2:
How should I format the speaker’s name in an MLA citation for a speech?
Answer:
The speaker’s name should be formatted in the citation with the last name first, followed by a comma and the first and middle initials.
Question 3:
What if the speech I’m citing is part of a larger publication?
Answer:
If the speech is part of a larger publication, the publication information (such as the title, edition, and publisher) should be included in the citation after the title of the speech.
Well, there you have it, folks! I hope this guide has helped you get a grip on citing speeches in MLA style. Remember, it’s all about giving credit where it’s due and avoiding any plagiarism pitfalls. If you’ve got any more questions or need a refresher, don’t hesitate to come on back and check out the article again. Thanks for reading, and until next time, keep those citations strong!