Speeches are important sources for academic writing and research. Citing speeches in MLA style requires specific elements: speaker’s name, speech title, event name, date, location, and type of speech. For recorded speeches, include the medium and URL if available. These details apply to both in-text citations and Works Cited entries. Proper citation ensures credit to speakers and maintains academic integrity.
Components of a Speech Citation in MLA
Speaker’s Name
The speaker’s name is the first element in an MLA citation for a speech. This identifies the individual responsible for the content of the speech. For example:
Smith, John.
Title of the Speech
The title of the speech is placed in quotation marks. If the speech does not have a formal title, create a descriptive title. For instance:
“Reflections on Modern Democracy.”
Title of the Container
The container refers to where the speech was published or presented. This can vary based on the medium.
Live Event
If the speech was delivered at a live event, include the name of the event, followed by the location and date. For example:
Delivered at the Annual Conference on Modern Governance, City Hall, 15 March 2023.
Online Video
For speeches found online, include the website or platform name in italics, followed by the URL. For instance:
YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=example.
Published Text
If the speech is included in a book or journal, cite the title of the book or journal in italics. Example:
Published in The Collected Works of John Smith.
Date of the Speech
The date of the speech is crucial for citation. Use the day-month-year format. For example:
15 March 2023.
Location of the Speech
Including the venue’s name and location adds precision to your citation. For example:
City Hall, New York.
Formatting Speech Citations in MLA
In-text Citations
In-text citations in MLA style are concise. Include the speaker’s last name and the speech title in parentheses. For example:
(Smith, “Reflections on Modern Democracy”).
Works Cited Entry
The full citation in the Works Cited section provides complete details about the speech.
Example for a Speech from a Live Event
Smith, John. “Reflections on Modern Democracy.” Delivered at the Annual Conference on Modern Governance, City Hall, 15 March 2023.
Example for a Speech from an Online Source
Smith, John. “Reflections on Modern Democracy.” YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=example. Accessed 15 March 2023.
Example for a Speech Published in a Book or Journal
Smith, John. “Reflections on Modern Democracy.” Published in The Collected Works of John Smith, edited by Jane Doe, Random House, 2023, pp. 45-67.
Citing Different Types of Speeches
Citing a Speech from a Conference or Public Event
When citing speeches from conferences or public events, include the event name, location, and date. For example:
Smith, John. “Future of Urban Development.” Presented at the International Urban Planning Summit, Washington D.C., 10 June 2022.
Citing a Speech from an Online Platform (e.g., YouTube)
For online platforms, include the platform name and URL. For example:
Smith, John. “Sustainable Living.” YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=example. Accessed 20 June 2022.
Citing a Speech Included in a Book or Anthology
When a speech is part of a published collection, cite the book or anthology. For instance:
Smith, John. “Innovations in Renewable Energy.” Published in Environmental Advances, edited by Sarah Green, Oxford University Press, 2022, pp. 100-120.
Additional Tips for Accurate MLA Citations
For accurate citations, you can take help from WriterBuddy’s MLA Speech Citation tool. This tool simplifies the citation process and ensures that all necessary elements are included.
FAQs
How do I cite a speech found on YouTube in MLA style?
To cite a speech found on YouTube, include the speaker’s name, title of the speech in quotation marks, the platform name in italics, the URL, and the access date. For example: Smith, John. “Sustainable Living.” YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=example. Accessed 20 June 2022.
What details are necessary to cite a speech from a live event?
When citing a speech from a live event, you need the speaker’s name, title of the speech in quotation marks, the event name in italics, the location, and the date of the event. For example:
Smith, John. “Reflections on Modern Democracy.” Delivered at the Annual Conference on Modern Governance, City Hall, 15 March 2023.
What is the correct format for the date in MLA citations for speeches?
In MLA citations, the date should be formatted in the day-month-year format. For instance, 15 March 2023.
Can I cite a speech included in a book or anthology?
Yes, to cite a speech in a book or anthology, include the speaker’s name, title of the speech in quotation marks, title of the book or anthology in italics, editor’s name, publisher, year of publication, and page numbers. For example: Smith, John. “Innovations in Renewable Energy.” Published in Environmental Advances, edited by Sarah Green, Oxford University Press, 2022, pp. 100-120.
Conclusion
Accurate citation of speeches in MLA format is crucial for academic credibility. Following these guidelines helps properly attribute ideas to speakers and provides readers with necessary source information.
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