How to Cite a Speech Using MLA Format

The Modern Language Association's style guide is often used in papers written by academics and professionals in the humanities or liberal arts fields. MLA style is simpler and more to-the-point than other styles of citation; it features short in-text citations linked to an alphabetical listing of sources in the end papers, making it easy for those researching the supporting material.

In-Text Citations

To cite speeches in text, either write the author's last name in a parenthetical citation or write the quote and put the speaker’s name in parentheses. For example, if the speaker's last name is Crowe:

“MLA is easy to use” (Crowe).

Speeches You Heard

If you’re citing a speech you have heard, cite it at the end of a paper on a reference list. Then, write the speaker’s name, title of the speech in quotes, name and location of the organization where the speech took place and the date and type of the speech. For example:

Crowe, Bonnie. “MLA Style Conference.” UC Berkeley. Sproul Hall, Berkeley, CA. 1 Jan. 2015. Keynote Address. Alphabetize the last name of the resources listed in the works cited.

Published Speeches You Read

Cite published speeches in the reference list as you would a book in MLA format; with the speaker’s last name followed by the first name. Make sure to include date and location of when the speech was given and list Print as the medium. For example:

Crowe, Bonnie, Women in Grammar Conference, January 1, 2015, Westport, CT. New York City: ABC Publisher, 2015. Print.

If you don’t know the name of the publisher, use the abbreviation n. p. for “no publisher,” in its place. If you don’t know the date of the speech, write n. d. for “no date.”

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