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MLA Citation Guide: How to Cite a TED Talk Correctly

Citing sources accurately is essential for scholarly work. With TED Talks becoming increasingly popular as credible sources of information, knowing how to cite them properly in MLA format is crucial. This guide will provide a comprehensive look at how to cite a TED Talk, ensuring you derive the most value from this valuable resource.

Understanding MLA Format

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used in humanities, especially in writing on language, literature, and culture. MLA format emphasizes simplicity and clarity in citing sources, including digital content like TED Talks.

Citing a TED Talk: Basic Format

To cite a TED Talk correctly, you need to follow the MLA guidelines for non-print sources. The basic MLA citation format for a TED Talk looks like this:

Speaker’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of the TED Talk.” TED, Month Day, Year, URL.

Here are the necessary components to break down the citation:

• Speaker’s Name: List the last name followed by the first name.
• Title: Enclose the title of the TED Talk in quotation marks.
• Website: Include “TED” as the website.
• Date: Specify the publication date.
• URL: Provide the complete URL.

Example Citation

Here is an example of how a properly formatted MLA citation for a TED Talk should appear:

Doe, Jane. “The Power of Vulnerability.” TED, June 2010, www.ted.com/ted_talks/jane_doe_vulnerability.

Citing a TED Talk in Text

When referencing a TED Talk in the body of your work, MLA in-text citations are used. These in-text citations help readers locate the source in your Works Cited page. In-text citations should include the speaker’s last name and a timestamp, if applicable.

Example of In-Text Citation

Here’s how to structure an in-text citation for a TED Talk:

“As stated by the speaker, ‘vulnerability is not about winning or losing; it’s about having the courage to show up and be seen’ (Doe 12:35).

Creating a Works Cited Page Entry

The entry for a TED Talk in your Works Cited page follows the same structure as indicated in the basic format section. Make sure to format the page with a hanging indent, indenting the second and subsequent lines of each citation.

Detailed Example

Here is a more detailed look at how the entire citation might appear within a Works Cited page:

• Doe, Jane. “The Power of Vulnerability.” TED, June 2010, www.ted.com/ted_talks/jane_doe_vulnerability.

Citing TED Talks With Multiple Speakers

If a TED Talk has more than one speaker, list the speakers in the order they appear on the TED webpage. Separate the names with commas and use the word “and” before the last speaker’s name.

Example of Multiple Speakers

Here is how you might cite a TED Talk with multiple speakers:

Doe, Jane, and John Smith. “The Dynamics of Collaboration.” TED, March 2016, www.ted.com/ted_talks/doe_smith_collaboration.

Citing TED Talks from an App

If you viewed the TED Talk from a mobile app, the citation format remains similar. However, instead of a direct URL, identify the app as the platform.

App Example

Here’s how to cite a TED Talk viewed on an app:

Doe, Jane. “The Power of Vulnerability.” TED, June 2010, TED app.

Additional Tips for MLA Citations

Ensuring your MLA citations are accurate and consistent can be challenging. Here are additional tips to keep in mind:

• Be Consistent: Maintain uniformity in the way you format all your citations.
• Double-Check Information: Verify the speaker’s name, TED Talk title, and publication date from the official TED webpage.
• Update URLs: Ensure that the link you provide is functional and directs readers to the correct video.

Conclusion

Citing a TED Talk in MLA format may seem daunting initially, but by following the guidelines, you can ensure accuracy and professionalism in your work. Remember to gather all the necessary components like the speaker’s name, talk title, publication date, and URL. Proper citations not only uphold academic integrity but also help your readers trace the original sources effortlessly. Whether you’re crafting a research paper or an essay, mastering these citation rules will undoubtedly enhance the credibility and authenticity of your academic endeavors.
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