How to Cite Speeches
Learn how to properly cite speeches, addresses, and oral presentations in APA format.
Basic Format
Speaker, S. S. (Year, Month Day). Title of speech [Speech]. Event Name. Location.
Speaker, S. S. (Year, Month Day). Title of speech [Video]. Platform/Publisher. URL
Examples
Live Speech
King, M. L., Jr. (1963, August 28). I have a dream [Speech]. March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC.
Recorded Speech
Obama, B. (2004, July 27). The audacity of hope [Video]. Democratic National Convention. C-SPAN. https://www.c-span.org/video/?182478-1/illinois-senate-candidate-speech
Online Speech
Gates, B. (2015, March). The next outbreak? We're not ready [Video]. TED Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates_the_next_outbreak_we_re_not_ready
Key Elements
Speaker Information
- Speaker's name
- Professional title
- Organizational affiliation
- Credentials
Speech Details
- Title of speech
- Date delivered
- Event context
- Location
Recording Information
- Format type
- Platform/Publisher
- Access information
- URL if online
Speech Types
Public Speeches
- Political addresses
- Commencement speeches
- Keynote presentations
- Public lectures
Academic Speeches
- Conference presentations
- Guest lectures
- Research talks
- Panel discussions
Special Cases
Additional Guidelines
- Unpublished speeches
- Historical speeches
- Translated speeches
- Multiple versions
In-Text Citations
First Citation
Use the speaker's name and year:
In King's (1963) "I Have a Dream" speech...
Subsequent Citations
Use parenthetical citation:
The speech (King, 1963) emphasizes...
Copyright and Permissions
- Speech copyright
- Recording rights
- Usage permissions
- Fair use guidelines
- Attribution requirements
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't omit speech title
- Don't forget event context
- Don't mix date formats
- Don't ignore medium type
- Don't confuse versions