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  • Unpublished speeches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