How to Cite a TED Talk

Why Proper Citation Matters for TED Talks

TED Talks have become a ubiquitous source of information, inspiration, and intellectual discourse. From groundbreaking scientific discoveries to profound philosophical insights, these short, powerful presentations offer valuable content for research papers, essays, presentations, and even professional reports. However, like any source material, TED Talks must be properly attributed to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original speaker and the organization behind the talk. Failing to cite correctly can undermine your credibility and lead to academic penalties. This guide will walk you through the process of citing TED Talks accurately across the major citation styles: MLA, APA, and Chicago.

Essential Information for Citing a TED Talk

Before you can begin citing, you need to gather specific pieces of information about the TED Talk you are referencing. The exact details required might vary slightly depending on the citation style, but a core set of information is almost always necessary. Think of this as your citation checklist. You'll typically need:

• The speaker's full name.
• The title of the TED Talk (often presented in quotation marks).
• The name of the organization (TED or TEDx).
• The date the talk was given or published online.
• The URL where the talk can be accessed (usually from the TED website or YouTube).
• The city or location where the talk was originally delivered (if applicable and available).

Finding this information is usually straightforward. The speaker's name and the talk's title are prominently displayed on the TED website. The date of publication or upload is also readily available. For the URL, simply navigate to the talk's page on TED.com or its official YouTube channel. If you attended a live TEDx event, the location might be mentioned in the talk's description or easily found through a quick search of the event's details.

Citing TED Talks in MLA Style

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used in the humanities. When citing a TED Talk in MLA, you'll treat it similarly to a video or a lecture. The core elements include the speaker's name, the title of the talk, the organization, the date, and the URL.

MLA In-Text Citation

In MLA, in-text citations typically use the author's last name and the page number. However, since videos don't have page numbers, you'll often omit the page number or, if necessary for clarity (e.g., if you're citing multiple works by the same speaker), use a timestamp. For TED Talks, simply using the speaker's last name is usually sufficient.

MLA Works Cited Entry

The Works Cited entry provides the full details of the source. The general format is:

• Speaker's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Talk." Name of Conference/Event, Date of Presentation/Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.

Note that the title of the talk is in quotation marks, and the name of the event (TED or TEDx) is italicized. If it's a TEDx talk, you might include the city.

Citing TED Talks in APA Style

The American Psychological Association (APA) style is prevalent in social sciences and education. APA citations focus on the author, date, title, and source.

APA In-Text Citation

APA in-text citations typically include the author's last name and the year of publication. For videos, you can also include a timestamp if you are referencing a specific part of the talk.

APA Reference List Entry

The reference list entry for a TED Talk in APA style follows this format:

• Speaker's Last Name, First Initial. (Year, Month Day). Title of talk [Video]. TED Conferences. URL

The title of the talk is italicized, and the source is listed as TED Conferences. If it's a TEDx talk, you would list the specific TEDx event and location.

Citing TED Talks in Chicago Style

The Chicago Manual of Style offers two systems: Notes and Bibliography, and Author-Date. The Notes and Bibliography system is more common in the humanities, while Author-Date is often used in social sciences. We'll cover the Notes and Bibliography system here, which is generally more detailed.

Chicago Style: Notes and Bibliography

In Chicago style, you'll use footnotes or endnotes for in-text citations and a bibliography at the end of your paper. The notes provide a more detailed citation than the bibliography entry.

Chicago Style Footnote/Endnote

The format for a note is:

• 1. Speaker First Name Last Name, "Title of Talk," presentation at Name of Event (if applicable), City, State (if applicable), Date of Presentation/Publication, URL.

Chicago Style Bibliography Entry

The bibliography entry is similar but formatted differently, with the author's last name first.

• Speaker Last Name, First Name. "Title of Talk." TED or TEDx Event Name (if applicable). Date of Presentation/Publication. URL.

Common Pitfalls and Best Practices

While the guidelines for citing TED Talks are relatively consistent, a few common issues can trip people up. Being aware of these can save you time and ensure accuracy.

• Distinguish between TED and TEDx: While both are under the TED umbrella, TEDx events are independently organized. This distinction is important, especially for Chicago style, and sometimes for APA (where you might cite the specific TEDx event).
• Use the official URL: Always link to the talk on the official TED website (ted.com) or the official TED YouTube channel. Avoid linking to unofficial uploads or personal blogs that feature the talk.
• Verify the date: Ensure you are using the correct date – either the date the talk was originally given or the date it was published online. The TED website usually provides the publication date.
• Speaker vs. Organization: In most styles, the speaker is treated as the author. However, if a talk is presented by an organization without a clear individual speaker, you might cite the organization as the author.
• Consistency is Key: Whichever style guide you are using, be consistent throughout your paper. If you're unsure about a specific detail, consult the official style manual or your instructor/editor.

Remember that your instructor or publisher may have specific preferences or requirements that supersede general style guide rules. Always check your assignment guidelines or editorial standards first.

When to Cite a TED Talk

You should cite a TED Talk whenever you use information, ideas, or direct quotes from it in your work. This includes:

• Direct quotations from the speaker.
• Paraphrased ideas or arguments presented in the talk.
• Statistics or data mentioned by the speaker.
• Any specific concepts or theories introduced or explained.
• Visuals or examples used in the presentation that you are referencing.

Conclusion: Mastering TED Talk Citations

Citing a TED Talk might seem like a small detail, but it's a vital part of academic and professional integrity. By understanding the specific requirements of MLA, APA, and Chicago styles, and by carefully gathering the necessary information, you can ensure your references are accurate and contribute to the credibility of your work. Whether you're drawing inspiration from a scientist's breakthrough discovery or a philosopher's profound thought, proper citation is the key to responsible scholarship. Use this guide as your go-to resource, and always double-check your work for accuracy.