How To Cite A Ted Talk Mla

Let's explore the proper way to cite a TED Talk using the Modern Language Association (MLA) format, ensuring clarity and accuracy in your academic work.

Understanding MLA Citation

The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is a widely used style guide for academic writing, particularly in the humanities. It provides a standardized approach to citing sources, enabling readers to easily identify and locate the materials you've consulted. Accurate citation is crucial for academic integrity, giving credit to the original creators of ideas and information, and avoiding plagiarism. When citing a TED Talk, you'll need to include specific details such as the speaker's name, the title of the talk, the name of the TED website, and the URL. Let's dive into the specifics of how to accomplish this.

Gathering Information for Your Citation

Before you begin constructing your MLA citation, make sure you have all the necessary information about the TED Talk. This typically includes:

Speaker's Name: The full name of the person who gave the TED Talk.
Title of the Talk: The exact title of the TED Talk, usually found on the TED website or video.
TED Website Name: The name of the website where the talk is hosted (usually TED).
Date of Publication: The date the TED Talk was published on the TED website.
URL: The direct web address of the TED Talk.

Having all these details readily available will streamline the citation process and ensure accuracy.

Constructing the MLA Citation

The basic format for citing a TED Talk in MLA format is as follows:

Speaker Last Name, Speaker First Name. "Title of Talk." TED, Date of Publication, URL.

Let's break down each component of this format:

Speaker Last Name, Speaker First Name: Start with the speaker's last name, followed by a comma, and then the speaker's first name. For example:

Brown, Brené.
"Title of Talk": Enclose the title of the TED Talk in quotation marks. Capitalize the first letter of each main word in the title. For example:

"The Power of Vulnerability."
TED: Italicize the name of the website, which is usually TED. This indicates that the talk is hosted on the TED platform.

TED,
Date of Publication: Provide the date the TED Talk was published on the TED website. Use the format Day Month Year. For example:

12 Dec. 2010,
URL: Include the direct URL of the TED Talk. This allows readers to easily access the talk themselves. Make sure the URL is a complete and accurate link.

.

Putting it all together, the complete MLA citation for the example TED Talk would look like this:

Brown, Brené. "The Power of Vulnerability." TED, 12 Dec. 2010, .

This citation provides all the essential information needed for readers to locate the TED Talk and verify the source material.

In-Text Citations

In addition to the full citation in your Works Cited list, you'll also need to include in-text citations within your paper whenever you reference or quote from the TED Talk. The in-text citation should correspond to the first element of your Works Cited entry, which is typically the speaker's last name.

The basic format for an in-text citation when referring to a TED Talk is:

(Speaker Last Name)

For example, if you were referencing Brené Brown's TED Talk, your in-text citation would look like this:

(Brown)

If you include the speaker's name in your sentence, you don't need to repeat it in the in-text citation. For instance:

As Brené Brown argues, vulnerability is a key component of connection (Brown).

If you are directly quoting from the TED Talk, you should also include a timestamp to indicate where the quote can be found in the video. The format for this is:

(Speaker Last Name, timestamp)

For example:

Brown states that "vulnerability is not weakness" (Brown, 2:15).

This tells the reader that the quote can be found approximately 2 minutes and 15 seconds into the TED Talk.

Citing TED Talk Transcripts

Sometimes, you might be using a transcript of the TED Talk rather than the video itself. In this case, the citation format remains largely the same, but you should indicate that you are citing a transcript.

Here's how you can modify the MLA citation to include the fact that you used a transcript:

Speaker Last Name, Speaker First Name. "Title of Talk." TED, Date of Publication, URL. Transcript.

The word "Transcript" should be added after the URL to specify that you are citing the written version of the talk.

For example:

Brown, Brené. "The Power of Vulnerability." TED, 12 Dec. 2010, . Transcript.

The in-text citation would still follow the same format, using the speaker's last name. If you are quoting from the transcript, you can include a page number if the transcript provides one.

Examples of TED Talk Citations

To further illustrate how to cite TED Talks in MLA format, here are a few more examples:

Example 1: Amy Cuddy - "Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are"
- Speaker: Amy Cuddy
- Title: "Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are"
- Website: TED
- Date of Publication: June 2012
- URL:
MLA Citation:

Cuddy, Amy. "Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are." TED, June 2012, .

In-Text Citation:

(Cuddy)
Example 2: Simon Sinek - "How Great Leaders Inspire Action"
- Speaker: Simon Sinek
- Title: "How Great Leaders Inspire Action"
- Website: TED
- Date of Publication: September 2009
- URL:
MLA Citation:

Sinek, Simon. "How Great Leaders Inspire Action." TED, Sept. 2009, .

In-Text Citation:

(Sinek)
Example 3: Susan Cain - "The Power of Introverts"
- Speaker: Susan Cain
- Title: "The Power of Introverts"
- Website: TED
- Date of Publication: March 2012
- URL:
MLA Citation:

Cain, Susan. "The Power of Introverts." TED, Mar. 2012, .

In-Text Citation:

(Cain)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When citing TED Talks in MLA format, there are several common mistakes to avoid:

Missing Information: Ensure you have all the necessary details, including the speaker's name, talk title, website name, publication date, and URL.
Incorrect Formatting: Pay close attention to the formatting guidelines, such as using quotation marks for the talk title and italicizing the website name.
Inconsistent In-Text Citations: Make sure your in-text citations match the first element of your Works Cited entry (usually the speaker's last name).
Ignoring Timestamps: When quoting directly from the TED Talk, include a timestamp to indicate the specific location of the quote.
Using the Wrong Date Format: Use the correct date format (Day Month Year) for the publication date.
Forgetting to Include "Transcript": If you are citing a transcript, don't forget to include the word "Transcript" after the URL in your citation.

By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can ensure that your TED Talk citations are accurate and adhere to MLA guidelines.

Using Citation Management Tools

If you frequently cite sources in your academic work, consider using a citation management tool. These tools can help you organize your sources, generate citations in various formats (including MLA), and create a Works Cited list automatically. Some popular citation management tools include:

Zotero: A free and open-source citation management tool that integrates with your web browser and word processor.
Mendeley: A reference manager and academic social network that allows you to store, organize, and share your research.
EndNote: A powerful citation management tool that offers advanced features for managing and formatting citations.

Using these tools can save you time and effort, and help ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent.

Additional Tips for Citing TED Talks

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when citing TED Talks:

Check the MLA Handbook: For the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on MLA citation guidelines, consult the official MLA Handbook.
Be Consistent: Maintain consistency in your citation style throughout your paper.
Proofread Carefully: Always proofread your citations to catch any errors or inconsistencies.
Consult Your Instructor: If you have any questions or concerns about citing TED Talks in MLA format, consult your instructor or a librarian for guidance.
Use Official TED Website: Always get your information from the official TED website to ensure accuracy.
Note Any Modifications: If you are citing a modified version of the TED Talk (e.g., an edited transcript), indicate this in your citation.

Conclusion

Citing a TED Talk in MLA format requires attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can accurately cite TED Talks in your academic work, giving proper credit to the speakers and avoiding plagiarism. Remember to gather all the necessary information, construct your citations carefully, and use in-text citations whenever you reference or quote from the talk. With practice and attention to detail, you can master the art of citing TED Talks in MLA format and enhance the credibility of your research.