Your Stress-Free Guide to Citing TED Talks in MLA

TED Talks, those captivating presentations on everything from technology to personal growth, are invaluable resources for research and academic writing. But citing them correctly, especially in MLA format, can sometimes feel like navigating a labyrinth. Fear not! This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring your citations are accurate and your papers are free from formatting frustration.

Understanding MLA Citation Basics for TED Talks

Before diving into the specifics of citing TED Talks, let's quickly review the fundamental structure of MLA citations. Generally, an MLA citation includes the author's name, the title of the work, the publication information, and the date of access. For TED Talks, the "publication" is considered the TED website. While the format might seem complex at first, breaking it down makes it significantly simpler.

How to Cite a TED Talk in MLA: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let's consider a hypothetical TED Talk: "The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown. Here's how you would cite it in your MLA Works Cited page:

Brown, Brené. "The Power of Vulnerability." TED, TED Conferences, LLC, [Date of Publication], [URL]. Accessed [Date of Access].

Let's break down each component:

• Brown, Brené. This is the speaker's last name followed by their first name.

• "The Power of Vulnerability." This is the title of the TED Talk. Note that titles of shorter works like articles and talks are placed in quotation marks.

• TED. This is the title of the website or publication. Italicize the name of the website.

• TED Conferences, LLC, This indicates the publisher of the TED Talk.

• [Date of Publication]: This is the date the talk was originally filmed and uploaded to TED. You can typically find this information on the TED Talk's page.

• [URL]: Include the full URL of the TED Talk.

• Accessed [Date of Access]. This is the date you accessed the TED Talk.

Example using a real TED Talk:

Let's say you are citing Sir Ken Robinson's famous talk, "Do Schools Kill Creativity?". A complete citation would look like this:

Robinson, Sir Ken. "Do Schools Kill Creativity?" TED, TED Conferences, LLC, July 2006, [insert URL here]. Accessed 15 Oct. 2023.

Remember to replace the bracketed information with the specific details of the TED Talk you are using.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if the speaker's name isn't readily available?

If you can't find the speaker's name, use the title of the TED Talk as the first element of your citation.

How do I cite a TED Talk with multiple speakers?

List the speakers' names in the order they appear in the video. If there are many speakers, you may shorten the citation by using "et al." after the first speaker's name.

What if the TED Talk is part of a series or a larger event?

If the TED Talk is part of a series or a larger event (like a TEDx event), include that information in the citation after the TED title. For example: TEDx[Location]

Where should I put the citation in my paper?

Include the complete citation on your Works Cited page at the end of your paper. In-text citations should follow standard MLA guidelines, typically including the speaker's last name and the year of publication.

Do I need to cite the specific timecode I used?

No, you don't need to include the specific timecode you referenced in your citation. However, it is good practice to include a parenthetical citation with the speaker's name and topic within your essay itself.

Mastering MLA Citations for TED Talks: The Takeaway

Citing TED Talks in MLA format might seem daunting at first, but with a methodical approach and a clear understanding of the components involved, it becomes straightforward. Remember to always double-check your information for accuracy, and consult your instructor or the MLA Handbook for any additional guidelines specific to your assignment. By following these steps, you can confidently incorporate these enriching resources into your academic writing.