close
close
how to cite tedtalk apa

how to cite tedtalk apa

2 min read 05-02-2025
how to cite tedtalk apa

TED Talks are incredibly popular sources of information and insight on a vast range of topics. But how do you properly cite a TED Talk in your academic papers, specifically using APA style? This guide will walk you through the process, covering common scenarios and potential pitfalls. Knowing how to correctly cite a TED Talk demonstrates academic integrity and avoids plagiarism.

Understanding APA Citation Basics

Before diving into TED Talk specifics, remember the core principles of APA style: consistency, accuracy, and clarity. Your citation should provide enough information for a reader to easily locate the source. APA emphasizes in-text citations linked to a comprehensive reference list at the end of your paper.

Citing a TED Talk: The Essential Elements

Regardless of the specific format, citing a TED Talk in APA requires these core elements:

  • Author's name: The speaker's name.
  • Year: The year the talk was published (or filmed). This is often visible on the TED website.
  • Title of the talk: The title of the TED Talk, written as a title (capitalizing the first letter of each word except for articles, prepositions, and conjunctions).
  • Platform: "TED"
  • URL: The permanent URL (web address) of the TED Talk.

Different Citation Scenarios and Examples

Here's a breakdown of different ways you might encounter TED Talks and how to cite them accordingly:

1. Standard TED Talk Citation

Let's say you watched a TED Talk titled "The power of vulnerability" by Brené Brown, published in 2010. The APA citation would look like this:

In-text citation: (Brown, 2010)

Reference list entry:

Brown, B. (2010, June). The power of vulnerability. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability?language=en

Important Note: If the month isn't available, you can omit it.

2. TED Talk with a Sub-Title

If a TED Talk has a subtitle, include it in the title as it appears on the website, using a colon to separate the main and subtitle.

3. TEDx Talk Citation

TEDx Talks are independently organized events. Your citation needs to reflect this. Include "TEDx" before the location of the event. For instance:

In-text citation: (Smith, 2023)

Reference list entry:

Smith, J. (2023, March). The future of sustainable energy. TEDx[Location]. https://www.ted.com/talks/jane_smith_the_future_of_sustainable_energy

Replace "[Location]" and the URL with the correct details.

4. TED Talk with a Transcript

If you're referencing a transcript instead of the video, specify this in your citation and include relevant information about where you found the transcript (if not on the TED website). This could mean adding details about the type of access in the URL section (like specifying 'transcript' after the URL) or mentioning the place of access within the reference description.

Tips for Accurate TED Talk Citations

  • Double-check the URL: Ensure the URL is correct and leads directly to the TED Talk.
  • Consistency is key: Maintain consistent formatting throughout your paper.
  • Use a citation manager: Tools like Zotero or Mendeley can help automate the process and ensure accuracy.
  • If unsure, consult the latest APA manual: This will be the final arbiter of correct formatting.

By following these guidelines, you can confidently and correctly cite TED Talks in your APA-style papers. Remember that accuracy and consistency are crucial for maintaining academic integrity.

Related Posts