How to Cite a Presentation in Purdue OWL Format
Citing presentations, whether viewed in person or online, can be tricky. This guide provides clear instructions on how to cite presentations using the Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) style guide, a widely accepted citation format. We'll cover various scenarios, ensuring you correctly attribute your sources and avoid plagiarism.
Understanding the Basics of Purdue OWL Citations
The Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) offers comprehensive guidance on various citation styles, including MLA, APA, and Chicago. While the specific format varies depending on the style you choose, the core principles remain consistent: accurately represent the source information and allow readers to easily locate it. For presentations, this means providing enough detail to identify the speaker, the presentation's title, the date, and where it was presented.
Citing Different Types of Presentations
The way you cite a presentation depends on how you accessed it. Here's a breakdown of common scenarios and their corresponding citation formats. Remember to always double-check the specific guidelines for your chosen style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) on the Purdue OWL website.
1. In-Person Presentation
For presentations attended in person, you'll need to provide as much information as possible. The following example uses MLA style:
Example:
Smith, John. "The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers." Presentation, Annual Conference of the American Sociological Association, Chicago, IL, 15 August 2023.
Key Elements:
- Author's Last Name, First Name: John Smith
- Presentation Title: "The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers" (in quotation marks)
- Description: "Presentation"
- Conference/Event: Annual Conference of the American Sociological Association
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Date: 15 August 2023
2. Online Presentation (e.g., Slideshare, YouTube)
Online presentations often require additional information to locate them. Here's an example in APA style:
Example:
Smith, J. (2023, August 15). The impact of social media on teenagers [PowerPoint slides]. Slideshare. https://www.slideshare.net/johnsmith/the-impact-of-social-media-on-teenagers
Key Elements:
- Author's Last Name, First Initial: J. Smith
- Year: 2023
- Month Day: August 15
- Title: The impact of social media on teenagers (in italics)
- Description: [PowerPoint slides] (or a similar description)
- Platform: Slideshare
- URL: (If available – Always check the website's terms of use before including a link)
3. Webinars
Webinars are often recorded and available online. The citation would resemble an online presentation but might include the webinar platform (e.g., Zoom, GoToWebinar). Adapt the example above to include this information.
Tips for Accurate Citation
- Double-Check Information: Always verify the accuracy of the information you're using.
- Consistency: Maintain consistent formatting throughout your citations.
- Consult the Purdue OWL: The Purdue OWL website is the definitive source for citation guidelines. Use their examples as templates.
- Specific Style Guides: Different citation styles (MLA, APA, Chicago) have specific requirements. Choose the style required by your assignment or publication and adhere to its rules strictly.
By following these steps and referring to the Purdue OWL website for the most up-to-date information, you can accurately cite presentations and avoid potential plagiarism issues. Remember that providing complete and accurate information is crucial for academic integrity.
