How to Cite a Speech in MLA

With ever increasing connectivity, we have gained access to recordings and transcripts from around the world. When a researcher decides to use a speech as part of their writing process, it is important that they consider the full context of the speech. Necessary details will include the speaker’s name, the title of the speech, the location, the date, and the author/editor (if the speech is published as part of a larger work). 

If you are going to cite text from a historical speech, you should locate your source first. You will most likely use a book or an online site with a transcript or audio recording. Keep in mind that if you use a recreation of a historical speech, you will also need details related to the current speaker. 

Historical Speech from a Book

Citation
Lincoln, Abraham. “The Gettysburg Address.” 19 Nov. 1863. Gettysburg, written by Stephen W. Sears, Mariner Books, 2004.
Structure
Surname, First Name. “Title of Speech.” Date Speech was Given. Title of Book, written by First Name Surname, Publisher, Year of Publication. 

Historical Speech from a Transcript 

Citation
Lincoln, Abraham. “The Gettysburg Address.” 19 Nov. 1863. Gettysburg Address, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/item/rbpe.24404500/. Transcript. 
Structure
Surname, First Name. “Title of Speech.” Date Speech was Given. Title of Website, Publisher, Date of Publication, URL. Format.

Recording of a Historical Speech (Original) 

Citation
Roosevelt, Franklin D. “Declaration of War on Japan.” United States Congress, 8 Dec. 1941, Washington, D.C. British Pathe, www.britishpathe.com/asset/90373/. 
Structure
Surname, First Name. “Title of Speech”. Organization, Date, Location. Publishing Organization, Date, URL. 

Many times with historical speeches, recordings are posted on secondary sites. For example, current US Congressional speeches are accessible through federal sites, but older recordings might be found on sites such as YouTube. If this is the case, you will treat the hosting site as the second container for information. In the example below, that would be the name of the site, the date the speech was published on that site, and the URL. 

Recording of a Historical Speech (Recreation) 

Citation
Lincoln, Abraham. “The Gettysburg Address.” 19 Nov. 1863. “Gettysburg Address”, performed by James Getty, 19 Nov. 2000. www.c-span.org/program/vignette/gettysburg-address-re-enactment/171195. 
Structure
Surname, First Name. “Title of Speech.” Date. “Title of Page”, performed by First Name Surname, date of recreation, URL.

If you are attending an event or taking a class where you hear a speech live, you will need all the basic details plus the name of the event or course where the speech was delivered. 

Live Speech

Citation
Gordon, Jon. “The One Truth.” American Baseball Coaches Association Convention, 4 Jan. 2025, Washington, D.C.
Structure
Surname, First Name. “Title of the Speech.” Event, Date, Location. 

Recording of a Live Speech 

Citation
Kwan, Daniel, and Daniel Scheinert. “Daniels: Why We Tell the Stories We Tell.” South by Southwest, 16 Mar. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YVwQpLggTs. 
Structure
Surname, First Name, and First Name Surname. “Title of the Speech.” Event, Date, URL. 

If you are the one giving a speech and are using a quote or paraphrasing from a text, be sure to include as much information as possible. You should consider including the author’s name, title of the work, and the date of publication. 

When you are citing any work with more than one author in MLA, remember that the second author will be listed “First Name Surname.” If there are three or more authors, you will use et al., in your citations. 

When utilizing online sources for a speech, be sure to locate a trusted source. By using a vetted site, you are demonstrating discernment and citing links that are more likely to remain active. 

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Rebecca Cahill

Rebecca Cahill is an assistant principal in the U.S. who works with students across diverse educational disciplines, providing guidance in research, academic writing, and citation. She supports learners at all levels, from young adults beginning with research skills to adults pursuing advanced degrees.

Learn how to cite in MLA