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MLA Citation Guide (9th Edition): Powerpoint Presentations

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Powerpoint presentations - what do i need to cite, powerpoint presentations - where do my citations go, other digital assignments - where do my citations go.

What am I legally required to cite in my digital assignment?

According to the Copyright Act, you must cite the sources (images, videos, books, websites, etc.) that you used in your digital assignment ( 29.21(1)(b) ). You must cite the source (where you got the information from) and the creator of the content (if available). You must also make sure that any copyrighted materials you used in your assignment meet the conditions set out in section  29.21  of the Copyright Act. For a list of conditions and more information, please visit:  http://studentcopyright.wordpress.com/mashups/

What citation style do I use for the sources in my digital assignment?

There is no one required citation style, so please defer to your instructor's directions and citation style preference.

List your sources in a slide at the end of the Powerpoint presentation, with in-text citations throughout your presentation as applicable.

You could also provide a print copy of the sources you used to those attending your presentation.

Seneca Libraries has the following recommendations for how to organize your list of sources for digital assignments. Please check with your instructor first:

Videos you create: 

List your sources in a credits screen at the end of the video.

Websites you create:

• For images, include a citation under each image using this format “From: XXXX” and then make the image a link back to the original image ( example  - picture of little girl). Or list the citation at the bottom of the web page.
• For quotes or material from other sources, include an in-text citation that links back to the original material ( example  – second paragraph).

Images you create: 

If possible list your sources at the bottom or side of the image ( example ). Otherwise, include a list of citations alongside the image wherever it’s uploaded (e.g. Flickr, Blackboard).

**Please note that the above are recommendations only and your instructor may have a preference and directions for how and where you list your sources for your assignment.**

If you don't receive specific instructions from your instructor, try to include your citations in a way that doesn't impact the design of your digital assignment.

For more information please contact Seneca Libraries copyright team at  [email protected]

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Citing lectures, speeches, or conference proceedings: MLA (9th ed.) citation guide

This guide is based on the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 9th ed. and provides selected citation examples for common types of sources.  For more detailed information, please consult the full manual: available in print and online .

Lecture, speech, reading or address

When citing a live presentation like a speech or lecture from a conference or an event, include the name of the sponsoring/presenting organization (after the title), and the venue (after date and before the wider location) in your works cited. 

Parenthetical (in-text) 

The presenter went to great lengths to prove his point regarding how your brain has been shaped by evolution (Crespi). 

Works cited 

A live lecture  .

Crespi, Bernie. "Darwin and Your Brain." Vancouver Evolution Festival . Simon Fraser University and University of British Columbia, 12 Feb. 2009, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver.

An online recording of a live presentation

Parker, Pardis. “Why Being a Billionaire is a Joke.” TED , Oct. 2022, www.ted.com/talks/pardis_parker_why_being_a_billionaire_is_a_joke.

Conference proceedings

A conference proceeding is the published record of a conference, congress, symposium, or other meeting sponsored by a society or association. The document will look similar to an article or book chapter (and it may in fact be a chapter in a book). To cite a conference proceeding, provide the same information as when citing a book or article , but also include additional information such as the title and date of the conference.

You may be citing an edited book of proceedings (see Edited print books ) or a single presentation, in which you would cite the author(s)/presenter(s), the title of the presentation, and the conference proceeding details similar to a book chapter or journal article .

Parenthetical (in-text)

Social media provides a platform for more minority groups to speak out (Fu).

Works cited

Whole proceedings.

Chang, Steve S., et al., editors. Proceedings of the Twenty-Fifth Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society, February 12–15, 1999: General Session and Parasession on Loan Word Phenomena . Berkeley Linguistics Society, 2000.

A single presentation

Fu, Yige, et al. “Research on the Influences of Social Media to Gender Equality.” SHS Web of Conferences , vol. 148, EDP Sciences, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/202214803026.

Still using MLA 8?

We've now updated our citation guides to MLA 9, but you can still use the printable version of our MLA 8 citation guide. 

Need more help? Check our Ask a Librarian services .

In-Text Citations: An Overview

In-text citations are brief, unobtrusive references that direct readers to the works-cited-list entries for the sources you consulted and, where relevant, to the location in the source being cited.

An in-text citation begins with the shortest piece of information that di­rects your reader to the entry in the works-cited list. Thus, it begins with what ever comes first in the entry: the author’s name or the title (or descrip­tion) of the work. The citation can appear in your prose or in parentheses.

Citation in prose  Naomi Baron broke new ground on the subject. Parenthetical citation At least one researcher has broken new ground on the subject (Baron). Work cited Baron, Naomi S. “Redefining Reading: The Impact of Digital Communication Media.” PMLA , vol. 128, no. 1, Jan. 2013, pp. 193–200. 

When relevant, an in-text citation also has a second component: if a specific part of a work is quoted or paraphrased and the work includes a page number, line number, time stamp, or other way to point readers to the place in the work where the information can be found, that location marker must be included in parentheses.

Parenthetical citation According to Naomi Baron, reading is “just half of literacy. The other half is writing” (194).

The author or title can also appear alongside the page number or other loca­tion marker in parentheses.

Parenthetical citation Reading is “just half of literacy. The other half is writing” (Baron 194).

All in-text references should be concise. Avoid, for instance, providing the author’s name or title of a work in both your prose and parentheses.

Citation (incorrect) According to Naomi Baron, reading is “just half of literacy. The other half is writing” (Baron 194). Citation (correct) According to Naomi Baron, reading is “just half of literacy. The other half is writing” (194).

For more on what to include in an in-text citation and how to style it, see sections 6.3–6.30 of the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook ).

55 Comments

Brandi unruh 10 april 2021 at 11:04 am.

Hello! I am a high school English teacher trying to answer a question that came up during our research unit. I can’t seem to find a definitive answer online. When using a shortened title in an in-text citation, does an ellipsis need to be included? For example, if the title was “The Problem of Poverty in America: A Historical and Cultural Analysis”, would the in-text citation be (“The Problem of Poverty in America...”) or (“The Problem of Poverty in America”)? Thank you for your time and expertise!

Your e-mail address will not be published

Laura Kiernan 12 April 2021 AT 11:04 AM

No, an ellipsis would not be used in an in-text citation. We provide extensive guidance on shortening titles in 6.10 of the new ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

angel 10 May 2021 AT 02:05 PM

hii How to write an in text citation of an entry from encyclopedia which has an editor but no separate authors for each entry ?

William Feeler 11 May 2021 AT 01:05 PM

I see no mention of paragraph numbers for unpaginated prose or sections/lines for drama. are these practices gone?

Laura Kiernan 18 May 2021 AT 01:05 PM

This post provides a general overview of our approach to in-text citations. The complete guidelines appear in sections 6.1–6.30 of the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

Vonceil Park 11 May 2021 AT 01:05 PM

Dear MLA Staff, A professor at my College demands students to provide paragraph number in the in-text citation for online articles that have no page number nor paragraph number. Do we just count the paragraph number and put them in the parenthesis, for example: (para. 3)?

Laura Kiernan 18 May 2021 AT 12:05 PM

Thank you for your question. Your approach to modifying our style in accordance with your professor's instructions works, but we would suggest confirming that styling with your professor.

Arathi Babu 17 May 2021 AT 08:05 AM

How to write an in text citation of an unsigned entry from a reference work?

Laura Kiernan 08 June 2021 AT 11:06 AM

If the entry was in a print work, the in-text citation would include the entry’s title or a shortened version of the entry’s title and the page number of the quotation. If the entry was in a reference work without page numbers, the in-text citation should just contain the title or shortened title of the entry.

Sethu 17 May 2021 AT 02:05 PM

For example: Can I give an in-text citation like the following: Shakespeare, in his work Hamlet, quotes: "To be or not to be" (7).

For citing commonly studied verse works, see 6.22 in the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

Trinity Klein 21 May 2021 AT 11:05 AM

Can you please help with proper in-text citation placement for an embedded quotation? Does the citation come immediately after the quotation or at the very end of the sentence? For example, is this correct: He asks her to take him home “in the voice of a child afraid of the dark” which comes as a shock to Scout because he has so long held a bold and rebellious reputation (372). Or should the (372) come immediately after ...dark"...? Thank you!

For more information about the placement of a parenthetical citations, see 6.43 in the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

Karima 30 May 2021 AT 05:05 PM

Dear MLA staff, 1) In case i am quoting from multiple sources by the same author, am i required to introduce again the source i am quoting from in the beginning of my sentence? (Quotes are used in multiple paragraphs)

For guidance on citing multiple sources by the same author, see 6.8 in the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

Yves 23 June 2021 AT 06:06 PM

Hello, is there a specific rule about how to format a range of page numbers in the parenthetical citation? For example, could (Eden 44-45) be written as (Eden 44-5), or is only one example correct?

Laura Kiernan 24 September 2021 AT 02:09 PM

For information about styling number ranges, see section 2.139 of the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

Faliravo 11 August 2021 AT 05:08 AM

Good morning MLA team, My professor insists that I include the year of publication for in-text citations. Is it going to be okay if I insert the year between the author and the page number?

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Laura Kiernan 24 September 2021 AT 01:09 PM

Your approach to modifying our style in accordance with your professor’s instructions works, but we would suggest confirming that styling with your professor.

Pauline 14 September 2021 AT 11:09 PM

How do I cite an entire work. For example, if I want to say Toni Morrison's the "Bluest Eye" has been used as a textbook for many English literature classes, I suppose I shouldn't put any page number in the parenthetical citation. But I can't find any MLA references on this.

See section 4.14 of the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

myron glassenberg 04 February 2022 AT 01:02 PM

if source is the whole book, how do I cite in text and in works cited pages. e.g. freud (no page number) Freud , ( 1892) The Pleasure Principle.

Rita Rozzi 20 September 2023 AT 07:09 PM

There is no section 4.14 in the ninth edition. Do you have any updated information? Thank you.

Laura Kiernan 21 September 2023 AT 03:09 PM

Section 4.14, which is titled "Passing Mentions," can be found in chapter 4 of the ninth edition of the handbook.

Lauren McFall 13 October 2021 AT 02:10 PM

Students often refer to the same source consecutively across more than one sentence. I'm having a hard time finding information about the preferred approach according to the MLA. As a parallel, APA makes a specific recommendation - "cite the source in the first sentence in which it is relevant and do not repeat the citation in subsequent sentences as long as the source remains clear and unchanged" https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/citations/appropriate-citation

Laura Kiernan 20 October 2021 AT 04:10 PM

See 6.45 of the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

Ruth Schafer 01 December 2022 AT 07:12 PM

6.45 out of the MLA Handbook's ninth edition does not provide an example of how to cite a multi-sentence paraphrase when using an unpaginated source. Can you give an example of how to cite a multi-sentence paraphrase where the source does not have published page numbering?

Should I introduce the source in my prose and then again at the end of the multi-sentence paraphrase in parentheses when I have finished citing the paraphrase? Example: John Smith from Smith Architecture explains that crawl space foundations are...blah blah blah. These foundations are most commonly used in midwestern constructions where the frost line is...blah, blah, blah. Keep writing the paraphrase and then at the end of the final sentence instead of a page citation write the author's last name (Smith). This way if you switch to a different source, at least the reader knows that you have finished with the Smith source and have moved on to your own commentary or another source's information. Usually, I'd use a page citation at the end of the paraphrase, but when dealing with a source that does not have page numbering, I'm unsure what to do.

Lizzie 18 October 2021 AT 10:10 PM

If I only use textual evidence from the novel I'm examining, do I need to include the authors name with each in text citation? There are no other works cited, so it seems redundant/clutter-y to me

Kayden 29 October 2021 AT 05:10 PM

If I'm trying to cite multiple paragraphs from the same source would it be correct to say (par. 3 and 13) or should it be (par. 3, 13) and is it different if they are next to each other too like (par. 6-7) or (par. 6 and 7).

Laura Kiernan 04 November 2021 AT 11:11 AM

See sections 6.18–6.20 of the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

Rachel 17 November 2021 AT 01:11 PM

When citing from an online source without pagination, if you include the author's name in the introduction to the quote, do you need to include anything in parentheses like the article title?

Laura Kiernan 22 November 2021 AT 12:11 PM

See section 6.26 of the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

July 25 November 2021 AT 05:11 PM

When quoting an online source (e.g. a website), do I have to indicate the fact that it's an online source in the in-text-citations as in (Name [online]) or is the author's name enough?

Thank you in advance for your answer.

Laura Kiernan 29 November 2021 AT 10:11 AM

According to MLA style, an in-text citation for an online work should not note that the work is online.

Pinkie 19 March 2022 AT 08:03 PM

If I'm writing a response paper, and I need to summarize the whole article to introduce it, then should I use in-text citation?

Laura Kiernan 25 March 2022 AT 01:03 PM

For guidance on paraphrasing, see sections 4.5–4.8 of the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

Kay 09 April 2022 AT 06:04 PM

Hi, am I supposed to include the DOI when one is available in the citation? If I cite the print version of a journal article that has a DOI, still include the DOI in the citation? Thank you!

Laura Kiernan 11 April 2022 AT 11:04 AM

Thank you for your questions. For guidance on including a DOI in your works-cited-list entry, see sections 5.84 and 5.93 in the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

Mike 16 April 2022 AT 05:04 PM

Website in-text Citation...

When I'm writing an in-text citation for a website, I'm seeing all manner of different things to include. Do I need to add the author name and year of publishing for the article?\ Do I just need the website name? I'm not really understanding what I need to add or obtain for such a citation within the text I'm writing.

I'm writing a book on my life, and I'm quoting a particular webpage to show one particular angle of an argument I'm making, and, of course, it's not common knowledge, so I want to make sure that I follow all the rules for this kind of thing, so I don't get in trouble with the author(s) of the sources I have quoted from...

Laura Kiernan 18 April 2022 AT 02:04 PM

Thank you for your questions about MLA style. For guidance on in-text citations for web pages, see section 6.26 of the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

Cynthia 21 May 2022 AT 10:05 PM

When you're doing an In-text citations do you put the quotations over the chapter title and then quotations over what you get from the text or do you italicize the title?

Laura Kiernan 25 May 2022 AT 03:05 PM

Thank you for your question. For guidance on how to style chapter titles, see 2.109 of the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

Napatsi 15 August 2022 AT 07:08 PM

I'm trying to find how to put in the in-text citation for a UN declaration article but can only find the "Resolutions of International Governing Bodies" on page 446 of the 9th edition but not how to out it in without an author.

Kim 27 September 2022 AT 12:09 PM

I'm quoting a passage from an unpublished manuscript, and it is not the only work I'm citing by the author, but the only one without a year. So using "Smith 1995, 82" is not possible. What would an in-text citation for this case look like?

Jen 17 November 2022 AT 08:11 PM

How do I cite a news cast for in-text citation like ABC News?

Samantha 04 December 2022 AT 05:12 PM

Hi, For MLA format, should a quote where you need to de-capitalize the first letter be written as "you want" or "(y)ou want". Thanks!

Laura Kiernan 07 December 2022 AT 01:12 PM

Thank you for your question. For guidance on how to indicate that you have lowercased the first letter of a quotation, see 6.56 of the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

Maria Albeti 07 February 2023 AT 01:02 PM

Stewart, David W. Focus groups. In: Frey, B.B. (ed.) The SAGE Encyclopedia of Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation, vol. 2, pp. 687–692. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications 2018 In this case, how is the correct form to write, because the article is IN the the book?

Eros Karadzhov 15 February 2023 AT 02:02 PM

If we have a sentence that is a statement, but at the end we quote a question, which punctuation mark do we keep, the question mark or the period; maybe both? Example: (1) The author ends his poem with the following question on purpose: "Or does it explode?" (Hughes 11). (2) The author ends his poem with the following question on purpose: "Or does it explode" (Hughes 11)?

Which would be correct, or maybe both are wrong?

Thank you in advance!

Laura Kiernan 16 February 2023 AT 03:02 PM

Thank you for your question. For guidance on quotations ending in a question mark, see section 6.53 of the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

Anonymous 08 March 2023 AT 05:03 PM

What about online articles with no known author or multiple authors? What should the in-text citation look like?

Maria 25 March 2023 AT 04:03 PM

Please settle a dispute with my colleagues. I encourage composition students to avoid listing the title of journal articles within the essay unless it is especially relevant because it clutters their arguments. I came to this conclusion from my interpretation of this statement from MLA: "All in-text references should be concise. Avoid, for instance, providing the author’s name or title of a work in both your prose and parentheses." Could someone please provide an answer or further clarification?

Erika Suffern 30 March 2023 AT 04:03 PM

You are right to identify a principle of concision in our guidelines. That said, it is not wrong to mention a title in prose, but it should be done, as you note, when relevant–not as a de rigeur practice or for “filler.” As Eric Hayot notes in The Elements of Academic Style: Writing for the Humanities (Columbia UP, 2014), “giving the title” in prose “suggests fuller forthcoming treatment” (159). Another reason for including the title in prose might be to call attention to something about it. Many writers who do mention a title in prose fear having an incomplete citation and are tempted also to include the title in a parenthetical reference, which is unnecessary.

Jay 29 April 2023 AT 12:04 AM

How do I in-text cite a direct quote from the introduction of an ebook with no page numbers? Would I write (Author "Introduction") or just write (Author)?

Kiara 11 February 2024 AT 03:02 PM

Hello! I am a university student who is currently creating works cited entries and in-text citations for a reflection essay. How do I properly cite professor and peer comments?

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If you have a question for the MLA's editors, submit it to Ask the MLA!

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Mla quick citation guide.

• In-text Citation
• Citing Generative AI
• Citing Web Pages and Social Media
• Citing Articles
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• Other formats
• MLA Style Quiz

Using In-text Citation

Include an in-text citation when you refer to, summarize, paraphrase, or quote from another source. For every in-text citation in your paper, there must be a corresponding entry in your reference list.

MLA in-text citation style uses the author's last name and the page number from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken, for example: (Smith 163). If the source does not use page numbers, do not include a number in the parenthetical citation: (Smith).

For more information on in-text citation, see the MLA Style Center .

Example paragraph with in-text citation

A few researchers in the linguistics field have developed training programs designed to improve native speakers' ability to understand accented speech (Derwing et al. 246; Thomas 15). Their training techniques are based on the research described above indicating that comprehension improves with exposure to non-native speech. Derwing and others conducted their training with students preparing to be social workers, but note that other professionals who work with non-native speakers could benefit from a similar program (258).

Works Cited List

Derwing, Tracey M., et al. "Teaching Native Speakers to Listen to Foreign-accented Speech." Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, vol. 23, no. 4, 2002, pp. 245-259.

Thomas, Holly K.  Training Strategies for Improving Listeners' Comprehension of Foreign-accented Speech. University of Colorado, Boulder, 2004.

Citing Web Pages In Text

Cite web pages in text as you would any other source, using the author if known. If the author is not known, use the title as the in-text citation.

Your in-text citation should lead your reader to the corresponding entry in the reference list. Below are examples of using in-text citation with web pages.

Entire website with author: In-text citation Parents play an important role in helping children learn techniques for coping with bullying (Kraizer).

Works cited entry Kraizer, Sherryll. Safe Child. Coalition for Children, 2011, www.safechild.org.

Web page with no author: In-text citation The term Nittany Lion was coined by Penn State football player Joe Mason in 1904 ("All Things Nittany").

Works cited entry "All Things Nittany." About Penn State. Penn State University, 2006, www.psu.edu/ur/about/nittanymascot.html.

General Guidelines

In MLA style the author's name can be included either in the narrative text of your paper, or in parentheses following the reference to the source.

Author's name part of narrative:

Gass and Varonis found that the most important element in comprehending non-native speech is familiarity with the topic (163).

Author's name in parentheses:

One study found that the most important element in comprehending non-native speech is familiarity with the topic (Gass and Varonis 163).

Group as author: (American Psychological Association 123)

Multiple works: (separate each work with semi-colons)

Research shows that listening to a particular accent improves comprehension of accented speech in general (Gass and Varonis 143; Thomas 24).

Direct quote:

One study found that “the listener's familiarity with the topic of discourse greatly facilitates the interpretation of the entire message” (Gass and Varonis 85).

Gass and Varonis found that “the listener’s familiarity with the topic of discourse greatly facilitates the interpretation of the entire message” (85).

Note: For quotations that are more than four lines of prose or three lines of verse, display quotations as an indented block of text (one inch from left margin) and omit quotation marks. Place your parenthetical citation at the end of the block of text, after the final punctuation mark.

In addition to awareness-raising, practicing listening to accented speech has been shown to improve listening comprehension. This article recommends developing listening training programs for library faculty and staff, based on research from the linguistics and language teaching fields. Even brief exposure to accented speech can help listeners improve their comprehension, thereby improving the level of service to international patrons. (O'Malley 19)

Works by Multiple Authors

When citing works by multiple authors, always spell out the word "and." When a source has three or more authors, only the first one shown in the source is normally given followed by et al.

One author: (Field 399)

Works Cited entry: Field, John. "Intelligibility and the Listener: The Role of Lexical Stress." TESOL Quarterly , vol. 39, no. 3, 2005, pp. 399-423.

Two authors: (Gass and Varonis 67)

Works Cited entry: Gass, Susan, and Evangeline M. Varonis. "The Effect of Familiarity on the Comprehensibility of Nonnative Speech." Language Learning , vol. 34, no. 1, 1984, pp. 65-89.

Three or more authors: (Munro et al. 70)

Works Cited entry: Munro, Murray J., et al. "Salient Accents, Covert Attitudes: Consciousness-raising for Pre-service Second Language Teachers." Prospect , vol. 21, no. 1, 2006, pp. 67-79.

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Home / Guides / Citation Guides / MLA Format / How to Cite a Lecture in MLA

How to Cite a Lecture in MLA

Citing a lecture.

Here’s a quick overview of how to cite a lecture in MLA style 9th edition.

Lecture – An oral presentation intended to present information about a particular subject; can be a speech, reading, or address.

MLA Lecture Citation Structure:

Speaker Last Name, First Name. “Presentation Title.” Event Name, Day Month Year presented, Location, City. Lecture.

Note: The event title, city, and location are not always specified in the lecture, but the information can be found elsewhere (like event programs).

MLA Lecture Citation Example:

Hamilton, Buffy J. “Illuminating Learning Communities Through School Libraries and Makerspaces: Creating, Constructing, Collaborating, Contributing.” Texas Library Association Conference, 29 Aug. 2013, Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth. Lecture.

MLA Lecture In-text Citation Structure:

(Speaker Last Name)

MLA Lecture In-text Citation Example:

Troubleshooting, solution #1: referencing a lecturer repeating a quotation.

Often, lecturers will quote other sources in their presentations. When this happens, it is important to not misrepresent the information as their own original idea.

If the author is mentioned in the sentence, credit them by placing “qtd. in” followed by the lecturer’s name in parentheses.

In-text citation, indirect source where the author is mentioned in the sentence:

If the author of the original statement is not mentioned in the sentence, write their name followed by “qtd. in” and the lecturer’s name. Place this information in parentheses.

According to Johnson, the statistics needed to be run a fourth time to verify the data (qtd. in Dalton).

In-text citation, indirect source where the author is NOT mentioned in the sentence:

• Write the author’s name in last name first name format with a period following.
• List the title or a description of the lecture in quotations with a period following.
• Write the name of the event with a comma afterward.
• Write the date that the event was held in day, month, year format with a comma following.
• List the location of the event with a comma between the specific location and city with a period following.
• Write “Lecture” with a period following.

According to the article, the statistics needed to be run a fourth time to verify the data (Johnson qtd. in Dalton).

Reference example of an indirect source:

Barron, Dalton. “An Analysis of Books by Jerome Walton.” Colloquium for English Research, 1 May 2021, Denver Arts Building, Denver. Lecture.

Solution #2: How to cite a class lecture that you saw in person.

Create an in-text citation by placing the speaker’s name in parentheses. Example:

Contrary to our expectations, the data in section three suggests that the apes did not use fewer interactive enrichment tools (Barron).

To create a reference page citation, do the following:

• Write the speaker’s name in last name, first name format with a period following.
• Write the name of the course with a comma following.
• List the location and city of the event with a period following.
• Lastly, write “Class lecture” with a period following.

Reference example:

Barron, Dalton. “An Analysis of Books by Jerome Walton.” An Introduction to Literary Theory, 1 May 2021, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg. Class lecture.

MLA Formatting Guide

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• MLA 8 Updates
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MLA Citation Guide (MLA 9th Edition): In-Text Citation

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In-text citations are inserted in the body of your research paper to briefly document the source of your information. 

• In-text citations in MLA style follow the general format of author's last name followed by a page number enclosed in parentheses. Here is an example: "Here's a direct quote" (Smith 8).
• If the author's name is not given, use the first word (or words) of the title. Follow the same formatting that is used in the works-cited list, such as quotation marks. Here is an example: This is a paraphrase ("Trouble" 22).
• If the source does not have page numbers (for example, some online articles, websites and e-books), only include the author's name for the in-text citation. Do not estimate or make up page numbers.  
• In-text citations point the reader to the works-cited list, which is located at the end of your paper, for more complete bibliographic information.

Repeated Use of Sources

If you use information from a single source more than once in succession (i.e., no other sources referred to in between), you can use a simplified in-text citation. Here is an example:

Cell biology is an area of science that focuses on the structure and function of cells (Smith 15). It revolves around the idea that the cell is a "fundamental unit of life" (17).

  Note: If using this simplified in-text citation creates ambiguity regarding the source being referred to, use the full in-text citation format.

In-Text Citation Formatting and Examples

Format:  (Author's Last Name Page Number)

Example: (Hunt 358)

Two Authors

Format:  (Author's Last Name and Author's Last Name Page Number)

Example: (Case and Daristotle 57)

Three or More Authors

Format:   (Author's Last Name et al. Page Number)

Example: (Case et al. 57)

Unknown Author

Where you would normally put the author's last name, instead use the first one, two, or three words from the title. Do not use  initial articles such as "A", "An" or "The". Provide enough words to clarify which sources from your works-cited list that you are referencing. 

Follow the formatting of the title. For example, if the title in the works-cited list is in italics, italicize the words from the title in the in-text citation, and if the title in the works-cited list is in quotation marks, put quotation marks around the words from the title in the in-text citation.

Format: (Title Page Number)

Examples : 

( Cell Biology 12)

("Nursing" 12)

Multiple Sources

To cite more than one source when you are paraphrasing, separate the in-text citations with a semi-colon.

Format: (Author's Last Name Page Number; Author's Last Name Page Number).

(Smith 42; Bennett 71). 

( It Takes Two ; Brock 43).

 Note: In MLA style, the sources within the in-text citation do not need to be in alphabetical order.

Works Quoted in Another Source

Sometimes an author of a book, article or website will mention another person's work by using a quotation or paraphrased idea from that source. (This may be a secondary source.) For example, the Kirkey article you are reading includes a quotation by Smith that you would like to include in your essay. The basic rule is that in both your Works-Cited List and in-text citation you will still cite Kirkey. Kirkey will appear in your Works Cited list – NOT Smith. Add the words "qtd. in" to your in-text citation.

Examples of in-text citations:

According to a study by Smith (qtd. in Kirkey) 42% of doctors would refuse to perform legal euthanasia.

Smith (qtd. in Kirkey) states that “even if euthanasia was legal, 42% of doctors would be against this method of assisted dying” (A.10).

Example of Works Cited List citation:

Kirkey, Susan. "Euthanasia."   The Montreal Gazette , 9 Feb. 2013, p. A.10. Canadian Newsstand Major Dailies.

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How To Do In-Text Citations in MLA Format: A Quick Guide for Students

An in-text citation is a reference to information originating from another source. In-text citations must be used when you summarize, quote, paraphrase or refer to another source within a written document, such as academic literature. 

In-text citations are essential in academic writing. Without them, how would readers verify the information is reliable and accurate? Trustworthy authors include their sources for verifiable information rather than opinions so readers know where the evidence for claims can be explored further.

The Modern Language Association manages MLA style standards with the purpose to “strengthen the study and teaching of language and literature” and standardize how information sources are credited in scholarly writing. Not only does the MLA recommend proper citation format, but it also suggests proper general formatting, including document spacing, margins and font size.

As you begin authoring scholarly works, you’ll find the need to credit sources. Use this quick guide to learn how to do in-text citations in MLA format.

What is MLA format?

How to do in-text citations in mla, how to do a works cited page in mla, common challenges and solutions, tips for effective in-text citations.

MLA citation style is a system for crediting sources in scholarly writing and has been widely used in classrooms, journals and the press since 1931. What began with a three-page style sheet for the MLA’s scholarly journal became a uniform writing style preferred by academics and the editorial media everywhere.

Since its inception, the in-text citation style has changed from a recommended combination of footnotes and in-text citations in MLA format. The 1951 style guide suggested : “If the reference is brief, insert it, within parentheses, in the text itself . . . ; if it is lengthy, put it in a [foot]note.” As technology and society changed, so did the MLA style. In 1995, the document added recommendations for citing CD-ROMs and online databases. In 2016, the MLA published one of the most modern versions of the MLA Handbook , wherein in-text citations in MLA style should now be written according to a template of core elements.

The modern-day components of an in-text citation in MLA format, as of the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook , include:

• Author’s name
• Page numbers (if applicable)

These short in-text citations serve as references to a Works Cited list, which should follow a written piece of work and list all sources used in detail.

Authors who correctly use in-text citations in MLA style will prove their credibility, integrity and responsibility to share accurate and reliable information and simultaneously protect themselves from stealing sources and ideas from other writers, also known as plagiarism. Plagiarism is a severe offense , and many institutions have strict rules against the practice .

Now that you understand the importance of citations let’s review how to use in-text citations in MLA style. When referring to another author’s work in your own written text, you must use parenthetical citations, including the source in parentheses within the sentence that refers to the work. 

If a source does not have page numbers, use another numbering system, such as chapters, sections, scenes or articles that are explicitly numbered. If there are no numbered divisions within the work, simply cite the author’s name.

The basic format for in-text citations in MLA writings is as follows:

• The pail of water was at the top of the hill, which Jack and Jill decided to climb (Mother Goose 1) .

If including a direct quote from a source, enclose the entire quote within quotation marks to avoid confusing the reader. The in-text citation should fall outside the quotation marks at the end of the sentence before the sentence’s period. Paraphrased information does not need quotation marks but does need proper in-text citation.

It should be noted that any information included in your in-text citations must refer to the source information on the Works Cited page listed at the end of your document.

If you’re wondering how to list the references on the Works Cited page, the format varies depending on the type, such as a book or a website.

How to cite a book in MLA

• Author last name, first name. Title. Publisher, year.

How to cite an article in MLA

• Author last name, first name. “Article title.” Publication, volume/issue, publication month. Year, page numbers. Database, reference URL.

How to cite a website in MLA

• Author last name, first name. “Title.” Publication, publication month. Year, web page URL.

While constructing your paper, you may encounter a few citation challenges, such as a source with multiple authors or no known author. Though this can be confusing, this is how to use in-text citations in MLA style for challenging situations.

How to cite multiple authors in MLA

To write an in-text citation in MLA format for a source with multiple authors , simply list each author’s last name before the page number. Sources with more than two authors should cite the first author, followed by “et al.” For example:

• 2 authors: (Hall and Oates 1)
• 3+ authors: (Hall et al. 1)

How to cite sources with no author in MLA

Sources with no author must match the first listed element within its Works Cited entry. For example:

• In-text citation: (Baa, Baa, Black Sheep 0:15)
• Works Cited entry: “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep.” Spotify . https://open.spotify.com/track/1Zpe8ef70Wx20Bu2mLdXc1?si=7TlgCyj1SYmP6K-uy4isuQ

How to cite indirect or secondary sources in MLA

A secondary source is a publication that provides second-hand information from other researchers. You may use secondary sources in your research, though it’s best practice to search for the primary source that supplied the first-hand information, so cite it directly.

If you don’t have access to the original source, include the original author and the author of the secondary source , with the abbreviation “qtd. in” indicating where you accessed the secondary quote. “Qtd. in” stands for “quoted in.” For example:

• (qtd. in Baa, Baa, Black Sheep 0:15)

Using et al. in MLA citations

As described above, et al. is used instead of listing all names of three or more authors, editors or contributors within your citations. It can also cite collections of essays, stories or poems with three or more contributors. When using et al., you should always use the last name of the first writer listed on the source. For example:

• (Earth et al. “September” 0:15)
• Contributors: Earth, Wind and Fire

The most crucial part of in-text citations in MLA style is to keep a consistent and accurate format within the entire body of work. Always use the same punctuation within the in-text citations and the same formatting for sources of the same type. Ensure that double-checking citations is part of your overall proofreading process. All citations, like the written work, should be precise and error-free.

Various tools exist to help you collect and manage your sources and citations. Popular tools include Zotero , EndNote and RefWorks . These tools can create citations for you and keep track of your research documents so you can reference them again if needed. It’s wise to track your sources as they’re included in your writing rather than compiling and citing them when finished.

More resources for writing in MLA format

For the most up-to-date in-text citation information, refer to the MLA Handbook , which can be found online, in bookstores and libraries. The most recent edition of the MLA Handbook is the 9th edition, published in spring 2021.

The MLA also operates the MLA Handbook Plus , a subscription-based digital platform that offers all of the content included in the print edition, plus annual updates and valuable resources, and can be accessed anywhere, whether you’re traveling, at home or in the classroom.

The MLA Style Center offers free online sources on the official MLA style, including templates, questions and answers and advice.

Furman University offers trained consultants for students on campus to provide one-on-one or small-group assistance for writing projects at the Writing & Media Lab (WML). You can make an appointment with a WML Consultant or stop by the James B. Duke Library in the Center for Academic Success (room 002) for on-demand help (subject to scheduling).

The Writing & Media Lab can help with many tasks related to student writing and multimedia projects, including:

• Brainstorming a paper or project
• Outlining your ideas
• Reading through your writing
• Creating a presentation or poster
• Helping you practice your presentation
• Planning a video or podcast
• Revising, proofreading, or editing

Mastering the art of in-text citations in MLA format will ensure that you, as an academic author, will portray yourself as a serious, responsible and factual writer who uses accurate and reliable sources.

The perspectives and thoughts shared in the Furman Blog belong solely to the author and may not align with the official stance or policies of Furman University. All referenced sources were accurate as of the date of publication.

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MLA Citation Guide (8th Edition): Class Notes & Presentations

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• Instructor's Presentation Slides (PowerPoint)

Class Lecture Heard in Person

Instructor's notes or handout provided in class, article from course pack prepared by instructor, abbreviating months.

In your Works Cited list, abbreviate months as follows: 

January = Jan. February = Feb. March = Mar. April = Apr. May = May June = June July = July August = Aug. September = Sept. October = Oct. November = Nov. December = Dec.

Spell out months fully in the body of your paper. 

Note : For your Works Cited list, all citations should be double-spaced and have a hanging indent.

A "hanging indent" means that each subsequent line after the first line of your citation should be indented by 0.5 inches.

Instructor's Presentation Slides (e.g., PowerPoint)

Instructor's Last Name, First Name. "Title of PowerPoint Presentation." Title of Course,   Date of PowerPoint presentation, University Name. Microsoft PowerPoint presentation. 

Learn more: See  MLA Handbook ,   p. 52 for examples of descriptions at the end of citations. P. 70 shows that course title are not italicized.

Instructor's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Lecture." Title of Course,  Date of lecture,  University Name.   Lecture.

Learn more: See MLA Handbook  p. 52 for an example of a lecture heard in person. P. 70 shows that course title are not italicized.

Instructor's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Handouts/Notes." Name of Course, University Name. Date handout was received. Course handout.

 Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Course pack for Name of Course, compiled by First Name Last Name of Instructor, Semester, University Name.

Learn more: See MLA Style Guide at  https://style.mla.org/citing-course-pack-material

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MLA In-text Citations - The Basics

In MLA, referring to the works of others within text of your paper is done using  parenthetical citations . This means placing relevant source information in parentheses whenever a sentence uses a quotation or paraphrase. Usually, the simplest way is to put all of the source information in parentheses at the end of the sentence (i.e., just before the period). However, as seen below, there are situations where it makes sense to put the parenthetical elsewhere in the sentence, or even to leave information out.

General Guidelines

• upon the source medium (e.g. print, web, DVD)
• upon the source’s entry on the Works Cited page.
• Any source information that you provide in-text must correspond to the source information on the Works Cited page. More specifically, whatever signal word or phrase you provide to your readers in the text must be the first thing that appears on the left-hand margin of the corresponding entry on the Works Cited page. This is so your reader can connect your in-text citation to the right line in your Works cited page.
• Be sure to check the full selection of examples for in-text citations below, they vary slightly depending on the type of source you are citing.

MLA in-text citations

MLA format follows the author-page method of in-text citation. This means that the author's last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken must appear in the text, and a complete reference should appear on your Works Cited page. The author's name may appear either in the sentence itself or in parentheses following the quotation or paraphrase, but the page number(s) should always appear in the parentheses, not in the text of your sentence. For example:

• Wordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was marked by a "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (263).
• Romantic poetry is characterized by the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 263).
• Wordsworth extensively explored the role of emotion in the creative process (263).

Both citations in the examples above, (263) and (Wordsworth 263), tell readers that the information in the sentence can be located on page 263 of a work by an author named Wordsworth. If readers want more information about this source, they can turn to the Works Cited page, where, under the name of Wordsworth, they would find the following information:

• Wordsworth, William.  Lyrical Ballads . Oxford UP, 1967.

While the above is the general rule, there are some variations depending on the source of the quote or paraphrase. Here are a few examples, but please review the MLA Manual of Style for more detailed and specific information about in-text citations.

In-text citations by type

• Print Sources - Known author
• Print Sources - Corporate author
• Print Sources - No known author
• Classic works with multiple editions
• Works in an anthology
• Multiple authors
• Multiple works by same author
• Multivolume works
• Web sources

For print sources like books, magazines, scholarly journal articles, and newspapers, provide a signal word or phrase (usually the author’s last name) and a page number. If you provide the signal word/phrase in the sentence, you do not need to include it in the parenthetical citation.

• Human beings have been described by Kenneth Burke as "symbol-using animals" (3).
• Human beings have been described as "symbol-using animals" (Burke 3).

These examples must correspond to an entry that begins with Burke, which will be the first thing that appears on the left-hand margin of an entry on the Works Cited page:

• Burke, Kenneth.  Language as Symbolic Action: Essays on Life, Literature, and Method . University of California Press, 1966.

When a source has a corporate author, it is acceptable to use the name of the corporation followed by the page number for the in-text citation. You should also use abbreviations (e.g., nat'l for national) where appropriate, so as to avoid interrupting the flow of reading with overly long parenthetical citations.

• Climate change is now "an important factor in developing new engineering systems" (EPA 321).
• The EPA has stated in a recent study, Climate change is now " an important factor in developing new engineering systems" (321). 

When a source has no known author, use a shortened title of the work instead of an author name, following these guidelines.

• Place the title in quotation marks if it's a short work (such as an article), or italicize it if it's a longer work (e.g. plays, books, television shows, entire Web sites) and provide a page number if it is available.

Titles that are longer than a standard noun phrase should be shortened into a noun phrase by excluding articles. For example,  To the Lighthouse  would be shortened to just  Lighthouse .

If the title cannot be easily shortened into a noun phrase, the title should be cut after the first clause, phrase, or punctuation:

• The world needs to act to reverse climate change, because it "is here, and it’s causing a wide range of impacts that will affect virtually every human on Earth in increasingly severe ways. . . ." ("Climate Impacts").

In this example, since the reader does not know the author of the article, an abbreviated title appears in the parenthetical citation, and the full title of the article appears first at the left-hand margin of its respective entry on the Works Cited page. Thus, the writer includes the title in quotation marks as the signal phrase in the parenthetical citation in order to lead the reader directly to the source on the Works Cited page. The Works Cited entry appears as follows:

• "Climate Impacts."  Union of Concerned Scientists . 2022. www.ucsusa.org/climate/impacts. Accessed 24 Mar. 2022.

If the title of the work begins with a quotation mark, such as a title that refers to another work, that quote or quoted title can be used as the shortened title. The single quotation marks must be included in the parenthetical, rather than the double quotation.

Page numbers are always required, but additional information can help literary scholars, who may have a different edition of a classic work, like Marx and Engels's  The Communist Manifesto .

In these cases, give the page number from your edition (making sure the edition is listed in your Works Cited page, of course) followed by a semicolon, and then the appropriate abbreviations for volume (vol.), book (bk.), part (pt.), chapter (ch.), section (sec.), or paragraph (par.). For example:

• Marx and Engels described human history as marked by class struggles (79; ch. 1).

When you cite a work that appears inside a larger source (for instance, an article in a periodical or an essay in a collection), cite the author of the  internal  source (i.e., the article or essay). For example, to cite Albert Einstein's article "A Brief Outline of the Theory of Relativity," which was published in  Nature  in 1921, you might write something like this:

• Relativity's theoretical foundations can be traced to earlier work by Faraday and Maxwell (Einstein 782).

For a source with two authors, list the authors’ last names in the text or in the parenthetical citation:

• Best and Marcus argue that one should read a text for what it says on its surface, rather than looking for some hidden meaning (9).
• The authors claim that surface reading looks at what is “evident, perceptible, apprehensible in texts” (Best and Marcus 9).

For a source with three or more authors, list only the first author’s last name, and replace the additional names with et al (which means "and others")

• According to Franck et al., “Current agricultural policies in the U.S. are contributing to the poor health of Americans” (327).
• The authors claim that one cause of obesity in the United States is government-funded farm subsidies (Franck et al. 327).

If you cite more than one work by an author, include a shortened title for the particular work from which you are quoting to distinguish it from the others. Put short titles of books in italics and short titles of articles in quotation marks.

Citing two articles by the same author:

• Lightenor has argued that computers are not useful tools for small children ("Too Soon" 38), though he has acknowledged elsewhere that early exposure to computer games does lead to better small motor skill development in a child's second and third year ("Hand-Eye Development" 17).

Citing two books by the same author:

• Murray states that writing is "a process" that "varies with our thinking style" ( Write to Learn  6). Additionally, Murray argues that the purpose of writing is to "carry ideas and information from the mind of one person into the mind of another" ( A Writer Teaches Writing  3).

**Additionally, if the author's name is not mentioned in the sentence, format your citation with the author's name followed by a comma, followed by a shortened title of the work, and, when appropriate, the page number(s):

• Visual studies, because it is such a new discipline, may be "too easy" (Elkins, "Visual Studies" 63).

If you cite from different volumes of a multivolume work, always include the volume number followed by a colon. Put a space after the colon, then provide the page number(s). (If you only cite from one volume, provide only the page number in parentheses.)

• . . . as Quintilian wrote in  Institutio Oratoria  (1: 14-17).

In your first parenthetical citation referencing the bible, you want to make clear which bible you're using (and underline or italicize the title), as each version varies in its translation, followed by book (do not italicize or underline), chapter, and verse. For example:

• Ezekiel saw "what seemed to be four living creatures," each with faces of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle ( New Jerusalem Bible , Ezek. 1.5-10).

If future references are to the same edition of the bible you’re using, list only the book, chapter, and verse in the parenthetical citation:

• John of Patmos echoes this passage when describing his vision (Rev. 4.6-8).

For electronic and Internet sources, follow the following guidelines:

• Include in the text the first item that appears in the Work Cited entry that corresponds to the citation (e.g. author name, article name, website name, film name).
• Do not provide paragraph numbers or page numbers based on your Web browser’s print preview function.
• Unless you must list the Web site name in the signal phrase in order to get the reader to the appropriate entry, do not include URLs in-text. Only provide partial URLs such as when the name of the site includes, for example, a domain name, like  CNN.com  or  Forbes.com,  as opposed to writing out http://www.cnn.com or http://www.forbes.com.
• One online film critic stated that  Fitzcarraldo  "has become notorious for its near-failure and many obstacles" (Taylor, “Fitzcarraldo”)
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How to in Text Cite a PowerPoint

When giving a presentation or creating a PowerPoint deck, it’s essential to provide proper citations for any sources or references used. In-text citations are critical components of any research or academic work. They allow readers to identify and locate the sources of the information provided, while also giving credit to the author or authors who produced the information. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of in-text citation in PowerPoint presentations, including why they are important, the different citation styles available, and how to insert in-text citations into your presentation.

Table of Contents

Why In-Text Citations are Important

In-text citations are essential for both academic and professional presentations. They allow the audience to identify the sources used, thereby enhancing the credibility of the information provided. Proper citations also demonstrate that you have done thorough research and have taken the time to properly credit the sources that have influenced your work. Failing to provide proper citations can result in accusations of plagiarism, which can harm your reputation.

Moreover, in-text citations provide a way for readers to locate the sources you have used, allowing them to further explore the topic. This can be especially important in academic writing, where readers may want to verify the information presented or use your sources for their own research. In professional settings, proper citations can also protect you from legal issues, as using someone else’s work without proper attribution can result in copyright infringement.

Additionally, in-text citations can help you avoid unintentional plagiarism. When you are researching and reading multiple sources, it can be easy to accidentally include someone else’s ideas or words in your work without realizing it. By including in-text citations, you can ensure that you are properly attributing all of the information you have used, and avoid any unintentional plagiarism.

Understanding the Different Citation Styles

Before we delve into how to in-text cite in PowerPoint, it is important first to understand the various citation styles available to writers. The most commonly used citation styles in academia are APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and IEEE. Each of these styles has its unique set of guidelines and formats, which writers must adhere to when citing sources.

The APA citation style is commonly used in social sciences, while the MLA citation style is often used in humanities. The Chicago citation style is used in history, arts, and literature, while the Harvard citation style is used in natural and social sciences. The IEEE citation style is used in engineering and technology. It is important to note that different academic disciplines may have their preferred citation styles, and it is essential to consult with your instructor or supervisor to determine the appropriate citation style to use.

Moreover, it is crucial to understand the different elements of a citation, such as author name, publication date, title, and source. These elements may vary depending on the citation style used. Additionally, it is essential to know how to format your citations correctly, including in-text citations, reference lists, and bibliographies. Familiarizing yourself with the different citation styles and their guidelines will help you avoid plagiarism and ensure that your work is properly cited and acknowledged.

APA Citation in PowerPoint Presentations

The American Psychological Association (APA) style is commonly used in the social sciences, including psychology, education, and sociology. In-text citations in APA-style PowerPoint presentations should consist of the author’s last name and the date of publication. For example, (Smith, 2018) would be an APA-style in-text citation.

It is important to note that when citing sources in a PowerPoint presentation, you should also include a reference list slide at the end of the presentation. This slide should include all sources cited in the presentation, listed in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. The reference list should also follow APA formatting guidelines, including double-spacing and hanging indents.

Additionally, if you are using a direct quote in your PowerPoint presentation, you should include the page number in your in-text citation. For example, (Smith, 2018, p. 25) would indicate that the quote came from page 25 of Smith’s work. This helps your audience locate the exact source of the information you are presenting.

MLA Citation in PowerPoint Presentations

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used in the humanities, including literature, history, and philosophy. MLA-style in-text citations should include the author’s last name and the page number(s) of the cited source. For example, (Smith 26) would be an MLA-style in-text citation.

It is important to note that when creating a PowerPoint presentation using MLA style, you should include a Works Cited slide at the end of your presentation. This slide should list all sources used in your presentation in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. Each entry should include the author’s name, the title of the source, the publication information, and the medium of publication. Additionally, if you use images or other media in your presentation, you should include captions or credits that follow the same MLA citation guidelines as your written sources.

Chicago Style Citation in PowerPoint Presentations

The Chicago Manual of Style is commonly used in the social sciences and history. In this style, in-text citations should use a footnote or endnote. These notes contain the author’s name, the title of the source, and the publication year.

It is important to note that when creating a PowerPoint presentation using Chicago style citation, the footnotes or endnotes should be included on the slide where the citation is used. This allows the audience to easily see the source of the information being presented. Additionally, the bibliography or reference list should be included at the end of the presentation, listing all sources used in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.

Harvard Style Citation in PowerPoint Presentations

The Harvard style is commonly used in the natural and physical sciences, including biology and physics. This style requires authors to include the author’s name and the publication year in in-text citations. For example, (Smith 2018) would be a Harvard-style citation.

It is important to note that the Harvard style also requires a reference list at the end of the document, which includes all sources cited in the text. The reference list should be organized alphabetically by the author’s last name and should include the full publication information for each source.

When creating a PowerPoint presentation using the Harvard style, it is recommended to include in-text citations on each slide where information from a source is used. This helps to ensure that the audience knows where the information came from and gives credit to the original author. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the reference list is included at the end of the presentation, either on a separate slide or as part of the final slide.

IEEE Style Citation in PowerPoint Presentations

The Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) style is commonly used in technical writing and computer science. In-text citations in IEEE-style PowerPoint presentations should contain the author’s last name and the publication year, as well as the page or paragraph number(s) if applicable. For example, (Smith, 2018, p.42) would be an IEEE-style in-text citation.

It is important to note that IEEE-style citations should also be included in the reference list at the end of the PowerPoint presentation. The reference list should be organized alphabetically by the author’s last name and should include all sources cited in the presentation. In addition to the author’s name, publication year, and page or paragraph number(s), the reference list should also include the title of the article or book, the name of the publication, and the volume and issue number if applicable. Following these guidelines will ensure that your PowerPoint presentation is properly cited and meets the standards of the IEEE style.

How to Insert In-Text Citations in Your PowerPoint Presentation

To insert in-text citations in your PowerPoint presentation, select the text you want to cite and go to the ‘References’ tab. Choose the citation style you are using, and then click ‘Insert Citation.’ A dialog box will appear where you can enter the required information, such as the author’s name and publication date. Once you have entered the information, click ‘OK.’ Your in-text citation will be inserted into the text at the cursor location.

Using Parenthetical Citations in Your PowerPoint Presentation

In some citation styles, such as APA and Harvard, it is common to use parenthetical citations. Parenthetical citations provide concise information within parentheses, making it easy for the reader to quickly identify the cited source. For example, (Smith, 2018) would be a parenthetical citation in APA style.

How to Create a Reference List for Your PowerPoint Presentation

In addition to in-text citations, you will need to create a reference list that includes all the sources you have cited in your presentation. Include the author’s name, the title of the source, the date of publication, and any other relevant information. This list should be placed at the end of your presentation, in alphabetical order according to the author’s last name.

Tips for Accurate and Consistent Citations in Your PowerPoint Presentation

To ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent, it is essential to carefully follow the guidelines of the citation style you are using. Use reliable sources, and validate your citations by cross-checking with other sources. It is also important to be consistent in your style of citation. Using the same citation style throughout your presentation will improve the overall professionalism of your work.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Citing Sources in Your PowerPoint Presentation

Some common mistakes to avoid when citing sources in your PowerPoint presentation include failing to provide citations for all sources used, using outdated or unreliable sources, and not validating your citations with other sources. Avoiding these mistakes will ensure that your work is credible and professionally presented.

How to Check for Plagiarism in Your PowerPoint Presentation

To ensure that your work is not plagiarized, use a plagiarism checker tool. These tools can scan your presentation for potential matches against other sources, both on the internet and in academic databases. This will allow you to identify any problematic sources and resolve any issues before presenting your work.

Best Practices for Citing Sources in a Group Presentation

When working on a group presentation, it is important to establish a clear citation protocol from the outset. Agree on a citation style and format that everyone will use consistently. Ensure that all members of the group are aware of the importance of proper citation, and encourage open communication to resolve any issues that may arise.

In conclusion, in-text citations are essential components of any academic or professional presentation, including PowerPoint presentations. Understanding the different citation styles and following the guidelines for each will improve the credibility and professionalism of your work. By using reliable sources, carefully validating your citations, and checking your work for plagiarism, you can ensure that your presentation is of the highest standard.

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19 What Is an In-Text Citation?

If you want to include information from a source you consulted in your paper, you need to create an in-text citation . As mentioned before, in-text citations use only a few details of the source, enough to locate its matching citation in the Works Cited list.

In MLA style you generally need to include the following elements for all in-text citations, whether you are citing a book, a journal or trade article, a website or any other item:

• the author’s surname(s) or the group name
• the page number or other fixed locator if available

Where do I place citations in my writing?

Because in-text citations tell your reader which ideas belong to you and which ideas belong to someone else, it is crucial that you place them correctly. There are two different ways that you can include in-text citations into your assignments:

• as a parenthetical citation at the end of your sentence
• as a citation in prose as part of the sentence

In-text citation examples for a SHORT quote

Citation in prose

Parenthetical citation

In-text citation examples for a LONG quote

In-text citation examples for paraphrases

What if there aren’t any page numbers?

Some sources don’t have page numbers, in which case you normally simply omit this information . However, if there is a visible and fixed other locator (such as a chapter number or  paragraph number), then include this information in lieu of the page number. 

• Section and sections are abbreviated to sec. and secs.
• chapter   and  chapters   to ch. and chs.
• paragraph  and  paragraphs  to par. and pars.

What if there is no author? What if there are multiple authors? 

Whatever the situation, you still need to cite your source. Check out the MLA Citation guide for answers to these and other questions, and if you need help, please ask us .

MLA Style Citations Copyright © 2021 by Ulrike Kestler is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to Cite in a PowerPoint (APA, MLA, Chicago Style) The Ultimate Guide

Welcome to this guide on in-text citations for PowerPoint presentations. We'll be exploring APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, helping you add proper references to your slides. Additionally, we'll introduce you to the powerful features of WPS Office, a platform that enhances your creative process. Let's dive in!

What Is In-Text Citation? (APA, MLA, Chicago Style)

Basics of in-text citation.

In-text citation serves as a critical component of any well-researched presentation. It provides a brief but vital acknowledgment of the sources from which information is drawn. This section will present an overview of in-text citations, highlighting their significance in maintaining academic integrity.

There are three prominent styles of in-text citation: APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association), and Chicago style. Each has its unique format and guidelines. For instance, APA often uses the author's name and year of publication, while MLA utilizes the author's last name and page number. Chicago style employs either footnotes or endnotes. We'll illustrate examples of each style to facilitate your understanding and pinpoint the key distinctions between them.

Importance of In-Text Citation

Understanding the purpose and benefits of applying in-text citations is essential for any effective presentation. It not only lends credibility to your content but also allows readers to trace back to the original sources. This section will delve into why and when you should incorporate in-text citations, providing you with a clear understanding of their significance in academic and professional discourse.

Easiest Way to Cite in a PowerPoint (Using Online Generator)

Creating citations in a PowerPoint presentation can be streamlined with the help of online citation generators. This section offers a comprehensive step-by-step guide, complete with visual aids, to simplify the process.

Step 1 : Go to www. Scribbr.com and select the Citation Generator option.

Step 2 : Select the citation style you need to use (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

Step 3 : Enter the information for the source you want to cite. For example, if you are citing a book, you would enter the author's name, the title of the book, the publisher, and the publication date.

Step 4 : Click the Generate Citation button.

Step 5 : Copy the citation text from Scribbr.com and paste it into your PowerPoint presentation.

Step 6 : You can format the citation text in PowerPoint to match the style of your presentation. For example, you can change the font size and color, or make the citation text bold or italic.

How to Cite a PowerPoint Presentations in Different Formats

Citing a PowerPoint presentation correctly depends on the format specified by your academic institution or publication guidelines. Here, we provide clear reference structures and examples for the three most common citation styles: APA, MLA, and Chicago.

APA Format:

In-text citation: (Author's Last Name, Year)

Reference structure: Author(s). (Year). Title of the presentation [PowerPoint presentation]. Name of the course or event, Name of the Institution. URL (if applicable)

Example: Smith, J. (2022). Innovations in Technology [PowerPoint presentation]. Annual Tech Conference, XYZ University. https://www.exampleurl.com

MLA Format:

In-text citation: (Author's Last Name)

Reference structure: Author(s). "Title of the presentation." Name of the course or event, Name of the Institution, Year.

Example: Johnson, Mary. "Environmental Sustainability Initiatives." Sustainability Symposium, ABC College, 2021.

Chicago Style:

Reference structure: Author(s). "Title of the presentation." Presentation at Name of the Course or Event, Name of the Institution, Location, Date.

Example: Brown, Robert. "Advancements in Medical Research." Presentation at Medical Innovations Conference, XYZ Hospital, Chicago, IL, March 15, 2022.

For a more detailed guide on how to cite a PowerPoint presentation in various formats, refer to (78) How to Cite a PowerPoint Presentation (MLA, APA, Chicago) | Chegg - YouTube

Additionally, to enhance your understanding, we recommend watching the tutorial video provided in this article. It offers practical demonstrations of how to implement citations effectively in your PowerPoint presentations.

Edit PowerPoint Presentations for Free with WPS Office

WPS Office is a powerful and versatile alternative to Microsoft Office, offering a range of features that make it an excellent choice for creating and editing presentations. Here's a closer look at what sets WPS Office apart:

Overview of WPS Office Features and Advantages:

WPS Office boasts exceptional file compatibility, ensuring seamless integration with various document formats. Whether it's PowerPoint, Word, or Excel files, WPS Office allows you to work effortlessly without worrying about compatibility issues.

Features in WPS Office That Microsoft Office Does Not Offer for Free

PDF editing: WPS Office allows you to edit PDF files for free, while Microsoft Office requires a paid subscription to edit PDFs.

Built-in free delicate templates store: WPS Office includes a free template store with thousands of high-quality templates for PowerPoint presentations, while Microsoft Office only offers a limited number of free templates.

How to Use PowerPoint for Free in WPS Office

Step 1 : Download and install WPS Office for free from the WPS Office website.

Step 2 : Open the PowerPoint presentation that you want to edit.

Step 3 : Make your changes to the presentation.

Step 4 : Save the presentation.

By following this guide, you'll unlock the full potential of WPS Office, making it a valuable tool in your content creation arsenal. Happy editing!

One of the standout features of WPS Office is its ability to edit PDF documents, a functionality not readily available in free versions of Microsoft Office. This capability empowers users to make direct edits to PDF files, saving time and streamlining the document editing process.

Additionally, WPS Office provides access to a diverse selection of delicately designed templates, free of charge. This built-in template store gives users a creative edge, allowing them to craft visually impressive presentations with ease.

How do you cite multiple authors in a presentation?

When citing multiple authors in a presentation, you'll want to follow specific guidelines based on the citation style you're using, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. Here's how you do it:

For in-text citations with three or more authors, use the first author's last name followed by "et al." and the year of publication. For example: (Smith et al., 2021).

In MLA, include the last names of all authors in the in-text citation. For example: (Smith, Jones, and Brown 45).

Chicago style allows for both the use of full names or the first author's last name followed by "et al." in in-text citations.

How do you cite at the bottom of a PowerPoint slide?

To cite at the bottom of a PowerPoint slide, you'll need to create a references slide at the end of your presentation. Here's how you do it:

Author(s) and Year: Include the author's name (or names) and the year of publication in parentheses. For example: (Smith, 2021).

Title of Source: Italicize the title of the book, article, or webpage.

Publication Information: Include the publisher's name, location, and page numbers (if applicable).

Website URL: If you're citing an online source, provide the full URL.

Formatting: Follow the citation style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago) for formatting details.

Place this information in a separate slide titled "References" or "Works Cited" at the end of your presentation. Remember to align the citations consistently with the chosen citation style.

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of in-text citations for PowerPoint presentations, covering APA, MLA, and Chicago styles. It emphasizes the significance of accurate citations and offers step-by-step instructions along with references for seamless integration. A standout feature is the integration of WPS Office, a versatile platform known for its exceptional file compatibility, free PDF editing, and an extensive template store. By marrying precise citations with the enhanced capabilities of WPS Office, this guide empowers content creators to craft presentations that inform and engage audiences effectively. Elevate your content creation experience with this ultimate guide.

• 1. How to Cite a PowerPoint in MLA Style The Beginner’s Guide
• 2. Do You Know How to Cite a PDF in APA 7th Edition?
• 3. How to Cite a PDF Using APA Style - Easy Methods
• 4. How to Cite a PDF with Top 3 Styles MLA, APA and Chicago
• 5. How to Cite a PDF in MLA without an Author: A Comprehensive Guide
• 6. How to Cite a PowerPoint in APA [A Complete Guide]

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Article in Electronic Journal

When citing an article in an electronic journal, include a DOI if one is associated with the article.

DOIs may not always be available. In these cases, use a URL. Many academic journals provide stable URLs that function similarly to DOIs. These are preferable to ordinary URLs copied and pasted from the browser's address bar.