How to Cite a TED Talk in APA Format: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Citing sources is an essential part of academic writing, ensuring that you give credit to the original authors and provide your readers with the necessary information to locate the sources you have used. The American Psychological Association (APA) citation style is commonly used in social sciences and is known for its clear and concise guidelines. This article will guide you through the process of citing a TED Talk in APA format, with reference to the Purdue Owl, a trusted online resource for APA guidelines.

Formatting the In-text Citation

When citing a TED Talk in APA format, you will need to include an in-text citation within the body of your paper. The general format for an in-text citation includes the author’s last name and the year of publication, separated by a comma. However, since TED Talks are often presented by individuals without a traditional publication date, you will need to modify the format slightly.

If the individual giving the TED Talk is identified by their full name, simply use their last name as the author and include the year of the presentation in parentheses. For example: (Smith, 2017).

If the individual giving the TED Talk is identified by their initials or a username, use those in place of the author’s last name. For example: (TED, 2015).

If the TED Talk does not provide any identifiable information about the speaker, you can use the title of the talk in place of the author’s name. For example: (“The Power of Vulnerability,” 2010).

Creating the Reference Page Entry

In addition to the in-text citation, you will also need to include a full reference entry for the TED Talk on your reference page. The format for the reference entry will depend on whether the TED Talk is an individual standalone video or part of a series.

For an individual standalone video, the basic format is as follows:

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial. (Year, Month Day). Title of TED Talk [Video]. TED Conferences. URL

For example:

Smith, J. (2017, July 15). The Art of Procrastination [Video]. TED Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/the_art_of_procrastination

If the TED Talk is part of a series, you will need to include additional information in the reference entry, such as the series name and episode number. For example:

Smith, J. (2017, July 15). The Art of Procrastination [Video]. In TED Talks Education, Season 2, Episode 4. TED Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/the_art_of_procrastination

Using HTML Headings for Easy Navigation

To enhance the readability of your article and provide easy navigation for your readers, it is recommended to use HTML headings. HTML headings allow you to divide your article into sections and sub-sections, making it easier for readers to find the information they are looking for.

To create a heading, simply use the appropriate HTML tag. For example,

Heading 2

creates a second-level heading. You can use

for the main title,

for major sections,

for sub-sections, and so on.

Conclusion

Citing a TED Talk in APA format is a straightforward process, as long as you follow the guidelines provided by the Purdue Owl. Remember to include an in-text citation within the body of your paper and create a reference entry on your reference page. Using HTML headings in your article will improve its readability and make it easier for readers to navigate through the content. By properly citing sources, including TED Talks, you demonstrate your commitment to academic integrity and give credit to the original authors for their work.