How to MLA cite a PowerPoint

How to MLA Cite a PowerPoint Presentation

Citing a PowerPoint presentation in MLA format ensures proper credit to the original author and avoids plagiarism.

Whether citing a lecture, an online PowerPoint, or a slide deck from an academic source, MLA provides specific guidelines.

This step-by-step guide will help you cite a PowerPoint presentation correctly in MLA format.

Step-by-Step Guide to MLA Citing a PowerPoint

Step 1: Identify the Source Type

Determine whether the PowerPoint is a lecture, an online presentation, or a published work. The citation format varies slightly based on the source type.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Information

You will need the following details:

Author or presenter’s name

Title of the presentation (in quotation marks)

Title of the conference or course (if applicable)

Date of the presentation

URL (if online) or institution name (if a lecture)

Step 3: Format for a Live Lecture PowerPoint

If the PowerPoint is from a live lecture, use this format:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Presentation.” Course Name, Instructor’s Name, Institution, Date of Lecture. Lecture.

Example:

Smith, John. “The Future of AI.” Computer Science 101, Prof. Jane Doe, Harvard University, 10 Oct. 2023. Lecture.

Step 4: Format for an Online PowerPoint

If the PowerPoint is accessed online (e.g., from a website, Google Slides, or a university repository), use this format:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Presentation.” Website or Platform Name, Upload Date, URL.

Example:

Doe, Jane. “Marketing Trends in 2024.” SlideShare, 5 Jan. 2024, www.slideshare.net/janedoe/marketing-trends-2024.

Step 5: Format for a Published PowerPoint in a Book or Journal

If the PowerPoint is part of a published book or journal, use this format:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Presentation.” Book or Journal Title, edited by Editor’s Name, Publisher, Year, Page Numbers.

Example:

Brown, Lisa. “The Psychology of Color in Design.” Journal of Visual Arts, edited by Robert Green, Oxford Press, 2022, pp. 45-60.

Step 6: Insert the Citation in the Works Cited Page

List the citation in alphabetical order on the Works Cited page following MLA guidelines. Use a hanging indent (where the second line is indented).

Step 7: Use In-Text Citations (if required)

If referencing the PowerPoint within your text, include an in-text citation in this format:

(Author’s Last Name Slide Number)

Example:

(Smith 5)

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Conclusion

Citing a PowerPoint in MLA format depends on its source.

Whether from a live lecture, an online platform, or a published book, following these structured citation formats ensures proper credit.

Always double-check with the latest MLA guidelines for accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I cite a PowerPoint with no author?

Yes. If no author is available, begin the citation with the title of the presentation in quotation marks.

How do I cite a PowerPoint without a slide number?

If slide numbers are unavailable, use only the author's name in the in-text citation, like this: (Smith).

Can I cite a PowerPoint in MLA format without a URL?

Yes, if the PowerPoint is a lecture or unpublished source, a URL is not needed. Include institution details instead.

How to MLA cite a PowerPoint