Citing PowerPoint presentations correctly is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and credibility in your research. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original authors and creators of the content but also allows your audience to verify your sources and follow up on the information you present. Inaccurate or incomplete citations can lead to accusations of plagiarism and weaken the validity of your work. By adhering to correct citation practices, you demonstrate respect for intellectual property and contribute to the scholarly dialogue in your field. For detailed guidance, you can refer to apa style format examples.
How to cite a Powerpoint in APA
Citing a PowerPoint in APA format can seem challenging, especially if it’s your first time referencing slides or a presentation you’ve attended. This guide will walk you through the basic APA citation rules, offering templates and examples to make the process easier. Many presentations found on platforms like Prezi or PowerPoint often include primary sources, making them valuable additions to your paper.
When citing a PowerPoint in APA style, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy.
To cite a PowerPoint in APA 7th edition, include the following details:
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Author’s Last Name and Initials
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Date of Publication (in parentheses)
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Title of the Presentation (in italics)
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Description of the Slides
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Publisher
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URL (if available online)
Let’s begin by exploring the general APA PowerPoint citation template and the specific rules for citing presentations, including how to properly cite a PowerPoint in APA style.
APA Powerpoint Template
Author, A. B. (Year of publication). Title of presentation [PowerPoint slides]. Publisher. URL
APA Example
Miles, R.I. (2016). The importance of trance music for motivation: An overview of technical characteristics [PowerPoint slides]. Prezi@RSU. https://www.url.edu/ca
In-text
(Miles, 2016, slide 4)
Citing a PowerPoint, Your Readers Can Access
The best scenario is using a PowerPoint presentation your readers can access. So the page will require log in to one of the university’s LMS systems. In this case you should include the main URL where a person can log in instead of using the actual URL for the presentation.
When dealing with password-protected platforms or sites containing the PowerPoint file you wish to cite, the rules are:
APA Citation Template
Last Name, Initial(s). (Year, Month Date). Title in italics [PowerPoint slides]. Course, University’s Name. URL
Works Cited Page Citation
Gibbons, B (2022, September 17). Introduction to Marine Pollution [PowerPoint slides]. Faculty of Marine Biology, University of Miami. https://welcome.miami.edu/
In-text Citation
(Gibbons, 2022, slide 7)
If you have the luck to use the PowerPoint APA citation slides available for public access (Prezi or Slideshare) use the website name instead of the university name and the course/department.
APA Citation Template
Last Name, Initial(s). (Year, Month Date). Title in italics [PowerPoint slides]. Website Name. URL.
Works Cited Page Citation
Meril, M. (2013, August 26). Childhood Autism: Definition and Analysis. [PowerPoint Slides]. SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/merilmanuel/autism-ppt-25586447
In-text Citation
(Meril, 2013)
Note:* when you have to use other types of slides or lecture notes, it’s sufficient to replace the [PowerPoint slides] container with something like [Google Slides] or any other relevant description.*
Read also: learn how to cite poems in MLA and APA styles
Training program PowerPoint citation
When you wish to add a quotation for a training program presented as a PowerPoint ppt, citing a PowerPoint APA style must be done this way:
To properly reference a PowerPoint presentation, ensure you include the author's name, presentation date, title, and any additional identifying information.
APA Template
Last Name, Initial(s). (Year) Title in italics [PowerPoint slides]. Name of the training program. URL (if available).
Works Cited Page Citation
Horncastle, M. (2021). Boy Scouts Seattle Troop volunteer training program and anti-bullying initiatives. [PowerPoint slides] BSA Seattle Troop Training Program. www.bsa.org/url
In-text Citation
(Horncastle, 2021, slide 19)
Of course, if your PowerPoint presentation is made available at Slideshare or Prezi website and relates to the training sessions, follow this citation example:
APA Template
Last Name, Initial(s). (Year). Title of presentation in italics [PowerPoint slides]. Slideshare. URL
Works Cited Page Citation
Green, J. (2015). Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training [PowerPoint slides]. Slideshare. https://www.slideshare.net/clevernickname/scoutmaster-specificmbu2015
In-text Citation
(Green, 2015, slide 5)
Lecture PowerPoint citation
Citing a lecture in APA 7th edition is also easy as you follow the template and examples of in-text citation PowerPoint APA and the one for the References page. Remember to include "slides in square brackets" as part of the citation format.
APA Template
Last Name, Initial(s). (Year). Title in italics [PowerPoint slides]. Slideshare. URL
Works Cited Page
Agarwal, N. (2011). Domestic Violence and Abuse Patterns [PowerPoint slides]. SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/neha0827/domestic-violence-9607941
In-text Citation
(Agarwal, 2011, slide 5)
Alternatively, it’s possible to use a slightly different citation pattern if you are dealing with a specific lecture program or a classroom lecture you have attended during your college or university studies. Here is an alternative way how to cite a PowerPoint in APA for this scenario:
Richards, N. (2022) Structure of transwave synthesis and frequency modulation methods [PowerPoint slides]. Oxford Education.
For your APA in-text citation:
(Richards, 2022, slide 7)
If the talk is about a classroom lecture, follow this example:
Jackson, T. (2009). The challenges of technology for children with learning challenges [PowerPoint slides]. Arizona State University. Classroom lecture.
For your APA in-text citation:
(Jackson, 2009, slide 34)
Conference PowerPoint citation
As practice shows, many students cite PowerPoint presentations taken from conferences. When citing a PowerPoint presentation in APA, it is crucial to include the title italicized powerpoint slides format. There are two approaches to how to cite a PowerPoint presentation in APA, depending on the situation. See the examples below:
APA Template
Last Name, Initial(s). (Year). Title in italics [PowerPoint slides]. Conference, Location. Slideshare. URL
Works Cited Page
Skomra, A. (2015). Leadership Conference: Call to Community: Slimming Youth to Strengthen Lives. [PowerPoint slides]. Roberts Wesleyan College Conference, Rochester, New York. Slideshare. https://www.slideshare.net/AlexanderGSkomra/leadership-conference-submission-47076287
In-text Citation
(Skomra, 2015, slide 2)
Some other examples for this case would be as follows:
Salisbury, A. (2023). AI Intelligence and Dangers of shifting teacher’s roles [PowerPoint slides]. Canada Education’s Board of Trustees, Alberta 2023.
In-text
(Salisbury, 2023, slide 63)
Citing a PowerPoint Your Readers Can't Access
If you need to cite a PowerPoint presentation that your readers can’t access, you should treat it as personal communication. For example, if the presentation is only accessible through your university’s website, standard citation rules apply since your professor can access it. However, when submitting to an academic journal, use the personal communication format, as others won’t have access to the presentation. Remember to cite whoever presented the PowerPoint to ensure proper attribution. Personal communications are cited only in-text and do not appear in the References list.
Example: In a class lecture, Andersen stated that most students face emotional isolation during virtual studies (personal communication, September 13, 2022).
Citing Information Quoted in a PowerPoint
If a PowerPoint presentation includes a quote or statistical data you wish to use, it’s best to find the original source rather than citing the slides as a secondary source. APA 7th edition advises against double citing and encourages referencing firsthand data. Many presentations provide relevant references, or you can contact the author or your school’s library for the original sources. If you’re unsure how to format these citations, you might want to find a service to do my homework and ensure your references are correctly formatted.
How to сite a PowerPoint presentation in MLA format
When learning how to cite a PowerPoint in MLA, the citation method depends on the type of presentation and how you accessed it. If the slides are available online, the citation should follow a website format. Include the author’s name, the title of the presentation in quotation marks, the name of the website in italics, the publication date, and the URL. For in-text citations, specify the slide number to guide your audience to the exact reference.
MLA Format Template
Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Presentation Title.” Website Name, Day Month Year, URL.
Works Cited Page Citation
Oncha, Kamil. “Dolphins.” Slideshare, 22 Aug. 2016, https://www.slideshare.net/kamiloncha/dolphins-65216877.
In-text Citation
(Oncha, slide 5)
Citing a PowerPoint presentation viewed in person
When citing a PowerPoint presentation you viewed in person, the approach differs since you cannot provide an online link. You should include the course name, the date the presentation or lecture was given, the location, and the presentation’s title. Additionally, labeling it as a “PowerPoint presentation” is recommended for clarity. This format ensures that your audience understands the context and source of the material.
It is also helpful to provide reference examples specifically for citing information derived from PowerPoint slides or lecture notes.
MLA Format PowerPoint Citation Template
Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Presentation Title.” Course Name, Day Month Year, Name, City. PowerPoint presentation.
Works Cited Page Citation
Stipe, Michael. “Living as a rock star in Athens, Georgia.” Musicology Studies, 19 Jun. 2011, Berlin Institute of Music and Arts, Berlin. PowerPoint presentation.
In-text citation
(Stipe, slide 14)
Lecture PowerPoint citation MLA style
When citing a PowerPoint presentation provided by your professor during class, the citation format is slightly different. Begin with your professor’s author name, including their last name followed by their first name, then include the title of the lecture, the course name, the date of the lecture, the location, and label it as “Lecture.” This format ensures that the citation is clear and provides all necessary details for your readers to understand the context of the presentation.
MLA Format PowerPoint Citation Template
Instructor’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Lecture.” Title of Course, Date of lecture, Location. Lecture.
MLA Works Cited Page
Holmes, Nicholas. “Dealing With Workplace Bullying: Why Females Do Not Report The Harassment?” Social Sciences 201, 17 February 2022, Arizona State University. Lecture.
In-text citation
(Holmes)
How to cite a non-lecture PowerPoint presentation?
If the PowerPoint presentation you need to cite is not a lecture, the citation should include the instructor’s name, the presentation title, the course name, the date the presentation occurred, the location or venue, and a label specifying the presentation type. This format ensures that your citation accurately reflects the context of the presentation and provides all necessary information for proper referencing.
When you need to reference a PowerPoint presentation, it is crucial to follow the appropriate citation style guidelines to ensure accuracy and completeness.
MLA Format PowerPoint Citation Template
Instructor’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Your PowerPoint Presentation.” Title of Course, Date of PowerPoint presentation, Location of presentation, or venue’s name. Type of PowerPoint presentation.
Works Cited Page
Fox, Megan. “The Passion and the Beauty in Hollywood.” Fashion Studies 34. 17 April 2020. New York Arts Institute. Prezi PowerPoint presentation.
In-text citation
(Fox)
Citing content reproduced in a PowerPoint
When citing content such as an image or a quote reproduced in a PowerPoint presentation, it’s best to cite the original source of the material rather than using the slides as a secondary source. If the original source isn’t accessible, consider contacting the lecturer for more information. Alternatively, treat the content as a “source within a source.” Begin with the citation for the original source, followed by the details of the presentation, and mention the slide where the quoted content appears. Here’s an example of how to format this type of citation.
MLA Format Template
Author’s Last Name, First Name. Artwork Title. Presentation Name, taught by Presenter’s First Name Last Name, Day Month Year, University’s Name, City. Slide number.
Works Cited Page
Knight, Gabriel. Voodoo’s Dark Heritage. 1994. Introduction to New Orleans Black History, taught by Andrew Johnson, 29 Apr. 2022, Cape Town U, Cape Town, RSA. Slide 11.
In-text citation
(Knight, slide 11)
Creating an MLA Works Cited PowerPoint Slide
When using a PowerPoint presentation for serious research that includes external quotes and information, an MLA Works Cited page is essential. This page functions much like it would in a traditional paper, listing only the sources directly referenced in your presentation, as a complete bibliography is unnecessary. Citing within PowerPoint slides follows the same MLA guidelines as other mediums. Depending on the source type—whether books, interviews, or websites—follow the relevant MLA rules to ensure accurate citations. Reference examples can help guide you in properly citing information derived from PowerPoint slides or lecture notes. Utilizing professional services can help ensure both correct citations and visually appealing slides.
Works Cited
El Alaoui Ismaili, Zakaria, et al. “A Comparison of Frequency Synthesizers up to 25 GHz for 130 Nm CMOS Implementation.” 2019 17th IEEE International New Circuits and Systems Conference (NEWCAS), 2019, https://doi.org/10.1109/newcas44328.2019.8961242.
Manassewitsch, Vadim. Frequency Synthesizers: Theory and Design. Wiley, 2005.
Solida, Scot. “The 10 Greatest Synthesizers of All Time.” MusicRadar, MusicRadar, 24 May 2022, https://www.musicradar.com/news/the-10-greatest-synthesizers-of-all-time-the-machines-that-changed-music.
APA vs. MLA: How to Cite a PowerPoint Presentation
When citing a PowerPoint presentation, the approach differs between APA and MLA styles. Here’s a comparison of the two:
Adding apa style format examples can help clarify the necessary components for proper citation in APA style.
1. Author’s Name:
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APA: The author’s last name is followed by their initials. Example: Smith, J. A.
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MLA: The author’s full name is used, with the first name followed by the last name. Example: John A. Smith.
2. Date Format:
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APA: The date is presented in the format of Year, Month Day. Example: (2022, April 5).
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MLA: The date is written as Day Month Year. Example: 5 April 2022.
3. Title of the Presentation:
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APA: The title is italicized, and only the first word of the title and subtitle is capitalized. Example: Exploring Modern Art.
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MLA: The title is placed in quotation marks, with each major word capitalized. Example: “Exploring Modern Art.”
4. Presentation Type:
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APA: The presentation type is specified in square brackets after the title. Example: Exploring Modern Art [PowerPoint slides].
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MLA: The presentation type is included in the citation but not in brackets. Example: “Exploring Modern Art.” PowerPoint presentation.
Examples:
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APA:
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Smith, J. A. (2022, April 5). Exploring Modern Art [PowerPoint slides]. University of Arts. https://www.slideshare.net/url
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MLA:
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Smith, John A. “Exploring Modern Art.” PowerPoint presentation, University of Arts, 5 April 2022, https://www.slideshare.net/url
Understanding these differences ensures that your citations are accurate and align with the required style guidelines.
FAQ
How do you cite the professor's PowerPoint in APA?
Start with the author, publication, year, presentation title, [PowerPoint slides] part, publisher, and URL (if available). The complete citation example for a professor called Collin Black would look this way:
Black, C. (2021). English Literature of the Medieval period. [PowerPoint slides]. SlideShare.http://www.slideshare.net/url.
How do I cite a source with no page numbers in APA style?
Do your best to indicate the location of the quoted part in your in-text citation in APA. Determining how to cite PowerPoint slides APA style, you may use the section's subheadings, paragraph, section number, or anything to specify the location.
(King, 2022, Linking section, para. 4).
Do PowerPoint presentations need in-text citations in APA?
Yes, in-text citations are always necessary to keep your paper original and avoid plagiarism!
How do you cite a PowerPoint slide in APA 7th edition with no author?
You should use the organization's name instead or the presentation's title in a shortened form. If nothing can be determined, use the word "Title" instead of the author and then provide the rest of the information as required by the citation type.
