FAQ: How do I cite a speech in Chicago style?

The Chicago Manual of Style is currently in its 18th edition. 

NOTE: For lectures, papers presented at meetings, and speeches that are published in other sources, the Chicago Manual of Style indicates that the material should be cited in the medium it was published. For example, if the lecture was published in a book, cite it as a chapter in a book. For live lectures, paper presentations, and speeches, see the formats below.  

Lectures and Presentations at Meetings

Notes and Bibliography

For notes and bibliography style (see section 14.115: Papers or posters presented at meetings This link opens in a new window, of the Chicago Manual of Style).

Add information about sponsorship, location (if applicable), and date of the meeting following the title. If that information is available online, you can include a URL. These citations are normally limited to the text or a note, and are not included in a bibliography. Previous editions of the Chicago Manual of Style required parentheses around this added information, but parentheses are no longer used for this citation.

Note

1. David G. Harper, “The Several Discoveries of the Ciliary Muscle,” PowerPoint presentation, 25th Anniversary Meeting of the Cogan Ophthalmic History Society, Bethesda, MD, March 31, 2012.

Speeches

Notes and Bibliography

For notes and bibliography style (see section 14.164 Recorded readings, lectures, and the like This link opens in a new window, of the Chicago Manual of Style).

Audio recordings are treated much like musical recordings. Facts of publication, where needed, follow the style for print media.

Note

2. Harry S. Truman, “First Speech to Congress,” April 16, 1945, Miller Center of Public Affairs, University of Virginia, transcript and audio, 18:13, https://millercenter.org/the-presidency/presidential-speeches/april-16-1945-first-speech-congress.

Bibliography

Auden, W. H. Selected Poems. Read by the author. Spoken Arts 7137, 1991. Audiocassette.

More Help

• Chicago Style (Shapiro Library)

Disclaimer

This information is intended to be a guideline, not expert advice. Please be sure to speak to your professor about the appropriate way to cite sources in your class assignments and projects.