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How to quote a speech or report without a date?

October 30, 2025
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Citing speeches or reports lacking a publication date is feasible using specific notation and contextual information in formal referencing. Utilize "n.d." (no date) where the date would typically appear in your citation style, ensuring all other required elements (author, title, source location) are provided. The fundamental principle is accurate attribution while clearly indicating the absence of a formal publication date in the source. Supplement this with contextual clues whenever possible, such as the event date the speech was delivered or the year a report was accessed online. This practice maintains citation integrity and allows readers to locate the source using the provided details. Key approaches include using "n.d." explicitly within the in-text citation and reference list entry according to your style guide (e.g., APA, MLA). Where known, incorporate the date of the speech delivery event or the date the report was accessed online (denoted as "retrieved"). Alternatively, provide an approximate year based on contextual evidence (indicated with "ca." or similar). Always specify the source format clearly (e.g., "Transcript," "Recording," "Unpublished report") and include retrieval details for online sources. Remember consistency across all citations is paramount. For implementation, first determine the citation style required (APA, MLA, Chicago). Construct the reference using "n.d." for the missing date (e.g., Smith, n.d.). Add supplementary information in parentheses: for speeches, include the delivery date if known or use "ca." for approximations (Smith, n.d., para. 4; delivered October 15, 2022). Specify the format (e.g., "Speech transcript," "Conference presentation"). Include a URL or DOI and a retrieval date for online sources. This provides transparency and facilitates source verification despite the missing date.
How to quote a speech or report without a date?
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