What should be noted when citing a speech or an unpublished speech?

Citing speeches or unpublished presentations is feasible but requires careful attention to permissions and attribution integrity. This practice helps avoid plagiarism when referencing such non-traditional sources. Several critical considerations apply. First, secure explicit prior permission from the speaker whenever possible, as unpublished work remains their intellectual property. Second, ensure citation style guidelines (e.g., APA's "personal communication" or MLA's lecture format) are followed precisely to denote the material's informal status; APA specifically advises against including personal communications in the reference list. Third, clarify the source's unpublished nature and limitations within the text itself, avoiding reliance on it as a sole or key argument source due to lack of peer review or permanence. Finally, confirm the specific policies of the academic institution or publisher regarding such citations. When properly executed, citing a speech provides valuable contextual or unique insights, particularly in history, sociology, or communications research. Implementation involves: first, obtaining necessary permissions; second, integrating a contextual note in the in-text citation; third, accurately noting details like speaker, event title, location, and date in the format specified by the citation style guide. Its value lies in capturing ephemeral scholarly discourse.