Introduction
When using a PowerPoint presentation as a source for a research paper or presentation, it’s important to properly cite it. Citing your sources demonstrates academic integrity and helps others locate the sources you used. However, many students and researchers are unsure of how to properly cite PowerPoint presentations. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite a PowerPoint presentation and answer common questions you may have.
Step-by-Step Guide
The first step in citing a PowerPoint presentation is to access the source files. If you received the presentation from a classmate or colleague, ask if they have the original source files. If you created the presentation yourself, you should still have access to the original files.
Once you have access to the source files, you will need to determine the author or presenter of the slides. Look for this information on the title slide or in the presenter notes. If the author is not included, you can attribute the presentation to the organization or event where it was presented.
Next, format the citation according to your preferred citation style. Most citation styles have specific guidelines for citing online multimedia content like PowerPoint presentations. For example, in APA style, you would include the author’s last name, the year the presentation was created, the title of the presentation in italics, the format type (e.g. PowerPoint slides), and the URL where the presentation was retrieved.
Here is an example of an APA citation for a PowerPoint presentation:
Smith, J. (2019). The History of Art Through the Ages [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from https://www.slideshare.net/jsmith/history-of-art-presentation
Be sure to double-check the citation formatting with your preferred citation style guide or consult with your instructor or librarian for clarification.
Video Tutorial
A video tutorial can be a helpful resource for those who prefer visual learning. There are several tutorials available online that provide step-by-step instructions on citing PowerPoint presentations.
One helpful tutorial can be found on the Purdue OWL website. This tutorial includes animations, overlays, and annotations to help guide you through the citation process. You can access the tutorial here: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/reference_list_electronic_sources.html#59.
Infographic
An infographic can be a great reference tool for those who prefer a quick and easy visual guide to follow. One infographic that covers how to cite a PowerPoint presentation can be found on the University of South Florida Libraries website. This infographic includes images and illustrations to help guide you through the citation process. You can access the infographic here: https://guides.lib.usf.edu/citingsources/multimedia.
Q&A Format
Here are some common questions related to citing a PowerPoint presentation:
Q: How do I determine the author of a PowerPoint presentation?
A: Look for the author’s name on the title slide or in the presenter notes. If the author is not included, attribute the presentation to the organization or event where it was presented.
Q: What citation style should I use for a PowerPoint presentation?
A: It depends on your preferred citation style. Most citation styles have specific guidelines for citing online multimedia content like PowerPoint presentations.
Q: What if the PowerPoint presentation was not created by an individual, but by a company or organization?
A: You can attribute the presentation to the company or organization in place of the author’s name.
For additional resources on citing PowerPoint presentations, check out the Purdue OWL website and the University of South Florida Libraries website.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake in citing PowerPoint presentations is failing to check the formatting guidelines for your preferred citation style. Be sure to double-check the format and punctuation to ensure accuracy.
Another common mistake is not including enough information in the citation. Make sure to include the author or presenter, the year the presentation was created, the title of the presentation, the format type (e.g. PowerPoint slides), and the URL where the presentation was retrieved.
Failing to cite your sources can result in plagiarism charges, which can have serious academic and professional consequences. Always be sure to properly cite any sources you use.
Conclusion
Citing a PowerPoint presentation is an important part of academic research and demonstrates ethical scholarship. Follow this step-by-step guide to properly cite your sources and avoid common mistakes. If you have any further questions or comments, feel free to ask below.