Final answer:
When uncertain of the precise speaker in an academic reference, use a descriptor like a text title in quotes, a speech context description, or omit the name but accurately attribute the idea to its source.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you cannot identify who is exactly speaking, you may add a descriptor before the speaker label. For instance, if a work does not provide an author's name, but you need to reference it, you would use a condensed version of the text title in quotation marks instead. Similarly, when summarizing a speech without a clear indication of the speaker, you may need to describe the content or the context instead of using a name. A good practice for proper citation within the realms of an academic setting is to always attempt to trace and accurately attribute the source of any statement or idea to its original speaker or author whenever possible.