Quotation

Definition

A quotation is a repetition of someone else's statement or thoughts, typically cited as a means to add credibility and authority to a piece of communication. By incorporating quotations, speakers can enhance their arguments, connect with their audience, and provide evidence that supports their claims, making the overall message more compelling and trustworthy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quotations can come from various sources, including books, speeches, interviews, and articles, and can be attributed to famous figures or everyday people.
2. Using quotations effectively can help engage the audience emotionally and intellectually, making them more likely to connect with the speaker's message.
3. Properly citing quotations is essential to avoid plagiarism and to maintain ethical standards in communication.
4. Quotations can serve different purposes, such as emphasizing a point, providing an example, or illustrating a concept in a relatable way.
5. When crafting effective introductions and conclusions, incorporating powerful quotations can leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Review Questions

• How does incorporating quotations contribute to the credibility of a speaker's argument?
  • Incorporating quotations enhances the credibility of a speaker's argument by providing authoritative support from recognized figures or reliable sources. This use of external voices adds weight to the speaker’s claims and helps establish trust with the audience. When audiences hear well-chosen quotations that align with the speaker's message, they are more likely to accept the argument as valid and trustworthy.
• What are some strategies for effectively integrating quotations into introductions and conclusions?
  • Effectively integrating quotations into introductions and conclusions involves choosing relevant quotes that resonate with the main message. In introductions, a powerful quote can capture attention and set the tone for the speech. In conclusions, reiterating key points through a meaningful quotation can reinforce the message and leave a memorable impression. It’s also important to smoothly weave quotes into the narrative so that they flow naturally within the context.
• Evaluate the role of quotations in shaping audience perception during persuasive speeches.
  • Quotations play a crucial role in shaping audience perception during persuasive speeches by serving as evidence that supports the speaker’s argument. When speakers use credible sources or impactful statements, it not only reinforces their points but also enhances their own authority in the eyes of the audience. The strategic use of quotations can evoke emotions or provoke thoughts, ultimately influencing how the audience interprets the message and sways their opinions toward agreement with the speaker.

Related terms

Citing Sources:

The practice of giving credit to the original author or source of information used in a speech or written work.

Paraphrasing: The act of rewording someone else's ideas or statements while maintaining the original meaning, often used to simplify complex information.

Attribution:

The process of identifying the source of a quotation, which helps to establish credibility and allows the audience to understand the context of the quoted material.