Indirect quote

Definition

An indirect quote is a rephrasing of someone else's statement without using their exact words, while still conveying the essence of what was said. This type of quotation allows a journalist to present information in a way that may flow better with their narrative while maintaining the original meaning. Indirect quotes are often used to summarize or clarify a speaker’s ideas and can help maintain the writer's voice in a piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Indirect quotes are not enclosed in quotation marks since they do not use the speaker's exact words, making them more flexible in presentation.
2. Using indirect quotes allows journalists to interpret and summarize information while still giving credit to the original speaker.
3. It’s essential to ensure that an indirect quote accurately reflects the original meaning and intent of the speaker's words.
4. Indirect quotes can be particularly useful when summarizing longer statements or complex ideas, allowing for clearer communication.
5. In some cases, overuse of indirect quotes may lead to a lack of authenticity or diminished impact compared to direct quotes.

Review Questions

• How does the use of an indirect quote differ from a direct quote, and when might a journalist choose one over the other?
  • An indirect quote differs from a direct quote in that it paraphrases someone's statement rather than using their exact words. A journalist might choose an indirect quote when they want to summarize or clarify complex ideas while maintaining their own writing style. Additionally, if a speaker’s original words are too lengthy or informal for the context, an indirect quote can provide a more polished presentation while still attributing the ideas to the source.
• What are some potential pitfalls of using indirect quotes in journalism, and how can they be avoided?
  • Some potential pitfalls of using indirect quotes include misrepresenting the speaker's intent or failing to capture critical nuances in their message. To avoid these issues, journalists should ensure that their paraphrasing accurately reflects the original meaning and context. It's also important to be mindful of the tone and implications of the rephrased statement, ensuring that it does not alter the original message in a way that misleads readers.
• Evaluate the role of indirect quotes in enhancing journalistic integrity while presenting information from sources.
  • Indirect quotes play a crucial role in enhancing journalistic integrity by allowing reporters to present information thoughtfully while accurately representing the source's ideas. When used appropriately, they help convey complex thoughts clearly without distorting the original meaning. However, journalists must balance this with maintaining transparency by attributing ideas correctly and ensuring that paraphrasing does not stray too far from what was originally said. This careful approach strengthens trust between journalists and their audience.

Related terms

Direct Quote: A direct quote involves quoting someone's exact words, typically enclosed in quotation marks, to accurately represent their statement.

Paraphrase:

A paraphrase is a restatement of someone else's ideas or words in a new way, similar to an indirect quote but typically more detailed and not necessarily focused on the original meaning.

Attribution: Attribution is the act of identifying the source of information or quotes in journalism, providing credibility and context to the statements made.