Quote

Definition

A quote is a direct repetition of someone else's statement or thoughts, often used in newswriting to lend credibility and provide a personal perspective. Quotes enhance storytelling by adding emotional depth and authenticity, allowing readers to connect more closely with the subject matter. They can also provide valuable context and insight into the situation being reported.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quotes can be used to provide direct evidence of what people think or feel about an issue, making news stories more engaging and relatable.
2. Effective quotes should be concise and impactful, capturing the essence of the speaker's message without unnecessary embellishments.
3. In hard news reporting, it's essential to use quotes accurately and fairly to ensure that the intended meaning is preserved.
4. Reporters often use quotes to highlight differing viewpoints, allowing for balanced coverage of contentious issues.
5. The placement of a quote within an article can significantly affect its impact; quotes at the beginning or end can draw readers' attention and leave a lasting impression.

Review Questions

• How do quotes enhance the storytelling aspect of news articles?
  • Quotes enhance storytelling by providing a personal touch that helps readers connect emotionally with the story. When a writer includes a quote from someone directly involved in an event or issue, it adds authenticity and depth, allowing readers to hear different perspectives. This not only enriches the narrative but also helps convey complex feelings and opinions in a way that plain reporting cannot.
• Discuss the importance of attribution when using quotes in newswriting.
  • Attribution is critical in newswriting as it establishes credibility and accountability for the information presented. When reporters attribute quotes to specific individuals or sources, it not only enhances transparency but also allows readers to assess the reliability of the statements made. Accurate attribution ensures that voices are properly credited, which is essential for ethical journalism and maintaining trust with the audience.
• Evaluate how quotes can be strategically used to represent multiple viewpoints in hard news reporting.
  • Strategically using quotes allows reporters to represent multiple viewpoints effectively, thereby fostering balanced journalism. By including diverse perspectives through quotes, reporters can highlight conflicts and disagreements surrounding an issue, which provides readers with a well-rounded understanding of the topic. This approach not only reflects journalistic integrity but also empowers audiences to form their own opinions based on a comprehensive view of all sides involved.

Related terms

Attribution: Attribution is the process of identifying the source of a quote, giving credit to the individual or entity from which the information originated.

Paraphrase: Paraphrase refers to restating someone else's ideas or statements in your own words while maintaining the original meaning, differing from quoting directly.

Soundbite: A soundbite is a short, catchy excerpt from an interview or speech that encapsulates a key point, often used in broadcast news to grab attention.