Quotes

Definition

Quotes are direct repetitions of what someone has said or written, typically used in journalism to provide authenticity, support claims, or convey personal perspectives. They enhance storytelling by adding voices from sources, making the piece more engaging and relatable to the audience. The effective use of quotes can also serve to build credibility and provide clarity in reporting.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quotes can significantly enhance reader engagement by providing diverse viewpoints and emotional depth, making the story more compelling.
2. Using quotes effectively requires balancing between verbatim statements and paraphrased content to maintain authenticity while improving readability.
3. Direct quotes should be used sparingly; too many can overwhelm the reader and disrupt the narrative flow.
4. When using quotes, it's crucial to ensure accuracy in both wording and context to avoid misrepresentation of the speaker's intent.
5. Including quotes can help break up large blocks of text, giving readers a moment to pause and reflect on key points made by sources.

Review Questions

• How do quotes contribute to maintaining reader engagement in a narrative?
  • Quotes play a vital role in maintaining reader engagement by bringing in voices from various sources, which can evoke emotions and illustrate different perspectives. They add a layer of authenticity and dynamism to the story, allowing readers to connect more deeply with the material. By presenting direct words from individuals involved, quotes make the narrative relatable and immersive, drawing readers into the experiences being described.
• Discuss the importance of accuracy when integrating quotes into long-form journalism.
  • Accuracy in quotes is essential because misrepresenting someone's words can lead to a loss of credibility for the journalist and potential backlash from readers or subjects. When integrating quotes into long-form journalism, it's important to ensure that the wording is exact and that the context surrounding the quote is clear. This prevents misunderstandings and maintains the integrity of the source's message, which is crucial for building trust with the audience.
• Evaluate how effective use of quotes can impact the overall quality of long-form journalism.
  • Effective use of quotes significantly enhances the quality of long-form journalism by enriching narratives with authentic voices and diverse perspectives. This can lead to a deeper understanding of complex issues and foster a connection between readers and subjects. Moreover, well-placed quotes help articulate key arguments and provide necessary evidence, ultimately elevating the journalist's credibility and making the piece more impactful and memorable for its audience.

Related terms

Attribution: The act of identifying the source of a quote or information, giving credit to the individual or entity that provided the statement.

Paraphrasing: The process of rephrasing someone else's ideas or statements in your own words while maintaining the original meaning.

Source: An individual, document, or entity that provides information or insights that can be quoted or referenced in journalism.