Notes For Quotes

Rules For Using Quotes

• If a source expresses opinion, use a quotation.
• A major or complex story needs more than one quoted source
• Too many quotes can be a problem
• Information that contains facts should normally be used as unquoted material
• Use a variety of quotes

Attribution

• Make sure the speaker of all the quotations is properly identified
• Use "said" as the verb to attribute the quote
• Don't use "replied", "thinks", "joked", or"believes"

Direct Quotes

• The exact, word for word account of what a source said, enclosed in a quotation marks and attributed to source
• On second reference you can cite the person by just their last name

Indirect Quotes

• A summary of what the speaker said reworded by the reporter. 
• It does not use quotation marks but is attributed to the source

Partial Quotes

• A combination of a direct quotation and a paraphrase, attributed to the source.

Fragmentary Quote

• A single word or short phrase used by a source that is included in a paraphrase, enclosed in quotation marks and attributed to the source

When To Use Different Quotes

• Use direct quotations to express a speaker's unique point of view, personality or manner of speaking.
• Use indirect quotes when you need to rephrase what the speaker said to make it more clear to the reader
• Use partial quotes to make colorful or memorable words stand out. But overuse can make writing seem too jumpy and cute.

Types of Questions

• Close-Ended Question: A question that allows the interviewee to answer with a yes-no or one-word answer.
• Open-Ended Question: A question that forces the interviewee to answer with more than a yes-no or one-word answer.
• Follow-up Question: A question that originates from listening to something the interviewee says.