Using Quotes in News Stories: A Guide for Journalists
Introduction
News stories should be about people—those involved in events or issues—rather than just focusing on
the event or issue itself. To create engaging stories, journalists need to find ways to include people's
voices, experiences, and reactions through quotes.
The Importance of Quotes in Journalism

If you repeat the exact words which people themselves used you will reduce the risk of
misreporting what they say.

When we give a person's exact words our readers can see both the ideas and the way they were
presented.

People often use lively language when they speak. Quotes allow you to put that lively language
directly into your story.
1. Quotes Bring the Audience Closer
Quotes allow the audience to feel as if they are present, sharing the experience with those involved in
the story.
2. Quotes Convey Emotion
They capture the emotional reactions of people, providing depth and a human element to the story.
3. Quotes Show, Don’t Just Tell
Instead of merely stating facts, quotes demonstrate that the story revolves around real people.
4. Quotes Reveal Personalities
Through quotes, audiences get a glimpse of the personalities involved, adding color and authenticity to
the narrative.
Types of Quotes and Attributed Statements
1. Direct Quotations
- Direct quotations are word-for-word statements from a speaker, enclosed in quotation marks. They
provide the exact words spoken.
-They are useful for conveying emotions, opinions, and personal experiences.
2. Indirect Quotations
-Also known as close paraphrases, indirect quotations do not use quotation marks. They closely
represent what the speaker said but are not exact word-for-word renditions.
-These convey the essence of what the source said without using their exact words. They are similar to
paraphrased statements but often include attribution. For example: According to the CEO, the project
was very successful.
3. Paraphrased Quotations
-These use the reporter's words to convey what the speaker said, often more concisely and clearly.
-These restate the source’s words in the writer’s own words, without quotation marks. They are useful
for summarizing longer statements or clarifying complex information. For example: The CEO mentioned
that the project was very successful.
4. Partial Quotations
-Partial quotations include only a few words or a brief phrase from the original quote. They should be
used sparingly to avoid confusion or misrepresentation.
-These include only a part of the source’s statement, often integrated into the writer’s sentence. They
are useful for emphasizing specific points. For example:
The CEO described the project as a “huge success.”
5. Dialogue
Dialogue consists of direct quotes from two people, showing their responses to one another. This
format is used when reporting conversations.
Setting Up Quotes Effectively
1. Avoid Burying Quotes
Strong quotes should not be hidden within paragraphs. They are meant to stand out and add impact to
your story.
2. Use Full-Sentence Transitions
Introducing quotes with full-sentence transitions helps the flow of the story and provides context for
the quote.
3. Examples of Effective Transitions
Instead of writing, "Reacting to the city manager, City Council Member Eaton Wise said, 'I don't think Mr.
Prentice has the authority to do that,'" use a more engaging setup like: "The city manager's initiative
upset Council Member Eaton Wise. 'I don't think Mr. Prentice has the authority to do that,' he said."
Similarly, avoid writing: "Replying to the President's promise, the Senate minority leader said, 'All we can
expect from an effort like that is a lot of pain.'" Instead, try: "The Senate minority leader foresees hard
times ahead. 'All we can expect from an effort like that is a lot of pain,' he said."
Conclusion
Quotes are a powerful tool in journalism, allowing stories to resonate on a personal level with the
audience. By effectively incorporating direct, indirect, and paraphrased quotations, reporters can add
authenticity and emotional depth to their writing. Setting up quotes properly with clear, engaging
transitions ensures that the narrative remains focused on the people behind the news.
There are three main reasons why you should use quotes in print journalism:

If you repeat the exact words which people themselves used you will reduce the risk of
misreporting what they say.

When we give a person's exact words our readers can see both the ideas and the way they were
presented.

People often use lively language when they speak. Quotes allow you to put that lively language
directly into your story.
Attribution
This is the practice of crediting the source of a quote or information. It is crucial for maintaining
credibility and transparency. Attribution can be done at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. For
example:
“The project was a huge success,” said the CEO. The CEO said, “The project was a huge success.” “The
project,” said the CEO, “was a huge success.”