Quotes can define an era, a person, or a story. Used thoughtfully, they transform reporting from factual to memorable, from clear to compelling.
Most newcomers to journalism sooner or later faces this question from an editor: “Where are the quotes?”
As journalists, what do we mean by quotes? We’re talking mainly about the written word, meaning newspapers and websites. We mean taking the exact words that somebody has said and writing them down with quotation marks around them, as in this example: The Prime Minister said: “We will immediately start providing a free loaf of bread, every day, for everyone.”
Quotes breathe life into a story. They turn reported facts into something vivid, human, and believable. News is built on evidence; quotes – when truthful and in context – are part of that evidence.
As Benjamin Disraeli put it: “The wisdom of the wise and the experience of the ages may be preserved by quotation.”
What quotes contribute
Quotes are more than decorative touches. They:
- Provide direct evidence and authenticity.
- Reveal a speaker’s personality and perspective.
- Strengthen credibility by showing accuracy and transparency.
- Add emotion, colour, and human interest.
- Help readers feel they are hearing from sources themselves.
Used well, a quotation gives the story voice and texture – qualities paraphrasing rarely achieves.
When to quote (and when to paraphrase)
Use direct quotes when:
- The speaker’s words are insightful, emotional, or memorable.
- Their phrasing captures a distinctive tone or attitude.
- You want to show their character or viewpoint directly.
Use paraphrasing when:
- The material is technical, routine, or overly long.
- Clarity or brevity is more important than exact wording.
- Always preserve meaning and context, whichever approach you take.
Accuracy and integrity
A quote must reproduce the speaker’s words exactly as spoken. You should not tidying up a quote for grammatical reasons or for elegance. Altering a quote undermines credibility.
Precise quotation:
- Gives the audience unfiltered access to the source.
- Builds trust between reporter and reader.
- Reflects professionalism and ethical discipline.
As playwright Tom Stoppard said: “Words are sacred. If you get the right words in the right order, you can nudge the world a little.”
The impact of memorable quotes
Great quotes can define public moments and linger in history:
- Queen Elizabeth II (after 9/11): “Grief is the price we pay for love.”
- Boris Johnson (2003): “I have as much chance of becoming Prime Minister as of being decapitated by a frisbee or of finding Elvis.” (He became Prime Minister in 2019.)
- Yogi Berra: “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.”
- Muhammad Ali: “I am the greatest.”
Each example distills personality, tone, and emotion into a few unforgettable words.
Key takeaways for journalists
- Seek out quotes that add value, not just filler.
- Ensure quotes are accurate, attributed, and contextualised.
- Let real voices tell the story whenever possible.
- Balance quotes with facts, background, and analysis.
- Good quotes make readers care.
Quotes, used properly, bring news stories to life.
