In Their Own WordsIn Their Own Words

Adapted by Dr. Mike Downing from News Reporting and Writing, Eighth Edition

When to Quote DirectlyWhen to Quote DirectlyUse direct quotes when:1)Someone says something unique2)Someone says something

uniquely3)Someone says something

important

Problems in Direct Problems in Direct QuotationQuotation

Paraphrase can often be used in place of direct quotes

Partial quotes can often be used more effectively than directly quoting long statements

Be careful with quoting non-native speakers

Watch for redundancies in quoted material

Deleting Obscenity, Deleting Obscenity, Profanity, and VulgarityProfanity, and Vulgarity

Just because someone uses foul language, doesn’t mean you should automatically quote it.

According to the AP Stylebook, journalists should avoid obscenities, profanities, and vulgarities, “unless they are part of direct quotations and there is a compelling reason for them.”

When to AttributeWhen to AttributeAttribute all direct quotes, unless

those quotes are uttered by a minorYou should also attribute all indirect

information to a particular sourceYou do not have to attribute when

the information:1)Is a matter of public record2)Is available from several sources3)Is easily verifiable4)Contains no opinions5)Is non-controversial

On or Off the Record?On or Off the Record?Everything should be on the record

unless a specific request is made for you to keep sensitive information off the record

You should avoid anonymous sources because:

1)It could damage your credibility2)Your source may be lying or trying to

start trouble3)You may be sued if you name the

source after the fact

The OWLThe OWLYour textbook mentions the OWL at the

end of Chapter FourThe OWL is the Online Writing Lab at

Purdue UniversityIt is a great site for any writerIt covers how and when to quoteIt also covers MLA and APA

documentation (for those of you seeking such information)

The website is http://owl.english.purdue.edu/

Questions?