A description on how to handle quotations by Matt White and Trevor Robb

1. Handling Quotations A Summary on how to handle quotations.

2. The Source Always be sure to attribute your source correctly, but careful, don’t over do it. Always be sure to split your attribution if the quote is more than one sentence. EX: “That was extremely offensive,” said Trevor. “Stop being like that please.”

3. Secondary Sources Always be sure to separate quotes when involving a second speaker to avoid confusion. Start a new paragraph when introducing a secondary source. EX: “You should start new paragraphs when introducing secondary sources,” said Matt. Trevor Robb, Journalism Student, agreed. “For sure, that will avoid confusion for the our readers.”

4. Avoid Stutter Quotes! “Stutter Quotes” are quotes that paraphrase what the speaker said and then use a direct quotation repeating what was just said. EX: Matt said that he was going to the store during lunch. “I’m going to the store during lunch,” said Matt.

5. Partial Quotes This is the use of short quotes intertwined into bodies of text. WRONG EX: Some say this was the “best” super bowl ever, while others felt it was more “atrocious.” RIGHT EX: “The super bowl was the best ever,” said Trevor, diehard fan of The Saints. Matt, on the other hand, didn’t share the same feelings. “It was atrocious.”

6. Always use “SAID” Nothing else. RIGHT EX: “Colts suck,” Trevor said, with a laugh. WRONG EX: “Colts suck,” Trevor laughed.

7. Story Length Be sure to follow guidelines on story length. Listen to your editor/instructor and you’ll be fine. Reduction of story length generally falls into three categories. Trimming – A trimming of the story. Boiling - A more drastic process of pairing most of the sentences and sacrificing minor facts. Cutting – Eliminates all but the most important facts For more info on these three story editing methods consult your textbook: PG 82 & 83