Partial quote

Definition

A partial quote is a segment of someone's spoken or written words that is included in a news story or report, but not the entire statement. This type of quotation allows journalists to capture the essence of what someone said while also providing context or additional commentary, making it easier to integrate into the narrative of the piece without misrepresenting the speaker's intent.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Partial quotes are useful for emphasizing specific points made by a source without needing to quote them in full.
2. Using partial quotes can help maintain a natural flow in writing while still conveying essential information from the source.
3. It’s crucial for journalists to ensure that partial quotes are not taken out of context, as this can mislead readers about the source's true meaning.
4. In practice, partial quotes should be clearly indicated with quotation marks to signify that these are the exact words of the speaker.
5. Journalists often use partial quotes when the complete statement is too lengthy or not entirely relevant to the story being told.

Review Questions

• How does using a partial quote enhance a journalist's ability to convey a message effectively?
  • Using a partial quote allows journalists to emphasize specific parts of a speaker's statement that are most relevant to the story, making it easier for readers to grasp key points. By integrating these segments with surrounding text, journalists can maintain narrative flow and context. This technique helps in crafting a compelling and concise narrative while still honoring the original voice of the source.
• Discuss the ethical implications of using partial quotes in journalism. What should reporters be cautious about?
  • When using partial quotes, reporters must be cautious about the potential for misrepresentation. If a partial quote omits critical context or changes the meaning of what was said, it can lead to misunderstandings and harm reputations. Ethical journalism requires accuracy and fairness, so journalists should ensure that their use of partial quotes does not distort the original intent or message of the speaker.
• Evaluate how effectively employing partial quotes can impact public perception of a news event or individual. What should journalists consider?
  • The effective use of partial quotes can significantly shape public perception by highlighting certain viewpoints or emotions associated with a news event or individual. Journalists must consider how these selections may influence reader interpretation, potentially swaying opinions based on what is emphasized or omitted. It’s essential for reporters to balance their choices with objectivity and thorough context to avoid creating biased narratives that could mislead their audience.

Related terms

full quote: A full quote includes the entire statement made by an individual, providing the complete context and meaning of their words.

attribution: Attribution refers to identifying the source of a quote or information, ensuring that readers understand who is being referenced in the reporting.

paraphrase: A paraphrase involves rewording someone's statement or idea in your own words while maintaining the original meaning, often used as an alternative to direct quoting.