Direct Quotations in Speech

John McWhorter’s analysis of President Trump’s use of direct quotations illustrates a tool students can use.

The associate professor of linguistics at Columbia University distinguishes between direct and indirect quotations (also note he doesn’t use the informal quote as a stand-in for quotation). McWhorter writes about recent speeches, “It’s like Trump is performing a little skit, acting out the conversation rather than just telling you the outcome.”

Students might consider this style for their own presentations and interviews. Could they be more vivid with direct instead of indirect quotations? Here' are a few examples:

• During an interview:

• After the meeting, my manager said she would use my deck as an example for future interns. (indirect)

• After the meeting, my manager asked to speak with me. She said, “If it’s OK with you, I’d like to use your desk as an example for future interns,” and I said, “Sure!” (direct)

• As evidence in writing or a presentation:

  • Yoga Central said 16.2% of their users enter their email on the popup form. (indirect)

  • In response to my email, Yoga Central replied, “16.2% of users enter their email on our popup form.” (direct)

• Asking a manager for help about a customer situation:

  • She said she wouldn’t come again because of the return policy. (indirect)

  • She said, “The two-week return policy is ridiculous! I’m never coming back here.” (direct)

In these examples, the quotations aren’t merely performative. The first example helps a recruiter picture the situation, hear the applicant’s excitement, and makes the claim more believable. The second lends credibility to the evidence, and the third provides a manager with more detail and the customer’s intensity. Often, direct quotations can illustrate tone, which might affect the audience’s interpretation and conclusions.

Direct quotations should serve a specific purpose and not be overused. But they’re a valuable addition to our students’ communication toolkit.