The Magic of Quotations

All people no matter how good they are in writing or in giving speeches have various problems at the start, within the course and at the end of the activity.

Some people simply run out of words or encounter difficulty in expressing and finding the exact words, which results in the failure to reveal what is really on their mind. Others do not know how to play with words. They fail to choose and use the best style that would catch and sustain readers' and audience' interest. A number lack persuasion due to insufficient proof and evidence supporting their thesis. That is: the one point they want to make. Few cannot find the appealing way of starting or introducing the argument. Okay, let's say that the introduction is well established, but the loophole is in the body if not in the conclusion. The thesis is not spelled out in the body. Ideas justifying their logic are not accurately displayed. Their conclusion lacks emphasis, which if made better would definitely create a mark in their audience' mind.

These are some of the ailments of writing and of giving speeches (I mentioned public speaking here since its bottom-line is still writing). One of the best antidotes of these ailments is to exercise the magic of quotations. You can be a guru of employing magic of quotations once you know what is, when and how to use quotations.

"By necessity, by proclivity, and by delight, we all quote."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson-

Quotation

ýan exact reproduction of another speaker's or writer's words.
ýa way of incorporating information from other sources into your own writing.
ýinspires your creative thinking
ýstrengthens your essays and research papers

The Uses of Quotation

"Words ... so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become, in the hands of one who knows how to combine them!"
-Nathaniel Hawthorne-

So when your own words are not enough to substantiate your argument, to illustrate or explain an opinion or idea, use quotations.

"The most noble and profitable invention of all other was that of speech, consisting of names or appellations, and their connection; whereby men register their thoughts, recall them when they are past, and also declare them one to another for mutual utility and conversation; without which there had been amongst men neither commonwealth, nor society, nor contract, nor peace, no more than amongst lions, bears and wolves."
-Thomas Hobbes -

When the speaker or writer of the quote is an expert on the subject or a famous, noteworthy person whose specific words are remarkable or of general interest to your topic, use quotations.

Such as thy words are, such will thy affections be esteemed; and such will thy deeds be as thy affections; and such thy life as thy deeds.
-Socrates-

When demonstrating emotions, wit, wisdom, humor and motivation, using quotations is a wise action.

What is originality? To see something that has no name as yet and hence cannot be mentioned although it stares us all in the face. The way men usually are, it takes a name to make something visible for them. Those with originality have for the most part also assigned names.
-Friedrich Nietzsche-

Use quotations to reproduce relevant statements of information, opinion, or policy of an authority and of an expert in a certain field. Quoting means citing the exact words of another writer. By quoting other writers, you lend credibility and support to your own ideas. So never forget to acknowledge them.

The Magic

Quotations are an essential tool in writing. They allow the reader to see--read--for himself that what you are saying is true. They can also provide a bridge between points, supporting the argument you have just made, and providing a contrast for your next point. Quotations, when well chosen, have so great a force in them.

In any style of writing, quotations are useful. Whether technical - business correspondence, memoranda, news article, etc. or literary - prose, verse, etc., quotations show credibility, offer a change of pace, break up large blocks of text, and often show character. You can place it in the introduction to lure audience' attention, in the body to substantiate your purpose and in the conclusion to leave an inspiring and worth-pondering thought. And in whatever form of writing and speech, power of persuasion is always questioned and weighed. In this case, quotation is a vital key.

He who wants to persuade should put his trust, not in the right argument, but in the right word. The power of sound has always been greater than the power of sense.
-Joseph Conrad-

The Finish Line

Now it is time to wrap this up with a good clincher. How about this: If you master the magic of quotations, you will not only develop confidence and win praises from your colleagues, get better grades if you're a student - you'll also do better and go much farther in your career or business.

You're right! I'm now talking about more MONEY!

I'm certain that is magical enough to give you passion in studying the magic of quotations.