Troublespots in stories Looking for trouble spots in stories By Don Gibb Coaches help writers when they talk specifics. Often, long-winded quotes are cumbersome and simply relate routine or factual detail which is more easily digested by paraphrasing. Quotes should be effective by adding a voice to the story, by making it more personal.
Cumbersome quotes bog down a story.
No quotes produce a passive piece of writing. Reporters who rely on tape recorders often use lengthy, dull quotes. Jumping back and forth between subjects encourages confusion and loss of interest in readers. Most reporters need to get more detail into their stories. Encourage reporters to pursue little details that add real color and human interest to their stories.