Writing is a powerful form of expression and the use of quotations by famous writers or personalities can add to what  has been written. Their use has always been fascinating, especially since a good quote can add value to the written article, yet overuse, or misuse, can also detract from the message offered. When quoting someone the text should always add value for the reader: remember it is the audience that really matters here, not the writer’s personal ego.

With any quotation there is an associative triangle of understanding that is put in place between the writer that uses the quote, the originator of the quoted material, and the reader. It triggers feelings inside the listener’s mind, which can help to break down any barriers and strengthen the bond with the point writer is trying to make, through the shared interest.

There are a number of reasons to use quotes, including:

• a message is strongly and succinctly stated

• to add weight to an argument

• to inspire or motivate the reader or listener

• in order to critically examine a specific viewpoint.

It has always been felt that a classic quotation can enhance your writing, yet it is important to select the right quotation. Used well it can enhance the standing of a writer, but be aware that it can also damage your reputation when wrongly used. These quotes can often recognise those that we have learned from (albeit through the pages of a book). The strength of any statement must always be viewed from a listener’s viewpoint. If they know little about the subject in question and are trying to build an understanding then they may regard the writer as a subject matter expert and what they read, including quotations can impact that status. It is important that the writer knows their audience and how they will react to every sentence written or borrowed. There is nothing wrong with having something strongly and succinctly stated, yet it should always be relevant to the topic at hand.

Business Writer and Editor, Judy B. Margolis makes the point that “Too many quotes and you take up valuable space needed for context and your own commentary”. Sadly some writers excel at telling us what others think, but not telling us what they think.

In this regard a message can be said to have stood the test of time, yet as a writer one should question whether a quote that is several hundred years old has any relevance to the current time. For example the founding fathers of the United States of America: Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and others lived in a different era. What they had to say at the time was both powerful and pertinent to the problems of that day, of that there can be no doubt – they changed the English speaking world forever. The USA is a growing democratic nation and conditions have changed over time it does not necessarily mean their views are relevant to the problems that country faces today. Their writings can offer some guidance, yet at the same time new thinking is often required! This contemporary thinking can build on a powerful foundation of these earlier eras or can be entirely based on original thought and ideas.