Julie Bartkus

When I quote others I do so in order to express my own ideas more clearly. - Michel de Montaigne

Using Quotes Effectively

Simply put - quotes can get a point across or share an emotion in one sentence. And when someone else has already said the perfect point you wish to share, it's OK to use it. There are some tips and tricks for using quotations wisely and effectively. These are listed below:

1. Use quotes to enhance your own message. Think of a quote like icing on the cake. It helps add some flavor and makes the cupcake look more enticing. In the same way, your message should be the foundation of whatever you're trying to convey. A quote should add to your message and make it more memorable, but not overtake it.

2. Give credit where credit is due. Always give credit to the author of the quote. Legally speaking, the author of the quote owns that quotation and although the chances of being sued for misusing a quote are so extremely low, it's always a good idea to follow the law anyway. If you don't know the author, no problem! Just state that truth - the author is unknown to you.

3. Collect your own quotes. Quotes don't have to be said by someone famous in order to be collectible. If one of your own employees says something noteworthy, jot it down and ask to use it. Once you start creating your own collection, you'll be amazed at how quickly your collection can grow. Your employees will love to hear their own words memorialized for the entire staff to use.

4. Use quotes creatively. Perhaps you decide to make this month's staff meetings all about the topic of inspiration. Place some inspirational quotes on the wall. Ask team members to think about what those quotes mean to them. Have personalized inspirational thoughts printed up and pass them out with the paychecks. Use a quotation as a baseline to tell your own amazing story.

5. Make it fit you. You don't have to use an entire quotation, as long as you keep the basic message the same. If only a section applies to you, just use that section with three dots to take place of what you took out. For example, the quote at the top of this page could also be used as such: Like a wise man once said, I use quotations "…in order to express my own ideas more clearly". (Michel de Montaigne).

Make sure you bookmark this page because every week a new page containing quotes will be added here.

Here are the quote categories:

Quotes on Inspiration

Quotes on Motivation

Quotes on Communication

Quotes on Leadership

Quotes on Work Relationships

Quotes on Time Management

Quotes on Teaching

Quotes on Parenting

Quotes on Teamwork

Quotes on Making Mistakes

Quotes on Honesty

Quotes on Gossip