Quotables

Q.
I am just starting my journalism career.  I'm in j-school and work at the local daily, and though I'm reporting stories, I'm kind of learning on the fly.  A problem I've run in to is that when I'm taking notes and trying to quote someone, sometimes I get back to the office and I either can't read what I've written or it's incomplete, the victim of a fast talker and a slow note-taker.  When I write stories, I try to be as accurate as I possibly can, but sometimes I know that these quotes are not 100 percent accurate; they're close, but some words are not verbatim.

I think this is a cardinal sin.

How can I fix this problem? Is it as big a problem as I fear? Do other reporters do this?

A.
You're right, this is a cardinal sin. The fact that you've realized that is very good - too many times journalists don't understand that ethical lines matter a great deal. In this biz, our reputation depends on people's trust in our work.

This is an easy fix. Beginning reporters may see that pro journalists use only notebooks and can take notes furiously fast, without error. Please take these suggestions into consideration for getting accurate notes:

• Use a computer: Most people have good typing skills - so if doing an interview by phone pull open a word document and type away. Remember to save during the times you are asking questions.
• Tell the source: Beginners have a good opportunity in that they are beginners. Tell your sources that you are new and they need to slow down. If they look puzzled - tell them it's because you care about getting what they say right. They'll be impressed.
• Use a tape recorder: But, remember to make sure that it's working as you are recording an interview, tell the person being interviewed that you are using a tape recorder as back up so you can make sure your notes are accurate, and use a notepad to take notes (don't rely on just the recorder) and if you note a really good quote that you couldn't get written down in time write down the time on the recorder (so you can quickly find it again).
• Call people back: No, you won't always have time to call people back - but in most cases you will. If you just couldn't get quotes written down in time or if the person said nothing quotable, call them back. They'll again be impressed - and you'll probably get better quotes the second time.
• Don't quote: Sure quotes are great to weave through stories, but if you're up against deadline and only have the choices of a made-up quote or no quote please, please, please choose the latter. If you're editor wants to know why there is no quote, tell them why - openly and honestly - and they'll again be impressed.
• Practice taking notes: I learned how to take good and fast notes (without looking at my notepad - which really helps in emotional interviews) by working as a waitress at Chili's for four years. Practice taking notes any way you can. If you have to, take a class in shorthand.
  

Any other suggestions?