For some of us, finding just the right quotation can be tedious if not frustrating. Sometimes, it is only a matter of going to a favourite quotation site that you may have found somewhat by accident where you can easily discover what you need. In other cases, you may have gone to a few web sites you know of only to spin your wheels and not find the perfect quotation for your needs.
So, the question is often, how do I find web sites that contain quotations I want and need? This need for the best or perfect quotation(s)s may come from a variety of circumstances including: quotations to use for a focus group discussion on a particular topic; to use as part of a speech or presentation where you want the quotation to help make your point, or better still, to support your premise or statement; to utilize in a sympathy card where you find yourself struggling to write those words that convey your deepest feelings; or, to use as a fun way to say hello, happy anniversary, birthday, or just to help encourage someone to move beyond personal or professional despair.
Here are a few tips to find the quotation you want:
- Use a variety of search engines that you are familiar with, for example "google", "bing" or "yahoo". Don't just depend on one search engine since each one usually utilizes different algorithms to categorize web sites.
- Use multiple search terms that are synonyms to the specific quotation term or phrase you want; for example, if you are looking for a quotation about "ability", you can also search for skill, talent, gift, knack and aptitude.
- If you are looking for a quotation about "ability", as referenced above, type into the search box these variations; "quotes about ability", "quotes on ability", "sayings on ability", "sayings for ability", or "quotations about ability" and so forth. In this way, you can capture some or most of the variations of how they are indexed.
- If you have found a quote that you wish to use but do not know the author, search by putting the quote in quotation marks at the beginning and at the end of the quote.
- It is always a best practice to give credit for the quotation to a specific author, but, if you cannot find the author after attempting to, ensure that you indicate that the author is unknown.
- Ask a colleague or friend to help you find the right quotation.
- And finally, if all else fails, use what many of us used before the presence of the Internet by visiting your local public library and ask a librarian for assistance. You might be pleasantly surprised at what you find.
There are a variety of good resources available for you to start your search and Famous Inspirational Quotes is one that gives you a great place to start.