A good quote can be the heart of a compelling article. Good quotes help to tell a story and enhance the credibility of a press release, news story or speech. Words that are crafted well can leave a lasting impact on the world.

Every day I drive by a reader board on my way home from work and every few days there is a new quote that streams across the screen. I find myself looking forward to sneaking a peak at what inspirational message I will have to ponder on my commute home. This is the impact that words can have.

The following are some memorable quotes that have lived on past their delivery:

• “I’ll be back,” California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most famous quote isn’t from his time in office, but from the big screen.
• “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit,” Defense attorney Johnnie Cochran arguing that a glove used as murder evidence in the O.J. Simpson trial was too small.
• “Just say no,” Nancy Reagan’s anti-drug campaign slogan.
• “Read my lips: no new taxes,” George H.W. Bush, accepting the GOP presidential nomination in New Orleans.
• “In the 21st century, it’s not enough to leave no child behind. We need to help every child get ahead,” Barack Obama, asking Congress to rewrite the decade-old No Child Left Behind law – which requires that public school students be measured by regular testing – by this fall.

It is good to keep in mind those words that have caught our attention, as we create the words that will be used to represent a product, company or person. As a spokesperson you want to ensure that your message is clear, concise, compelling and it doesn’t hurt to be catchy.

Not only do we want to strive to be eloquent and pointed in our speech, but use phrases that will resonate beyond the daily news cycle. For tips on what makes a good story, check out our past blog post, “What Makes a Good Story?”