Select best quotes from transcript
AI reads your interview transcript and picks the 8 strongest, most quotable moments.
Select best quotes from transcript
River's Quote Selector reads interview transcripts and identifies the 8 strongest, most quotable moments. You paste any transcript, and the AI selects quotes that reveal character, provide insight, surprise readers, or capture voice. Whether you're writing profiles, news stories, or features, you get the best quotes pulled from hours of conversation, saving you from rereading entire transcripts to find gems.
Unlike keyword searches that find mentions of topics, we identify quotes that work journalistically. The AI understands what makes quotes strong (reveals something, shows personality, provides expert insight, surprises, uses vivid language), distinguishes quotable statements from mundane ones, and provides context for each selection. You get quotes that will actually strengthen your story, not just fill space.
This tool is perfect for all reporters working from transcripts, journalists writing from multiple interviews, profile writers finding character moments, and anyone overwhelmed by long transcripts. If you have great interviews but struggle identifying the best quotes, or if you're on deadline and need to find quotes fast, this tool helps. Use it immediately after transcribing when you need to extract the strongest material quickly.
What Makes Quotes Quotable
Strong quotes serve specific purposes in journalism. They reveal character (showing how someone thinks or speaks), provide expert insight (explaining complex ideas accessibly), advance the narrative (moving the story forward), show emotion (conveying feeling words can't capture), or surprise readers (saying something unexpected or counter-intuitive). Weak quotes just state facts (those should be paraphrased) or use bureaucratic language (we're committed to excellence). The test: does this quote do something paraphrasing cannot? If you could say it better yourself, it's not worth quoting.
The best quotes have distinctive voice or say something uniquely. They're concise (usually one to three sentences, rarely longer). They stand alone or need minimal setup. They use active, vivid language (not jargon or hedging). They're honest and specific (not PR-speak). When selecting quotes from transcripts, look for moments where the subject gets passionate, laughs, pauses meaningfully, or says something that surprises you. Those emotional or revealing moments often contain the best quotes. Skip the parts where they're being careful or generic.
To improve quote selection, read transcripts looking for voice not just content. Sometimes the way someone says something matters more than what they say. Don't quote everything important; quote what's best conveyed in their words. Avoid quote sandwiches where every paragraph is setup, quote, transition. Use quotes strategically for maximum impact. One perfect quote beats three mediocre ones. When in doubt, ask: will readers remember this quote? If it's forgettable, paraphrase instead. Save quotes for moments that capture something essential.
What You Get
8 strongest quotes identified from your transcript
Context for each quote explaining why it works
Mix of quotes serving different journalistic purposes
Character-revealing, insightful, and surprising moments
Ready-to-use quotes that strengthen stories
How It Works
- 1Paste interview transcriptCopy your complete transcript into the tool
- 2AI selects best 8 quotesOur AI identifies strongest quotable moments in 2 to 3 minutes
- 3Review selectionsRead through the chosen quotes and context
- 4Use in your storyInsert selected quotes where they best serve your narrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Why only 8 quotes? What if I need more?
Eight represents a strong selection for most stories. More quotes often means diluting quality. If you need more, you can run multiple sections of transcript separately or simply note additional good quotes during your own read. The goal is surfacing the strongest material, not every usable quote. Quality over quantity.
Will this select quotes that need context or standalone quotes?
The AI prioritizes quotes that work with minimal setup, but some selected quotes may need brief context. That's normal in journalism. The tool notes when context is needed. You're still the editor deciding whether a quote is worth the setup required. Sometimes a quote requiring explanation is still the best option.
Can this handle multiple speakers or just single interviews?
It works with any transcript format. For multi-person transcripts (panels, conversations), label speakers clearly (John: Jane:) and the AI will attribute quotes correctly. For single interviews, standard Q&A format works fine. The tool adapts to whatever transcript format you provide.
What if the AI picks quotes I don't think are strong?
Use your editorial judgment. The AI suggests candidates based on general principles, but you know your story, audience, and what you need. If selections don't fit, they help you understand what you're looking for by showing what doesn't work. Read the transcript yourself using the AI selections as starting points.
Does this clean up quote grammar or show them exactly as spoken?
The AI presents quotes as they appear in your transcript. You must decide on cleanup (removing ums, fixing grammar, etc.) following your publication's style. Most publications allow minor cleanup for clarity while preserving meaning and voice. Never change meaning or put words in someone's mouth.
What is River?
River is an AI-powered document editor that helps you write better, faster. With intelligent writing assistance, real-time collaboration, and powerful AI tools, River transforms how professionals create content.
AI-Powered Writing
Get intelligent suggestions and assistance as you write.
Professional Tools
Access specialized tools for any writing task.
Privacy-First
Your documents stay private and secure.
Ready to try Select best quotes from transcript?
Start using this tool in 60 seconds. No credit card required.
Find Quotes →