What should you use to close a lengthy quotation in a transcript?

The use of four dashes to close a lengthy quotation in a transcript is a standardized practice in transcription work, particularly in court reporting and legal documentation. This method signifies the end of a quotation that continues over several lines, ensuring clarity in the text and distinguishing the quoted material from the transcriber’s own input.

Using four dashes effectively indicates to the reader that the quoted content has ended, creating a clean separation between the quotation and any subsequent narration or commentary. This structure helps maintain the integrity of the original speaker's words while also providing visual cues for easy readability and comprehension in the transcript.

In contrast, quotation marks are typically employed at the beginning and end of shorter quotes that fit within a single line. Parentheses and other formats like quotation marks or dashes might not provide the same level of clarity or conform to the conventions expected in professional transcripts.