Final answer:
Quotation marks are used to denote where a quotation begins and ends. A signal phrase with a comma is used before a quotation, and periods and commas within quotes go inside the quotation marks. For citations, the period follows the citation outside the quotation marks.
Step-by-step explanation:
When transcribing, it is important to use commas and quotes correctly to demarcate dialogue and ensure that the text is clearly understood. Use quotation marks (""") to enclose the exact words of a speaker or text, indicating where the quotation starts and ends. To integrate a direct quote into your own writing, employ a signal phrase followed by a comma before the quote. For example:
Smith says, "Effective time management is crucial."
Always place periods and commas within the quotation marks if they are part of the quoted material. When using abbreviations with periods, such as in titles (Dr., Mrs.) or acronyms (U.S.A., N.A.T.O.), the period is included as part of the abbreviation.
For longer quotations that require citation, like:
"Effective time management skills are essential," Smith explains (Smith 123).
The period after the citation falls outside the quotation marks.