Grammar question (on my counselor letter) help

[mirabillis]

Wondering about whether to use a comma or colon for these quotes, within my counselor letter. Which is correct? Or are they both? Silly question, but I don't want to look dumb. LOL! I think it's a colon...

So-and-so said of DS: “INSERT QUOTE HERE.” 
or
So-and-so said of DS, “INSERT QUOTE HERE.” 

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Then my DS asked me to proof one of his supplements, and that's when I realized I wasn't sure. LOL!
He said something that really struck me: “INSERT QUOTE HERE” 
or
He said something that really struck me, “INSERT QUOTE HERE” 

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So let me know for both - if they are different, the correct grammar. Thanks!

Edited October 23, 2019 by mirabillis

I would say the comma is correct.  I tend to avoid colons when possible as I never felt comfortable using them.  I looked it up and this page looked helpful.

https://www.grammar-monster.com/lessons/quotation_(speech)_marks_colon_or_comma.htm

[Storygirl]

I would use a comma for the first one, and a colon for the second. The difference is that, in the second example, the introduction of the quote is an independent clause.

Edited October 24, 2019 by Storygirl

[royspeed]

Mirabillis:

Storygirl is correct. — Think of it this way:

When the intro to the quotation forms a complete thought, i.e., an independent clause, that serves as a kind of promise (Here comes the thing that really struck me), use a colon.

—Roy Speed

[mirabillis]

Thanks for weighing in! Much appreciated.

P.S> Love your Shakespeare classes, Roy Speed... :-)