What are the punctuation rules for direct speech?

What are the punctuation rules for direct speech?

The punctuation rules for direct speech are as follows:

1. Use quotation marks (" ") to enclose the exact words spoken by the person.
2. Start the quoted speech with a capital letter.
3. Use a comma or a colon before the opening quotation marks if the reporting verb is used before the speech.
4. Use a comma, question mark, or exclamation mark inside the closing quotation marks to end the quoted speech.
5. Use a full stop after the closing quotation marks if the reporting verb is used after the speech.
6. Use a new paragraph for each new speaker or change in speaker.
7. Use reporting verbs such as said, replied, asked, etc., to introduce the direct speech.