As anyone in broadcast journalism or video production will tell you, half of the fun of editing is going through video footage and picking out the best sound bites. It can also be the most frustrating part if what you’re looking for isn’t there.
Short, sweet and complete thoughts.
While this may seem like a no-brainer, we do not naturally speak in short, complete thoughts and sentences. For example, when asked at an event, “Why are you here?” A great response would be, “Company X here at New York Fashion Week talking to top style influencers.” Concise answers that provide full context will tell the story best.
Wear your heart on your sleeve.
If you’re speaking about something you’re passionate about, let your feelings show through your expressions and gestures. We are naturally more interested in listening to someone when we can relate to the emotions they are feeling.
Take a breath.
Seriously. Speak slowly and take a breath between your thoughts and sentences. People tend to speed up when they are being recorded and taking a breath will help you sound more natural. Also it gives us a chance to cut up the sentences to get that perfectly delicious bite.
Picture the interviewer naked.
Just kidding. Unless that helps you for some reason.
Don’t memorize.
If delivering a great sound bite that captures your key messages doesn’t come naturally to you, then you are like most people. While memorization will make you sound unnatural, having a few key points written down ahead of time will help keep you on track. Also remember, if you don’t like the way something came out, you can always ask if you can say it again another way.
