How to Create Great Sound Bites By Dr. Benny Morris In our hustle bustle society no one has time to listen for long. You can’t tell them your full story up front. People want a capsule of information delivered in a few seconds that is hits their “sweet spot” or “hot button.” So if you get the chance, an opening to present, pitch, persuade or cajole someone you better make it good. You need an 8 to 10 second “hook’ instead of a 1 to 3 minute commercial. If you can’t get your point across in ten seconds of why you are newsworthy, you might as well forget it, you lost your chance. I teach my coaching clients who are seeking television, radio and print media exposure, to be prepared and well-rehearsed on your “sound bites.” The good news is when are good at sound bites you become better at dealing with your prospective clients, customers and recruits because sound bites work on them too! Your sound bite has to be a real grabber, a message that has sticking power that they won’t forget, that makes people want to buy your product, join your team or champion your cause and even fight your battles with you. When it is short, just like good copyrighting it gets their attention and buys you more time to sell them. Guidelines for powerful sound bites: - It must be 10 to 20 seconds in length for radio and television, and about 30 seconds for print. - First explain who you are, second what you represent and third why you make a difference. - If it is for a special occasion or current news event it must be customized. - Must flow naturally and not appear rehearsed, lots of energy and excitement, but don’t blow them away. How to write your sound bite: - Investigate what type of information is currently the buzz in the media. Make it a habit to watch the headlines, www.news.google.com is a great resource and saves time. - Think about ways you can integrate your current news into your sound bite. - At first, just brainstorm and start putting down your thoughts but don’t get into “over think.” Just write down what pops in your mind. - Now go in and underline the words that standout or those that are descriptive and separate these words and thoughts on another sheet. - Study your list and make sure these are the best and most descriptive words and available. - Now it gets fun, put together your sound bite using these words into one or two sentences selecting the most descriptive words on your list. Copyright © Benny Morris Now read your sound bite out loud and listen to how it sounds. Tweak and change the words until it feels right. Next step, repetition is the mother of skill, it is time to practice over and over until it comes out natural and perfect without having to think about it. Good sound bites are like a seed to a money tree. Put it in that perspective. Every time you use your sound bite you are taking a step toward more profit. If you follow these steps you are going to be on your way to doors opening left and right! Good luck, God bless you and be encouraged! Dr. Benny Morris Email: Info@DrEncourage.com Website: www.DrEncourage.com Copyright © 2011 Benny Morris