The buzzer is back! And it’s not by popular demand. Most clients hate it. But let me explain.
When it comes to messaging and media, most clients struggle with condensing their messaging more than anything else. The media needs your messages to be “packaged” in a form they can use. Known as the magical soundbite, the goal is to offer a complete thought which addresses the question, offers context but does so in a tight amount of time. Think a few sentences, not paragraphs. But for most people, the pressure of being on-camera, combined with anxiety and self-doubt can cause many to talk too much. Rambling, connecting thoughts with endless prepositions results in messages that are not in soundbite packaging. That’s where the buzzer comes into play.
Yes, a simple game show buzzer can be a simple yet effective tool to stop the rambling. I recently ordered a new one on Amazon for less than $10. When performing a mock interview and the rambling begins, I simply press the buzzer. This immediately alerts the client that they have said enough to satisfy soundbite packaging. Please stop talking.
Cruel and unusual punishment? Maybe at first. But for those who struggle with condensing their messages, it’s an investment worth making to break bad habits and deliver usable, effective soundbites.
The Dubek Media Group specializes in high-end video production, media training, and on-camera coaching and is based in Tempe, Arizona.