Sound Bites – Do you use them?

Would you like to become a speaker who connects with listeners, build credibility, and stand out from the crowd? Then start developing and using your own sound bites in your speeches. Sound bites can make your speeches memorable. I like to think of sound bites as merely saying the right thing to the right person at the right time.

Here are three memorable sound bites, used by famous politicians, athletes, and great leaders in recent years. I am sure you too can add the name to each of the following examples.

• “Senator you’re no Jack Kennedy”
• “I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee”
• “If it doesn’t fit you must acquit”

A politician in the first example used a sound bite to summarize his position.  In the second an athlete, to intimidate opponents. And in the third, a lawyer making his famous case.  They all knew the power of sound bites. The power of a sound bite is in the brevity of the statement. With sound bites, you can sell without selling. You can weave them into your conversation for effect. Sound bites can be your missing link to becoming a more powerful speaker.

When your sound bites are unique, natural and authentic, they are most effective. They command immediate attention, interest, and action. Well-structured sound bites promote the benefits of the message. Start creating and begin practicing to use the sound bites you have developed. Make them a part of your everyday conversations. The more you use them, the more you will become comfortable using them. Over time, they will become one of your most important skills to develop into becoming a speaker who stands out from the crowd.