Your Soundbite Statement, AKA Your Foundational Phrase
Within your stories is a foundational phrase.
This short sentence gets your point across or summarizes your story. It adds clarity so that your audience grasps your message easily. These phrases are both memorable and easy for you and your audience to remember.
Here are some of my favorite foundational phrases from my stories and talks:
“Life is a series of sales situations, and the answer is “no” if you don’t ask.”
“Speak to be remembered and repeated.”
“A story must be true, but not 100% accurate.”
“Don’t report on the dialogue; deliver the dialogue.”
“It is not your customer’s job to remember you. It is your responsibility to make sure they don’t have the chance to forget you.”
“Don’t celebrate closing a sale. Celebrate opening a relationship.”
Your audience can repeat your foundational phrase to their friends and associates.
When we remember vivid examples, we usually remember the associated soundbite statement. When you review your presentation’s key points, incorporate those statements.
My all-time favorite, of course, was when I was on 60 Minutes. The interviewer said, “You used to be a hairstylist; now you are a motivational speaker. There must be a big difference.” I answered, “When I was a hairstylist, I used to work on the outside of people’s heads. Now that I am a motivational speaker, I work on the inside of people’s heads. There is only a half-inch difference.”
That line got me on 60 Minutes. That half-inch has made me millions of dollars. Not all in the same year.
If you want to see the 60 Minutes soundbite, here it is!
Good luck with your soundbite statements. If you would like help, let’s talk.
“Every year, my appreciation for you grows stronger! With great enthusiasm and reliability, you have proven to be an integral part of our annual conference and a favorite among our members.
Given the virtual environment, your speaker training program has become more critical than ever. Your strategies and wisdom greatly benefitted our presenters, ensuring greater quality in every one of our workshops.
Thank you also for facilitating a fantastic interview with our Payroll Man and Woman of the Year. Your thoughtful coaching and practice sessions allowed them to shine and speak confidently in the recording. Whether on-screen or in-person, your bright presence leaves a lasting impression.
Your speech coaching, influence, and impact on our speakers and leaders shine through everything we do. What is most satisfying is that our PayrollOrg and GPMI community members are aware of your significance, and they credit you for your growth and ability to be better communicators at meetings, conventions, leadership, and in life.
Thank you so much for being an essential part of our success! My most gracious thanks.” Dan Maddux, Executive Director, PayrollOrg
