How Powerful Soundbites and Punchlines Can Help You Deliver Memorable Interviews

There is a difference between putting up a good or exciting interview and putting up a memorable interview. If you are taking an interview to influence people in a specific direction, your appearance has to go beyond being just good to being memorable. And that is a huge distinguishing factor between exceptional commentators and ordinary ones.

Think of the famous football commentator Martin Tyler, who runs commentary for Sky Sports. Most football watchers adore Martin Tyler not just because he is a good football commentator; there are many good commentators, but because he gives most fans something to talk about after every game. He does this by repeatedly using punch lines that sports shows, pundits, and journalists use as soundbites.

There are many good commentators, but it’s because he gives most fans something to talk about after every game.

Therefore, to make your interviews truly memorable, you must harness the power of repetition. By echoing a few punchlines that leave a lasting impression, you can empower your audience to remember you. Whether it’s a powerful quote, an idiomatic expression, clever wordplay, a timeless proverb, or a compelling piece of research data, you have the ability to leave a mark on your audience that they won’t soon forget. This could even inspire them to take action.

As I will repeat throughout this book, most people now have a short attention span because too many things compete for their attention. Whether social media notifications, emails, or news, people will struggle to remember what they read or listen to within 24 hours if nothing in that information sticks. Hence, what you must look for as an interviewee is stickability. What can you say, or what is it about how you say it or appear that will stick in the minds of your audience?

People will struggle to remember what they read or listen to within 24 hours if nothing in that information sticks.

This is why I always advise using powerful, repeated punchlines during your interview that will stick in people’s minds. An example is the typical talking point used by the NRA when pressed about gun violence. Guns don’t kill people; it is bad people that kill.

This is an excerpt from Ayodele’s e-book Pitch Perfect.