…

It comes down to two words.

Two words that say it all.

Watch:

I know what you’re saying: “I don’t have ‘minutes’ to tell a story. I can’t do anything like this.”

Well, if you watch ESPN often you’ll note that they don’t have 7 minutes to tell stories either.

And while this comes down to two words, the story behind the words is what brings the payoff.

What we don’t see when we watch these features is how much editing has already taken place.

I have no doubt that more words and images were cut from this piece before we eventually saw it than remained in the final video.

Look, I know your PD or GM or Group Genius Butt-Sucker won’t let you do 7-minute stories.

But have they ever heard you do a story like this one?

Have you ever produced a story – beginning, middle and end – interspersed with other voices and using music to make the words more powerful?

Have you ever aired something that brings them to tears or makes them laugh so hard they’re rolling on the floor?

Still resisting? Ok, I get it. They just won’t let you do it. You’ve surrendered. One beating too many.

But what if you did it just like this?

What if you wrote a story, shot some video on your iPhone, found the perfect music to set the mood and then posted it on your station’s Facebook page or website?

Don’t you think it would be just as impactful?

Don’t you think the people who found it and watched it would feel something you’ve never actually been a part of them feeling before?

Yes, it’s a LOT of work, and “they” already have you voicing other stations in other towns and doing remotes and sales calls and production.

I realize 99% of those reading this post have already stopped because I’ve preached this before; it’s hard, emotionally and from a skills and time perspective.

It’s the other 1% I’m trying to persuade.

Find stories in your town.

Find stories that make you feel.

Write them, produce them as if you were trying to win an Oscar, and post them for your listeners to find, on YouTube and your station’s Facebook page and Tik Tok.

If your story produced this kind of traffic and sharing, you don’t think your bosses would love it?

I don’t recall the author’s name but s/he once said, “All stories are love stories, in the end.”

Tell a love story.

Expand who you are to those who listen.

Be more than one-dimensional.

Two words: Love, Abby.

It all began with two words.