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When you edit a journalistic story, there always comes a moment of choice. A person may say ten sentences, but only one ends up in the final version. That single sentence is called a soundbite. It is a short piece of direct speech that stays in the report.

A good soundbite gives voice to the person behind the story. It adds energy and presence. It shows that the event was real and that someone truly lived through it. A soundbite is not just a technical tool. It becomes part of the rhythm and helps the story flow naturally.

But not every quote works.

Some people speak too long, lose their train of thought, or say what everyone already knows. Others sound too polished, as if they are reading from a script. A strong soundbite feels honest. It can be messy or emotional, but it should always sound real.  It holds meaning, carries emotion, and helps the viewer feel connected.

To choose the right line, you have to listen closely. Sometimes a small detail can reveal more than a long explanation.

Here is an example.

Imagine a news story about the evacuation from a village near the front line. A woman gives an interview. She says, “It was really scary. We packed our things in five minutes and left. I’m just glad everyone is alive.”

The quote feels honest, but it’s too general. It could come from any story.

Now listen to what she says next:

“The roof collapsed right into the room where we slept the night before. I was lucky the kids were already in the car.”

This line feels different. It does not just describe the moment. It places you inside it. You feel the fear and the urgency. You do not just understand what happened. You see it.

This is what makes a soundbite powerful. It does not have to be perfect. It only needs to be true.