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TV commercials Resources |
Two Minute Marvel: How to Compress Your Information
Did you know that our water supply faces a minor crisis every month or so? The reason might surprise you.
If theres a big sports playoff game or a popular TV series viewers wait until commercials to take a bathroom break. Multiple flushes at about the same time strain local sewage systems. A bathroom break lasts approximately two minutes.
During those two minutes several commercials run. Some last 15 seconds, some last 30, some last a minute.
Today, I sat down to randomly record commercial length. Heres what my semi-scientific survey found:
If you count commercial programming as anything thats NOT the show you tuned in for, the average break is TWO minutes. Some are slightly longer, some shorter, and some in addition to commercials carry tease promotions of shows to come.
Why two minutes? My guess is, thats the maximum attention span a viewer is willing to commit before focusing on another subject.
TWO MINUTE MASTERPIECE
The most famous speech in American history Abe Lincolns Gettysburg Address -- ran only 272 words, a little over two minutes.
The Preamble to the Constitution is about 60 words, and can be read aloud in under 30 seconds.
What do our forefathers (and foremothers) know that we dont? Its simply this: If you make anything too long and complex you will BORE people.
5 WAYS TO COMPRESS YOUR STORY
1. First, write down the three main things you want your readers to remember. Next, prioritize them.
2. If possible, introduce the main topic in the first sentence or two. Use the two other important points to reinforce that main thought.
3. Can you give the reader information in the form of a story? Aesops Tortoise and Hare tale reminds us that slowly but surely wins the race.
4. In a compressed story, discussing a problem then telling how it was solved is a powerful attention-grabber. Need great examples? Watch some TV commercials.
5. End the story by (a) providing a logical conclusion, like why the main subjects lived happily ever after," or (b) telling the reader how to get more advice on the topic. Example: For more information on fables, contactetc.)
RIX QUINN writes the nationally syndicated "Poor Rix's Almanc," and serves as a consultant on short writing and short video productions to schools and industries.
For details on his consulting schedule, call 817-920-7999. To order Rix's books, link to http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/
index=books&field-author-exact=Rix Quinn
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