Soundbites

AhleteSpeaks Media Playbook

Great Soundbites Start With A Strong Foundation.

For student-athletes, that foundation often comes from three core values: Leadership,
Teamwork, Perseverance and Resilience.

Soundbites are your currency when engaging with media—they make your message memorable, authentic, and meaningful. They should be short, clear, and no longer than 20-30 seconds to keep your audience engaged. That’s not a hard rule but anything longer risks losing impact.

A Strong 20 Sec. Soundbite After A Win:

"Our team never backs down from a challenge. The rivalry between our teams is legendary. We pushed each other every day, and that’s why we were ready for this moment. The hard work, the preparation—it all paid off tonight."

• Short and to the point
• Highlights teamwork and preparation
• Natural and easy to remember

Weak Soundbite (too long, unfocused):

"Yeah, we knew it was gonna be a tough game. We worked really hard all season, but at the same time, you never know. I think everyone just did their job, and we stuck to the game plan. At the end of the day, we just wanted to give it our best, and thankfully, things went our way."

• Rambling and unfocused
• Too many filler words (“yeah, kind of, at the end of the day”)
• No clear takeaway.

By keeping your soundbites short, sharp and aligned with your key messages, you’ll ensure your words work in your favor.

Remember:

• Short & Simple: Make it one clear idea without exaggeration.

• Highlight Core Values: Focus on what matters to you—teamwork, hard work, resilience, or lessons learned.

• Stay Positive: Even if the topic {a loss or injury} is tough, try to end on a constructive, positive note. It shows confidence and resilience.

• Be Yourself: Make sure your soundbite sounds like you! Don’t over-rehearse, show you’re more than just an athlete.