How To Edit a Long Story Into a 2 Minute Video

BUT HOW DO I FIT THIS WHOLE STORY IN A 2-3 TESTIMONY VIDEO??

Yep. How indeed.

There are so many great stories, but doesn’t it seem like most of them are really complicated? So many tangents… so many twists and turns and then you have to tell this story in a short and sweet testimony video for Sunday morning.

It’s quite a task!

First, I would say… you need a process and story structure if you don’t have one! (See more about this on this post.) That’ll help you simplify your storyline.

Secondly, I would advise you NOT to try to cram all the information possible within your time limit. Don’t cut out all those pauses and breaths and try to squeeze as much dialogue as you can because it’s too much!

If you have too much information back to back, it doesn’t give your audience time to process the actual story. It’s information overload.

Quality > Quantity also applies in this case of dialogue.

Here’s the tip:

LET YOUR STORY BREATHE AT

THE APPROPRIATE TIMES

As a storyteller, you’re going to have to decide at what moments in your storyline you need to allow it to breathe. Like after a major plot point that might be heavy, allow your audience to process that information without too quickly moving on to the next plot point.

Add in those pauses, take away unnecessary lines or plot points, and let your audience absorb the information you’re giving them.

Instead of “telling” information, use b-roll to show it visually.

A good story has a natural rhythm and flow, and when you can make those creative decisions and allow it to breathe at the appropriate times, it’ll be a much much stronger story.