Lesson 2: Editing on Mobile — Cuts, Pace, Sound & Titles
Learning goals
By the end of this lesson, you can:
- Make clean cuts and remove unnecessary parts
- Improve pacing to keep viewers engaged
- Clean up sound using simple methods
- Add titles that help the message (not distract)
- A) Cuts (how to trim like a storyteller)
Trim the “3 wastes”
Remove:
- Delay (waiting before action starts)
- Repetition (same idea repeated too long)
- Confusion (shots that don’t help the story)
✅ Keep shots purposeful. If it doesn’t support the message, cut it.
- B) Pace (how fast should it feel?)
A good pace depends on the story, but use this guide:
- If the issue is urgent → slightly faster cuts
- If the moment is emotional → slow down, hold shots
✅ Practical pacing test:
- If you feel bored watching it, shorten it.
- If you feel confused, add context shots or titles.
- C) Sound (simple rules that make your video feel professional)
Fix sound using the “3C rule”
- Clear: voices must be understandable
- Consistent: audio should not jump loudly/quietly
- Controlled: avoid overpowering music/noise
Quick fixes:
- Lower music to 10–20% (or very low under voice)
- If voice is weak: increase voice level slightly (avoid distortion)
- Cut noisy sections and use B-roll over clean audio
✅ If audio is bad, keep the story visual and use text to help.
- D) Titles (use text for clarity, not decoration)
Use titles for:
- Issue name (what is the video about?)
- Location (community/place)
- Key message (one short line)
- Optional: names (only with consent)
Keep titles:
- Short (max 6–10 words)
- High contrast (easy to read)
- On screen long enough (2–4 seconds)
Activity (20–40 minutes)
Improve your rough cut by:
- Trimming 10–20 seconds total
- Adding 2–3 helpful titles
- Lowering music under voice
- Export as:
Week6_FirstName_LastName_RoughCut_v2.mp4