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)

1. A) Cuts (how to trim like a storyteller)

Trim the “3 wastes”

Remove:

1. Delay (waiting before action starts)
2. Repetition (same idea repeated too long)
3. Confusion (shots that don’t help the story)

✅ Keep shots purposeful. If it doesn’t support the message, cut it.

1. 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.

1. C) Sound (simple rules that make your video feel professional)

Fix sound using the “3C rule”

1. Clear: voices must be understandable
2. Consistent: audio should not jump loudly/quietly
3. 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.

1. 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