Speaking Tips

Analytical / Insight Response

Purpose: To express a belief, opinion, or idea — like when I ask

“Do you think pain is necessary for growth?”

“Is confidence built or born?”

You’re not narrating an event; you’re analysing life, sharing philosophy or perspective.

Formula (A.C.E.)

🧩 A – Assert: Start with your stance clearly.

🎯 C – Clarify: Explain your reasoning (why you believe that).

🌱 E – Example / Expand: Use examples, analogies, or short stories.

💬 Reflect / Conclude: End with a takeaway, reflection, or memorable line.

Example Structure

“I believe confidence is built, not born. Because… (reason).

If you think about it, even a child learns to walk through trial and error. (example)

So for me, confidence isn’t natural — it’s trained courage.” (reflection)

Descriptive Response

Purpose: To paint a picture or explain a concept, idea, or environment.

Used when asked:

“Describe your creative process.”

“What does your studio feel like?”

“How would you describe your sound?”

Formula (S.E.A.)

👁 S – Sensory details: Describe what can be seen, felt, heard, etc.

💡 E – Essence: What makes it unique or meaningful to you?

🎨 A – Analogy: Use comparison or metaphor to make it vivid.

Example:

“My studio feels like controlled chaos — wires everywhere, but everything has meaning. It’s like a lab for emotions.”

Narrative Response

Purpose: To tell a story — personal experience, journey, or an event that shaped you.

Used when the interviewer asks things like:

“Tell us about a time you faced rejection.”

“What inspired your song?”

“How did you start your artistic journey?”

Formula (S.T.A.R.)

🎬 S – Situation: Set the scene (time, context, what was happening).

⚡ T – Tension: What challenge or conflict arose?

🎯 A – Action: What did you do?

🌟 R – Result / Reflection: What did you learn or realise?

Example:

“Back in 2018, I almost quit music. (Situation)

I felt like no one understood my style. (Tension)

Instead of stopping, I took six months to study myself. (Action)

That period shaped my direction — it taught me that solitude can refine you. (Result/Reflection)”

Reflective Response

Purpose: To show depth or self-awareness.

Used for philosophical or introspective questions like:

“What does success mean to you?”

“How do you stay grounded as an artist?”

Formula (P.I.E.)

🧠 P – Pause / Principle: State your belief calmly.

🌍 I – Illustration: Use a short personal insight or quote.

🪞 E – Expansion: Broaden it — what that says about you or life.

Example:

“Success, to me, isn’t loud. It’s peace.

I’ve realised that true success is when your inner world matches your outer one.

Because fame without peace is just noise.”

How do you start or address a formal or professional topic during an interview, speech, or discussion — in a way that shows poise, awareness, and confidence?

FORMULA:

Start with acknowledgment → brief context → main point.

VARIATIONS:

(Professional / Formal)

• “Thank you for the question. I think it’s an important topic because…”

• “I appreciate you raising that — it’s something I’ve actually thought about a lot.”

(Calm / Mature Interview Tone)

• “That’s interesting. Personally, I see it this way…”

• “From my perspective, I’d say…”

(Reflective / Thoughtful)

• “That’s a deep one… I’d say the first thing that comes to mind is…”

• “Before I answer, I think it’s good to note that…”

(Addressing a Group)

• “Good afternoon everyone, it’s a pleasure to be here.”

• “I’d like to start by thanking the organisers and everyone here.”

COMMON MISTAKES:

• Rushing straight into the answer.

• Overusing “thank you for asking.”

• Sounding rehearsed or robotic.

NOTES:

• Acknowledge once, pause, then flow.

• Calm and grounded tone > excitement.

How do you use eloquent fillers and transitions when speaking — to sound professional, fluent, and in control without sounding rehearsed?

Use natural linking phrases → pause slightly → continue your main thought.

VARIATIONS:

(Adding Ideas)

• “Also, I think it’s worth mentioning that…”

• “Another thing I’ve noticed is…”

(Contrasting / Shifting)

• “That being said…”

• “On the other hand…”

(Clarifying / Simplifying)

• “In simpler terms…”

• “To put it another way…”

(Reflective / Thoughtful)

• “To be honest…”

• “I’ve come to realise that…”

(Transitioning Smoothly)

• “Now that you mention it…”

• “That connects to something else I’ve been thinking about…”

(Summarising)

• “So, to sum it up…”

• “In the end, that’s really what it comes down to.”

COMMON MISTAKES:

• Overusing “um” or “you know.”

• Using fillers instead of pausing.

NOTES:

• Fillers are bridges, not decorations.

• Silence > nervous noise.

How do you end or conclude your response in an interview or discussion — in a way that sounds confident, thoughtful, and complete?

Brief recap → emotional or reflective close → calm stop.

VARIATIONS:

(Professional / Formal)

• “So, in summary, that’s how I see it.”

• “That’s where my focus is right now — growth and consistency.”

(Calm / Mature)

• “That’s the reality of it, at least from my experience.”

• “That’s what keeps me grounded.”

(Reflective / Artist Tone)

• “At the end of the day, it’s about growth and awareness.”

• “It’s bigger than sound — it’s about what the message leaves behind.”

(Panel / Audience)

• “Thank you.” (pause and nod)

• “That’s my piece on that.”

COMMON MISTAKES:

• Ending mid-thought or awkwardly.

• Laughing to fill silence.

• Saying “yeah, that’s it.”

NOTES:

• Endings = your signature energy.

• Pause before last line for impact.

How do you address people or audiences during a conversation, interview, or panel — to sound respectful, aware, and experienced?

FORMULA:

Acknowledge → adjust tone → use eye contact → transition naturally.

VARIATIONS:

(To a Host / Interviewer)

• “Thanks for having me, I appreciate the time.”

• “That’s a solid question.”

(Panel / Multiple Speakers)

• “Just to add to what [Name] said…”

• “I agree with that, but from my angle…”

(Formal Audience)

• “Good evening everyone, and thank you for being here.”

• “It’s an honour to share this space.”

(Casual / Artist Setting)

• “I appreciate the energy in the room.”

• “Big respect to everyone who showed up.”

(Passing it On)

• “I’ll stop here so others can share their thoughts.”

COMMON MISTAKES:

• Ignoring others.

• Over-apologising.

• Being too casual or too stiff.

NOTES:

• Use names when relevant.

• Calm respect is stronger than hype.

• Good posture = good presence.

NARRATIVE RESPONSE

FORMULA: SETUP → EVENT → REFLECTION

EXAMPLE QUESTION: “Tell me about a moment that changed you.”

WHEN TO USE:

Used when you’re asked to share a real-life story, memory, or experience that shaped you. Ideal for emotional connection and relatability.

EXAMPLE RESPONSE:

• “My lowest moment came when I almost gave up on music.” (SETUP)

• “I had just released a song that didn’t perform well, and I questioned everything.” (EVENT)

• “But that failure taught me that purpose isn’t measured in numbers — it’s measured in impact.” (REFLECTION)

ANALYTICAL RESPONSE

FORMULA: POINT → REASON → EXAMPLE → CONCLUSION

EXAMPLE QUESTION: “Why do people fear failure?”

WHEN TO USE:

Used when breaking down ideas logically or giving a reasoned opinion. Great for thoughtful or intellectual discussions.

EXAMPLE RESPONSE:

• “I think people fear failure because society glorifies success but hides the process.” (POINT)

• “From childhood, we’re taught that mistakes equal weakness.” (REASON)

• “You see it even in school — when someone fails, they’re labelled, not taught.” (EXAMPLE)

• “So failure becomes shame instead of guidance.” (CONCLUSION)

REFLECTIVE RESPONSE

FORMULA: EXPERIENCE → REALISATION → APPLICATION

EXAMPLE QUESTION: “What have you learned about consistency?”

WHEN TO USE:

Used when talking about lessons, growth, or mindset shifts. Ideal for introspective or mature topics.

EXAMPLE RESPONSE:

• “I used to think motivation was everything.” (EXPERIENCE)

• “But I realised motivation fades — discipline doesn’t.” (REALISATION)

• “Now I build habits around consistency so that even on dull days, I still move.” (APPLICATION)

PERSUASIVE RESPONSE

FORMULA: CLAIM → REASON → EXAMPLE → CALL TO ACTION

EXAMPLE QUESTION: “Why should people prioritise mental health?”

WHEN TO USE:

Used when trying to inspire, convince, or motivate others. Perfect for interviews, campaigns, or speeches.

EXAMPLE RESPONSE:

• “Mental health should come first because peace fuels purpose.” (CLAIM)

• “Without mental balance, your creativity collapses.” (REASON)

• “I’ve seen artists with potential lose focus because they never paused to breathe.” (EXAMPLE)

• “So before chasing fame, protect your mind — it’s the real stage.” (CALL TO ACTION)

EVALUATIVE RESPONSE

FORMULA: CRITERIA → JUDGEMENT → EVIDENCE → VERDICT

EXAMPLE QUESTION: “Do you think social media has helped or harmed artists?”

WHEN TO USE:

Used when assessing pros and cons or giving a balanced judgement.

EXAMPLE RESPONSE:

• “If the measure is exposure, social media has helped.” (CRITERIA)

• “But if the measure is artistry, it’s harmed creativity.” (JUDGEMENT)

• “Artists now focus on algorithms, not expression.” (EVIDENCE)

• “So overall, it’s a double-edged tool — useful, but only in moderation.” (VERDICT)

COMPARATIVE RESPONSE

FORMULA: SIMILARITIES → DIFFERENCES → EVALUATION → PREFERENCE

EXAMPLE QUESTION: “What’s the difference between creating and performing music?”

WHEN TO USE:

Used when comparing two ideas, experiences, or methods.

EXAMPLE RESPONSE:

• “Creating and performing both start with emotion.” (SIMILARITIES)

• “But creating is private therapy; performing is public translation.” (DIFFERENCES)

• “One heals you, the other heals them.” (EVALUATION)

• “Personally, I prefer creating — that’s where truth begins.” (PREFERENCE)

DESCRIPTIVE RESPONSE

FORMULA: OBSERVATION → SENSORY DETAIL → EMOTION

EXAMPLE QUESTION: “Describe the vibe in your studio when you’re recording.”

WHEN TO USE:

Used when painting a vivid scene or describing atmosphere. Perfect for interviews, lyrics, or visuals.

EXAMPLE RESPONSE:

• “The room feels still — dim light, incense burning, mic glowing in the corner.” (OBSERVATION)

• “You can hear faint echoes bouncing off the walls, every breath feels intentional.” (SENSORY DETAIL)

• “In that silence, I feel closest to my thoughts.” (EMOTION)

CLARITY RESPONSE

FORMULA: CORE MESSAGE → SUPPORTING REASON → REINFORCEMENT QUOTE

EXAMPLE QUESTION: “What’s your core message as an artist?”

WHEN TO USE:

Used when defining your identity, mission, or what your work stands for. Ideal for interviews or introductions.

EXAMPLE RESPONSE:

• “My core message as an artist is enlightenment through emotion.” (CORE MESSAGE)

• “Because I believe music should teach, not just entertain.” (SUPPORTING REASON)

• “‘Art isn’t just sound — it’s a mirror.’ That’s what I live by.” (REINFORCEMENT QUOTE)

CRITICAL RESPONSE

FORMULA: ISSUE → ANALYSIS → ALTERNATIVE VIEW → CONCLUSION

EXAMPLE QUESTION: “What’s wrong with today’s music industry?”

WHEN TO USE:

Used when challenging ideas or expressing critique with depth and logic.

EXAMPLE RESPONSE:

• “The main issue is the obsession with virality over value.” (ISSUE)

• “We reward attention, not intention, so art becomes disposable.” (ANALYSIS)

• “But there are artists still resisting — creating for legacy, not likes.” (ALTERNATIVE VIEW)

• “Until value outweighs volume, the noise will drown the message.” (CONCLUSION)

CONCEPTUAL RESPONSE

FORMULA: IDEA → DEFINITION → EXAMPLE → APPLICATION

EXAMPLE QUESTION: “What does ‘authenticity’ mean to you?”

WHEN TO USE:

Used when unpacking abstract ideas or values in your own words.

EXAMPLE RESPONSE:

• “Authenticity is alignment — when who you are matches what you express.” (IDEA)

• “It’s when your art doesn’t wear a mask.” (DEFINITION)

• “Like when Kendrick talks about pain without ego — that’s real.” (EXAMPLE)

• “For me, it means showing strength quietly.” (APPLICATION)

EMOTIONAL RESPONSE

FORMULA: FEELING → REASON → IMPACT → INSIGHT

EXAMPLE QUESTION: “How do you feel when people connect deeply to your music?”

WHEN TO USE:

Used when expressing vulnerability or emotional awareness.

EXAMPLE RESPONSE:

• “It humbles me.” (FEELING)

• “Because it means they didn’t just hear it — they felt it.” (REASON)

• “Their messages remind me that art really saves.” (IMPACT)

• “It’s proof that pain can be turned into peace.” (INSIGHT)

PHILOSOPHICAL RESPONSE

FORMULA: QUESTION → PERSPECTIVE → REASONING → TRUTH STATEMENT

EXAMPLE QUESTION: “What does success truly mean?”

WHEN TO USE:

Used when diving into deeper, timeless questions or universal ideas. Ideal for interviews or documentaries.

EXAMPLE RESPONSE:

• “Success is peace of mind, not noise of applause.” (QUESTION / PERSPECTIVE)

• “Because you can be known by everyone but still unknown to yourself.” (REASONING)

• “To me, success is mastering self, not the stage.” (TRUTH STATEMENT)

STRATEGIC RESPONSE

FORMULA: GOAL → PLAN → ACTION → RESULT

EXAMPLE QUESTION: “How do you plan to grow your audience?”

WHEN TO USE:

Used when explaining your practical approach or mindset toward execution.

EXAMPLE RESPONSE:

• “My goal is to build a loyal community, not a crowd.” (GOAL)

• “I plan to focus on content that educates and entertains.” (PLAN)

• “That means dropping consistent short films and visuals.” (ACTION)

• “That way, my audience grows through impact, not algorithms.” (RESULT)

DEFINITIVE RESPONSE

FORMULA: STATEMENT → REASON → EVIDENCE → CLOSING LINE

EXAMPLE QUESTION: “What makes your sound different?”

WHEN TO USE:

Used when you want to state something confidently and establish authority.

EXAMPLE RESPONSE:

• “My sound is cinematic therapy.” (STATEMENT)

• “Because it blends vulnerability with dominance — calm but commanding.” (REASON)

• “You can feel the message before you even decode it.” (EVIDENCE)

• “It’s music that teaches without preaching.” (CLOSING LINE)

CREATIVE RESPONSE

FORMULA: IDEA → SYMBOLISM → INTERPRETATION → CONNECTION

EXAMPLE QUESTION: “What inspired your last music video?”

WHEN TO USE:

Used when breaking down creative choices, visuals, or symbolism.

EXAMPLE RESPONSE:

• “The concept was rebirth.” (IDEA)

• “That’s why I used water — it symbolises cleansing and transformation.” (SYMBOLISM)

• “The slow motion reflects how healing takes time.” (INTERPRETATION)

• “It’s more than visuals — it’s my soul slowing down.” (CONNECTION)

META RESPONSE

FORMULA: THOUGHT → AWARENESS → SHIFT → TAKEAWAY

EXAMPLE QUESTION: “What has art taught you about yourself?”

WHEN TO USE:

Used when reflecting deeply on self-awareness or inner growth.

EXAMPLE RESPONSE:

• “Art made me aware of my masks.” (THOUGHT)

• “I realised I used perfection as protection.” (AWARENESS)

• “Now I choose honesty over polish.” (SHIFT)

• “The more real I am, the more connected the music feels.” (TAKEAWAY)