How do you get a company executive to say something quotable in their first recording session?

B2B executives struggle to deliver quotable content in their first recording sessions. Benji Block, founder of Signature Series, shares proven techniques from launching 50+ podcasts and coaching 80+ leaders to become standout hosts. He recommends multiple takes to overcome initial nerves, identifying the strongest statement from the first attempt, then having executives lead with that hook in subsequent recordings. Block emphasizes that even expert communicators need encouragement and practice to deliver their best performance on camera.
About the speaker

Benji Block

Signature Series

 - Signature Series

Benji Block, founder at Signature Series

Episode Chapters

  • 00:07: Multiple Takes Strategy

    The key to getting quotable content from executives is having them record multiple versions, with the first take serving as practice to identify the most compelling points.

  • 00:30: First Recording Nerves

    Even expert communicators struggle with nerves during initial recording sessions, making it unrealistic to expect perfect quotable content on the first attempt.

  • 00:42: Demonstration Through Practice

    A live demonstration shows how repeated practice and experience with recording sessions leads to more natural and confident delivery over time.

Episode Summary

  • Getting Executives to Deliver Quotable Content on Their First Recording

    Introduction

    Benji Block, founder of Signature Series and former Executive Producer of B2B Growth podcast (5M+ downloads), reveals a counterintuitive truth about executive content creation: even the most polished leaders struggle to deliver their best material on the first take. With experience launching over 50 podcasts and coaching 80+ leaders, Block shares practical techniques for extracting compelling, quotable content from executives during their initial recording sessions.
  • The Reality of First-Time Recording Nerves

    Block emphasizes that nerves inevitably impact performance, regardless of an executive's communication expertise. "I've never seen someone be an expert the first time," he notes, highlighting how even seasoned speakers face challenges when the recording light turns on. This universal truth underscores why content producers need specific strategies to help executives overcome initial recording anxiety and deliver authentic, impactful messages that resonate with audiences.
  • The Multiple Takes Strategy

    The key to capturing quotable content lies in iteration and refinement. Block's approach centers on having executives record their thoughts multiple times, with strategic guidance between takes. After the initial recording, producers should identify the most compelling statement and have the executive lead with that insight in subsequent takes. This technique transforms scattered thoughts into focused, powerful messages that grab attention and communicate value clearly.
  • Building Confidence Through Encouragement

    Throughout the recording process, continuous encouragement plays a crucial role in helping executives relax and find their authentic voice. Block emphasizes being "encouraging the whole time through" as executives work through multiple takes. This supportive approach helps speakers move past their initial nervousness and tap into their natural expertise, ultimately producing content that showcases their knowledge while maintaining accessibility and engagement.
  • Practical Implementation for Content Teams

    Marketing teams can apply Block's methodology by building buffer time into recording schedules, allowing for multiple takes without pressure. Content producers should listen actively during initial recordings to identify golden nuggets buried within longer explanations. By restructuring these insights to lead the narrative and providing specific direction for subsequent takes, teams can transform executive expertise into compelling content that drives engagement and builds thought leadership.
  • Conclusion

    Creating quotable executive content requires patience, strategy, and an understanding that first takes rarely capture an executive's best material. Block's experience demonstrates that through multiple recordings, strategic restructuring, and consistent encouragement, content teams can help executives deliver powerful messages that resonate with B2B audiences. The investment in this iterative process pays dividends in creating authentic, impactful content that positions executives as thought leaders while driving meaningful engagement with target audiences.
About the speaker

Benji Block

Signature Series

 - Signature Series

Benji Block, founder at Signature Series

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