OPINION: Authenticity and Integrity in Conversations Should Prevail Over Editing

In today's digital landscape, conversations are changing. With the rise of podcasts, interviews, and talk shows, people are starting to question the authenticity and integrity of these exchanges.

Recently, a guest asked me if I edit my conversations. I replied with a firm "no." This got me thinking about why I choose not to edit and the impact that editing can have on the audience.

To me, editing a conversation feels like compromising the truth and distorting the intended message. I've always believed that unedited conversations are more genuine and captivating. When we edit, we run the risk of presenting a false version of the discussion, which ultimately undermines the trust of our viewers and listeners. Manipulating content betrays the faith people put in us as communicators.

Granted, there are situations where editing becomes necessary. Technical glitches, like audio issues, might require some adjustments to enhance overall quality. But whenever I find it necessary to make edits, I always let my guests know beforehand. Transparency is crucial to maintain trust, ensuring that any modifications serve the sole purpose of improving the understanding of the conversation.

Unfortunately, I recently came across a podcast clip on Twitter that exemplified the worst kind of editing. It was a shoddy job, clearly trying to manipulate the guest's words to fit a specific narrative. Tactics like these undermine the credibility of the content and reflect poorly on the integrity of the creator. Editing should never be used to twist someone's words or misrepresent their opinions. It damages the host's reputation, erodes trust, and devalues the conversation itself.

There's a prevalent practice that needs to be addressed: the removal of natural speech fillers like "ums" and "ahs." These pauses and hesitations are a part of how people genuinely communicate. By erasing them, we strip away authenticity and humanity from the conversation. Let's embrace the fact that imperfections and spontaneity are integral to human speech. It is through these unfiltered moments that true connections are formed.

Another concerning trend I've noticed is the compression and alteration of people's voices to fit a particular aesthetic. While this may make the content sound polished, it sacrifices the natural tones and unique nuances of each individual. We should celebrate diversity and authenticity instead of trying to mould everyone into a standardized sound. Let people be themselves and respect their individuality.

In my own work, I've made a firm commitment not to edit conversations out of context or for the sake of saving time. I trust my audience to engage critically with the content and form their own opinions. If I were to edit my guests' words to prove a point or gain more clicks, I would be acting out of self-interest and disregarding the conversation's integrity.

Genuine conversations are raw, unedited, and reflect the true diversity of perspectives. By preserving the authenticity of these exchanges, we honour the trust of our audience and foster a culture of open and honest dialogue.

So let's prioritize authenticity over editing, transparency over manipulation, and trustworthiness over self-interest. Together, let's create a space where unedited conversations can thrive, allowing individuals to freely express their thoughts, ideas, and experiences.

For Cross Border Interviews, unlike RuPaul, you will never be able to just "blame it on the edit."