Module 1: Audio Design

Reading And Writing:

Sources: The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video Chapter 8, articles from https://www.thepodcasthost.com

Scripting a podcast is not a necessity, or even advised in all cases, but there are some portions of a podcast that are best to script, those being the introduction, the sponsor message, and the call to action should there be one. There are many different ways that you can set up an introduction. Examples range from a simple presentation of the title of show and the speaker by name, to adding on what the audience will learn or gain from the episode or briefly introducing your credentials on the subject. The topic of the episode should be introduced as soon as possible so the listener knows what they are in for. It’s also vital that even if you do make a script, it doesn’t sound like you are reading from a script. Things that sound good when read in someone’s head may not be as pleasant when heard aloud. Script in short but complete sentences, use contractions if able and if they come naturally to you, and go easy on the topic-exclusive jargon. As well, to help with enunciation and having good tone, smile as you talk, and before recording, read your script with either a pen or fingers in your mouth for 30 seconds. Taglines or hooks can be beneficial as well to continue engagement, or help to segment the podcast itself. The taglines themselves should be short, simple, clear, direct, and memorable. The tech you use for the podcast itself can be as important than the more creative aspects in bringing in and maintaining an audience, if not more depending. Depending on the situation in which recording is occurring, certain microphones are better than others. A sit-down interview with one person, a lavalier mic will do wonders. A walking street interview, a omnidirectional hand mic will be able to get the best sound with the circumstances. Above all though, keep the type of microphone used consistent during recording. Finally, a good means of retaining viewership is to encourage engagement with the work more actively and directly. Advise people within the podcast to leave reviews and give feedback, as well as platform those actions, and create ways for the listeners to not only interact with you, but each other.

Research To Inform:

1. Hansel And Gretel Foundation – Laugh (Germany, 2004)

When we were instructed to pick audio projects that felt engaged the audience and were well executed, this one immediately rushed to my head because of how long it has stuck with me over the years. I remember randomly late in the night watching a compilation of intense PSAs and this one came up and floored me. I always have a visceral reaction to it each time I have to listen to it and it takes a little while to recover after. It’s very simplistic too, no music or eccentric tone of voice. Just the necessary audio and a very monotone voice explaining the premise and giving the necessary information

2. Youth Ambassadors KC – How to Tell if Mom’s Overdosing (2018)

I chose this PSA, because especially since Sesame Street has been starting to cover more darker subject matters in recent years such as the childhood mental health crisis, homelessness, and families with substance abusers, I think this PSA kind of caught the curve before it did. This PSA features Sesame Street-esque puppets singing and hearing a cheery song about the signs and what to do when a parent is overdosing. The ad ends with a quote from a child that was previously said in the song, specifically, “Don’t call an ambulance unless I’m shaking or foaming at the mouth.” While unfortunately, in its initial release and virality, many thought the PSAs were parodies, I think it did a really good job of presenting the absurdity of how it is for children to have to learn lessons like this at the same or similar age they would be watching things like Sesame Street.

NSPCC – “Cot” (1995)

Voiced by the late Alan Rickman, this PSA describes the various statistics obtained regarding child abuse, neglect, and CSA (child sexual abuse) in the UK at the time in a certain location, which is slowly revealed to be a cot or crib. Given Rickman’s distinct and haunting voice, and that no dramatic music plays, I think it makes for a particularly memorable PSA only going off of sound, and makes you have to focus on the words that are being said.

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