Thread by @Chimsky1

5 tips for better audio storytelling
By Chima Nwankwo

If you are a radio/podcast producer/reporter or aspire to be one, already do a podcast or want to, please read this.
I believe it will help.
One of the things I hear the most is that audio productions are limited.

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This is not really true.
Radio is a beautiful medium. Sometimes I would rather listen to shortwave radio because the reporters use the power of descriptive narrative and sounds to pull you into the story.

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Sometimes, it is so good that for a second, you forget yourself and actually exist within the purely fictitious walls that the producer has built.

Here are 5 things to note as a Radio/Podcast producer.

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1. Do your homework
Research
Just like I said in my last post, you need to read up on the topic you are writing about. Talk to fellow journalists.or anybody who knows about the topic. Do secondary research then go ahead to do primary research.
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Secondary research is already published works on the topic which can be accessed via tools like Google. Primary research consists of you asking your own questions first hand and making your own findings. Secondary research is cheaper and results are more easily accessible.
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2.
Storify your package/podcast.
I think this is the most important point.
What this means is that you must make your content interesting. Yes I know the media is suppose to inform and educate. Don't forget that we are also supposed to entertain.

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Hard, raw news is boring. But when you weave it into an engaging, interesting narrative, it takes on a life of its own.
Tie your words to each other. Weave an interesting story that will suck people into the essence of what you are doing.

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Tip- You can make your production more interesting by asking open ended questions. For example, instead of just launching into the meat of your report, you can begin by painting a picture in the the mind of your audience. Craft the scene.
Use phrases like,

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'

'It was a beautiful day and a happy one for the villagers, but the Governor was visibly angry at the failure of the contractor to complete the bridge before the deadline.'

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This gives the audience, who do not have the luxury of viewing pictures or video, the privilege of seeing what really happened. Flex your descriptive powers.
Remember, everyone loves a good story.
3. Be conscise
There is an old saying that time is short in broadcasting.
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Time is short in podcasting too. Don't use two words where one will do. Be ready to change your script. Use the exact word that conveys the exact meaning. Don't forget that attention spans continue to shrink. The audio content producer walks a fine line.

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You need to ensure that you keep the listener rabidly interested in what you are saying while watching the clock at the same time.
Never forget that time in broadcasting/podcasting, time is limited.

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4. Set the tone of the production. Instead of saying,
'The people were promised aid to develop their village immediately by the Governor',
say this:
'The Governor promised to aid the people in rebuilding their village immediately.'
This is the active voice.

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It is more interesting and conveys a sense of action.
Remember to always use the active voice. Always
5. Use Sound as a tool of engagement.

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If you are working on a story and do interviews with random traders about the rise in the cost of food items in the market because of COVID19, give your listeners the sounds of the market. Let them hear the honking of cars and the shouting of people in the market.
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If you are doing a voiced report, let us hear a few seconds of the market sounds even before your voice comes on to tell us boring statistics like
'Inflation is currently running at 12.5%.'
Yes it is impressive that you know the latest inflation figures

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but anybody who searches on Google can discover those figures.
However, not everyone can tell a good story.
If you do use sound creatively, you will draw the audience into the market even before they hear your voice.
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That way you will have put them into a more receptive frame of mind for whatever you are about to say in your script.
Never forget this.
EVERYONE without exception, loves a good story.
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Whatever you produce.
Whether it's a news, business or sports bulletin. Or a podcast about nuclear technology and biomedical engineering, never EVER, forget that you are a storyteller.
#TheEnd
Copyright Chima Nwankwo
2020

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Phew...
Really sorry.
I know that was long.
But all I really wanted to do was give a few tips.
Don't worry.
I'll try to be more concise next time.
Cheers!