Want to produce an engaging audio story? Make sure it has these elements:
- Tell a story. This might seem self-explanatory, but it’s essential and doesn’t always happen.
- Identify a conflict. This doesn’t mean an argument or disagreement. A conflict involves someone who wants something and faces obstacles to get it.
- Know who the main characters are. Most good stories have a limited cast of characters, including a protagonist.
- Establish a sense of time and place. Stories by definition are limited in time and place. Information that falls outside that time and place can be summarized in a flashback or summary narration.
- Be timely. Answer the question: Why do this story now?
- Make sure you can tell your story in a limited time frame. Remember: The average feature story is 3 to 5 minutes. That’s no more than 750 words. Don’t try to do too much in one piece. It will make paring it down torturous. Be selective about the story you tell and the details you include. You can save extra facts and anecdotes for subsequent stories.
- Make your story audio-genic. Stories with interesting sounds have a leg up on those that are just talking heads. Before you report a story, think creatively about what audio elements you can use. The story will be driven by your best sound. Don’t fall into repetitive “axx and traxx” (soundbites and narration).
