Storytelling in Sound: Podcast and Radio Production

Originally published: https://www.trentu.ca/continuingeducation/courses/storytelling-sound-podcast-and-radio-production

Storytelling in Sound: Podcast and Radio Production

Tuesdays, March 13 – April 17, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 pm.

Location: Traill College, Wallis Hall 226, 315 Dublin Street

Radio is often called the “intimate medium” – the ability for sound to connect with audiences is unparalleled. Learn how to tell stories in this delicate craft and go from passive listener to critically engaged producer. At the conclusion of this course you will have the technical skills to create your own smart and incisive audio productions.

Tuesday March 13 – Critical listening

In this session, we will discuss what defines audio storytelling – what makes radio and podcasts different from other media. We will listen to examples of exceptional podcasts that can instruct us on how stories are told through the radio. We will develop our critical listening skills to better understand radio.

Tuesday March 20 – Storytelling for radio

In this session, participants will learn how to construct a radio story. We will discuss the fish shaped story structure and why it works well for radio.

Tuesday March 27 – Technical skills & how to record yourself

Learn the fundamentals of audio equipment and how to get the best sound when recording yourself. What is ‘gain’? What does it mean to ‘peak’? How does a soundboard work? Answers to all these questions and more will be answered in this session. Plus, participants will learn the best practices for recording yourself in a home studio. We will review vocal exercises, how to become comfortable, and how to craft a DIY recording space.

Tuesday April 3 – Field recording

In this session, participants will get out into the world to experiment with field recording equipment. Learn how to capture ambient sounds, and conduct interviews in the outdoors. We will cover strategies for getting the best sound in these conditions.

Tuesday April 10 – Editing a radio documentary

Learn the basic production skills to make a radio documentary. We’ll review planning your documentary, preparing clips and mixing the project.

Tuesday April 17 – Podcast distribution

In this final session, participants will learn about how podcasts are disseminated using RSS feeds, the standards for mastering a production, and strategies for promotion.