getting past "good:" critiquing audio work
DESCRIPTION
We’ve all been there: You listen to a friend’s audio piece, or your own, and… you just don’t know what to say about it. In this interactive session, we’ll develop tools for giving meaningful feedback that get beyond “it was, um, good.” From listening for technique, to understanding how to make a story sing, participants will develop an ear for bringing out the best in an audio piece. We’ll also look at ways to share your story to get as much feedback as you can. Presented at the 2011 NYC Digital Waves Youth Media FestivalTRANSCRIPT
Better Than “Good:”Critiquing Work
2011 NYC Digital Waves Youth Media Festival
Working Backwards
• Your name in lights!
• Your name…on the radio
• Getting your piece heard
• Getting your piece good
• Taking creative risks
• Establishing a supportive network
• Being true to your voice
We harness technology
to enable a diverse range of talented
creators
and engaged institutions
to bring significant stories
to millions of people.
Network of stations
Curatedshows
Public Radio REMIXApps
HUGE catalogue of
work
What Does PRX Do?
Generation PRX: The youth radio producers’ hub
Youth radio groups in GPRX
Generation PRX
• Place to share work, questions and ideas
• Connect with other youth producers
• Find teaching resources
• YouthCast podcast
• The GPRX Youth Editorial Board
• Build a portfolio
• Connections to PRX and beyond
WHJE Radio:Different, Not Disabled: The
Perception of My Mind
• Class elected Ian’s piece for PRX profile• Developed language, image for profile• Licensed 4 times: SF, NH, YouthCastpodcast, REMIX• Appeared on school station, website, blog, FB, Twitter
Where can your radio stories go from PRX?
Blogs and websites
Theme-based
youth radio specials
Why give feedback? Why ask for it?
• Being heard, personally and publicly
• Building a network
• Making better radio but also…
• Making BETTER radio: being the guides and shapers of your own voices
"The difference between the almost right word and the right word...'tis the difference between the lightning-bug and the lightning.” -- Mark Twain
Getting Past “Good,”Two Approaches
For I am a bear of very little brain and long words bother me.
-- Winnie the Pooh
It is easy. You just chip away the stone that doesn't look like David.
-- Michelangelo, explaining how he made his statue of David
Getting Past “Good”
Say what you hear, two examples:
1. Visual
2. Audio Sample
Getting Past “Good,” Part 1
Say what you hear• Scenes
• Music
• Technique
• Tone
• Intro/Outro
• Writing
• Tape
• Universal/Specific
• Pacing & transitions
Getting Past “Good,” Part 2
1. Check for C.A.T.s (Character, Action, Tension)
2. Try a focus sentence (Someone does ___________ because __________, but _______)
3. Notice when you stop noticing
4. Try on different ears
5. Look for an arc: Beginning, Middle, End
6. Pitch it back – the elevator pitch
7. Check yourself: What stuck with you?
Making it safe
• Praise-Critique-Praise
• Be specific
• Honesty and respect
• Be an ally
• Give your full attention