Just a couple weeks ago Alex Blumberg was on Creative Live teaching about story telling… in the audio form.
You probably know him from his time spent at This American Life, Planet Money or his new podcast StartUp. (StartUp has been absolutely fantastic) He’s truly a master at his craft and honestly anything he produces is interesting and entertaining. I’m a long time listener to all of these projects… and a huge fan
That being said it was awesome to hear his approach and how we all can apply story telling to our podcasts.
Although there are so many take aways I boiled it down to my favorites. Some are more profound than others. But all of them are things that I see myself falling into and others in the traditional podcast community.
Here we go.
The formula to crafting a good story.
I’m doing story about X
And it’s interesting because of Y
There you have it. The formula to creating interesting stories…
Honestly though… how often do you think about it before hitting record or start down the path of creating your next episode. If you keep it next to you – Before you record your next show make sure you have it filled in. I have it taped to the wall next to my computer as a constant reminder whenever I’m working on a show.
He also covered some rough guidelines to be followed.
* sequence of actions.
* details
* punchline.
* reflection
Quick note for interview show hosts. This definitely applies to interviews. When sitting down with someone you have to figure out.
I’m doing story about X
And it’s interesting because of Y
More than just hearing their personal story. Why is it interesting to the audience? And then focusing on those points.
Be OK writing a transcript
I didn’t know this but everything Alex says as part of the story is scripted. I think we often feel like it has to be “raw” and “live” or off the cuff. It’s ok to write things out. It actually helps you create content that makes sense. Get’s to the point and clears up the clutter.
I personally had never done this. But started doing it since the show and found that although writing takes time, I cut down on takes and ultimately takes the same amount of time and produces a better product. Although you have to work to make it sound natural it’s totally worth it.
This leads right into the next point
It’s OK to spend time editing
Spending time to craft an amazing episode is more than fine. It should be the norm. Alex has been doing this since 1997 on a very regular basis. He can do things quicker than 99% of everybody else and still spends hours on each show.
Not everyone’s raw interview is going to be great. There is so much you can do to take it to the next level it’s crazy. Everything from re arranging the questions and responses to editing out awkward pauses, umms, ahhs, and the like.
Take the time in post production to turn a good product into a GREAT product.
Keep your listeners entertained
I loved this comment. Alex really put a point on making sure you keep listeners engaged. (and really entertained)
IF YOU’RE BORED… YOUR LISTENERS ARE BORED
Although you’re trying to make a really deep and profound point you still have to keep listeners… listening. Kind of obvious, but often forgotten. Don’t get me wrong, I’m preaching to myself here, I’m guilty of this as well.
It’s always about adding more STORIES that help you even tell a bigger story. It’s stories on top of stories. After taking some time to think about it – The most engaging shows always do this.
That’s the whole basis of one of my new favorite shows Serial.
It’s an entire series about one story. Each episode tells a different story. And in that episode are dozens and dozens of stories.
Although you might not be producing a show at that level we can learn that we need to add more stories.
It keeps people engaged and ultimately they get the point… the very best way to educate.
Highly recommend the course.
Make sure to check it out if you break out of the mold and become more than just… Another Podcast
https://www.creativelive.com/courses/power-your-podcast-storytelling-alex-blumberg