Weight of words
So…. I didn’t exactly follow the suggestions on our assignment sheet and I’m not sure if I can actually make my idea into a coherent and interesting audio essay but, it’s worth a shot. My idea first popped into my mind during class on Monday when we were talking about Morgan Freeman’s voice. People were saying that there’s a certain quality to his voice that makes you want to listen, when he speaks to you it feels like you’re getting a hug, and it makes you feel good. Well unfortunately, not everyone’s voice or tone or way of speaking is as wonderful as Mr. Freeman’s (he’s just got skills) and so I thought, why not make my audio project about the way people speak and the effect it has on the listener?
I feel like this would be a relevant topic because everyone speaks and there is definitely an effect when they do. I don’t know about other people but, when I talk to anyone, I control the tone of my voice depending on the person I’m speaking to or the desired response I would like from them. I know this definitely sounds very manipulative and a little sneaky, but it gives me time to think about my actions and it protects me from most word vomiting situations, though unfortunately not always. In my Audio essay I’ll be speaking about the different tones I use in different situations and the responses that I usually get. I will probably be the only one speaking because I’m not representative of the entire world population I can’t really generalize the ways people speak.
In terms of materials I need, I have garage band on my computer and I can record everything someplace quite in the dorms so I’m pretty much set in terms of the actual recording unless I decide to get other peoples’ input.
When I do record, some topics I plan to cover are: Setting, Purpose, Tone, and Effect of speaking. I will probably add a few of my own more specific situations and anecdotes and maybe I’ll use different examples online such as video reactions on YouTube. Since the project is supposed to be 3-4 minutes each section will probably be about 50 seconds with a minute at the end for a conclusion though I may allot more time to topics I feel are more important and less time to more supportive topics.
My purpose in choosing this topic is to hopefully make other people aware of the different effects their tones have on people and help myself reflect on the way I treat others based on what I say to them. I also hope that this will, in some way, help people listen better to things people are saying and how they are saying them.
4 responses so far
Your idea is really interesting, and I can see why Professor Smith decided to put us in the same peer review groups. I think it would be really cool if you started with an anecdote right off the bat. You can tell a personal story in which you use your tone to affect the situation. After you tell the story and subtly hint at your theme, you can explain your theme in a little more detail and go into your next example. Of course, you can always start with explaining your theme right at the beginning, but I personally think this would captivate the listener. Your point is really clear and strong, and I think a lot of people can relate to it. I’m excited to see your final product!
This is a really cool and relatable idea. I’m personally usually aware of the way I’m speaking; you wouldn’t talk to your grandparents the way you talk to your friends. I can definitely relate with what you’re saying about not being sure if it will work, but I think this is pretty solid. I like Chaya’s idea to start off with an anecdote to reel the listener in. I’d also suggest getting some voices in there other than your own. You’d still be the predominant voice, of course, but maybe have other people demonstrate specific examples. I think that would really back up your whole idea of the diversity of the way people speak. I hope you stick with this plan, I can’t wait to hear it!
This is such an original idea, I love it. I admire your choice to make others aware of the importance of their voice and how it can change the mood of a work as a whole. I agree with Chaya and also suggest you add an anecdote whether it be funny or serious, or even fiction or non fiction to add a creativity factor to the essay. I feel that if just you are the speaker-the essay can be very powerful and effective if you are able to control your voice and tone and really depict your main point. I think it’ll be very cool and captivating for the listener if you are the only one speaking because I think that furthers the purpose of your essay-the effect of the speaker’s voice and tone on the listener.
It seems like you’re on top of your game when it comes to the technical and technological aspect of your project which I am very jealous of so kudos to you and best of luck!
Can’t wait to hear the finished product.
First of all, I really like the title you chose. When I first read that, I liked your project already 🙂 I think your project sounds like a really interesting, and workable idea. Something that we spoke about a lot in my AP English class in eleventh grade was tone, and how the author uses a tone to achieve a purpose, so you definitely have all areas of that covered. It sounds like you have a lot of material to work with and a very clear set of goals. Your project sounds great!