Script Workshop (30-40 min)

Read the following draft of an episode script from the “costs of education” podcast.

I thought this was a pretty good first draft. It was also the only draft I had a chance to read before this morning! I know others have sent scripts. See schedule for your due date.

As you read, pay attention to the following and have some comments ready to share about what you admire and what could be some steps toward revision:

• Structure: There are four segments total. What does each segment do? What would you name them? Why?
• Engagement: where does the episode feel most engaging/interesting/conversational? Why?
• Details: where do you feel you have what you need to know? Where could there be more details? Why?
• Research: where is it strong on incorporating research? Where could more be added? Why?

Let’s discuss as a large group.

Writing for the Ear (30 min)

Read the following short article about “writing for the ear.”

Which “tips” (bleh, don’t like “rules” as the word they use) did you find most compelling or useful based on your own experience as a listener to speeches, conversations, podcasts, lectures, etc.?

Using the 15 tips, read your episode’s latest script draft. Highlight at least 2 parts of the script that you feel do a good job “writing for the ear” and highlight at least 2 parts of the script that you feel could be rewritten “for the ear.”

I’m going to come around to check in with each script writer to see what they are taking away from this meeting. Be ready!

Meeting by Role (20-30 min)

Within your podcast, please meet with corresponding people in your roles. So, script writers meet with script writers, narrators with narrators, producers with producers, audio editors with audio editors.

Follow these guidelines per role:

• Script Writers: share latest drafts with each script writer. Are there certain things you want to be consistent across the podcast? How things are structured? How the podcast episode begins? How it ends? The tone or style of the language used? Something else? Things don’t need to be totally consistent! I rather you accomplish the vision your group has overall. However, it is important to remember that there has to be something recognizable across episodes. What is that for your podcast?
• Audio Editors: Read the scripts for each episode and talk all things audio editing: how will you signal that a new segment begins or ends (e.g., length of pauses, music). If using music, what kind of music will there be? Will there be a consistent “sound” of music throughout the podcast? What about other types of sound? Do you want certain kinds of sounds of the subway, of classrooms, of something else to appear and re-appear at different moments during narration, beginnings/ends of segments or episodes, etc.? How do you think the interviews will fit in and what recommendations do you have for the Script Writers about that?
• Narrators: Practice reading segments of your scripts. As you practice, others in the group will take notes on how it sounds. You should especially pay attention to how you might offer feedback to the Script Writers (e.g., writing for the ear, how it sounds to transition segments). Also, offer advice to narrators on how fast or slow their pacing is for understanding, how clear they are when speaking, etc.
• Producers: Prof. Libertz will share feedback on task schedules before you meet (or like right as you meet depending on how this morning goes!). Review with one another how the schedule looks and if everything is on track since you submitted this draft on April 9. Now is also a good time to discuss any issues that come with collaboration: I’m sure, at this point, there has been some conflict (however minor) between group members. How can you help everyone work together as harmoniously as possible? As producers, you ensure that you listen to everyone and try to work through any problems as best you can. Finally, as producers, you are getting to the point where you should be looking to pitch in. Frequently check in (annoyingly so) to see who needs help with what (e.g., interviews, research, copyediting for script).

I’m going to check in with everyone for updates.

Podcast Post 3 (5-10 min)

Reminder on this for everyone. Use these posts/comments to talk with your group about things you need to work on, ideas you have, problems, etc.

Next Time (5 min)

-Journal entry for everyone due: What is it like working with other people on a large project? Much of your life will be collaborating–with co-workers, with romantic partners, with family members (e.g., as loved ones get sick, you will rely on others to care for them), with friends (e.g., maybe when you have some more cash in your pocket, you might plan vacations together). What are you learning about collaboration so far? What are you NOT learning? How can you take a risk (and do so politely) to try something you haven’t tried before in collaboration? How can you ensure you are not being passive-aggressive, mean-spirited, or selfish in doing so? How can you be someone who people want to collaborate with while ALSO getting your needs met, as well? Think hard about what you want to take away from the podcast project about collaboration. You’ll be doing a lot of collaborating in future classes and beyond. Make the most of this experience.

-Producers: another draft of the task schedule due by class time on April 23.