When I applied to be a part of NPR’s Next Generation Radio project, I had no idea what to expect. I was familiar with audio storytelling and considered myself skilled in the area. Little did I know, halfway through the week I’d be relearning how to work Adobe Audition. Although I had previous experience creating audio stories, almost all of them were narrated pieces, and my editing style was self-taught. Learning how to properly edit in the multi-track format was amazingly helpful and doubled my productivity. My mentor Nina also helped me to map keyboard shortcuts that made the entire process much more efficient.
One thing I would’ve loved to have done differently is go into my reporting with a little bit more preparation. I had several questions written, but a more rigorous pre-interview would’ve helped a lot. The actual interview shifted the focus of the story, and I wish I could’ve been more fluid with my questions. Most of my past projects I’ve had the privilege of getting my subject into a sound studio, and field interviewing isn’t something I have a ton of experience doing. But I’m very glad this turned out the way it did. I also learned just how sensitive the microphone is, meaning any cord movement you think won’t be heard on the file, will most definitely be heard. But also, you have to hold the microphone close enough to the interview subject to get a clear recording otherwise you may just lose an essential quote for your story. So close that it feels awkward and way too personal for someone you’ve just met — but that’s journalism.
Another more practical tool that this experience gave me was the braindump and storyboard. Above all else I consider myself a storyteller, and creative block has hindered me from the very beginning of my career. Being able to just word vomit onto a page without worry of critique or structure helped to fastrack my creative process. Eventually what started as several nonsensical ramblings turned into the first draft for my written piece. I’m excited to carry all these things I’ve learned — and relearned — with me into the professional world.