In audio storytelling, it is crucial to hook listeners and keep them engaged throughout multiple episodes by finding stories with enough narrative depth and surprises to sustain interest.
For podcast series, it is important to have distinct characters on tape and exceptional narrative dynamics to captivate listeners from start to finish.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Transitioning from Print to Audio
As a print reporter, Evan Ratliff faced challenges adapting to the audio format. He had to learn to create characters and use dialogue effectively, as opposed to relying solely on quotes. He also had to adjust his approach to interviews, where people sometimes become stiff when faced with microphones. Additionally, he discovered the importance of finding moments of human connection that would engage listeners and make the story more memorable.
Crafting Compelling Audio Stories
Ratliff learned that in audio storytelling, it is crucial to hook listeners and keep them engaged throughout multiple episodes. This required finding stories with enough narrative depth and surprises to sustain interest over eight episodes. He aimed to create a show that would make people eagerly anticipate the next episode and feel compelled to find out what happens. Ratliff also recognized the value of leveraging existing audio, such as police tapes, to enrich the storytelling experience.
The Need for Strong Reporting and Engaging Characters
For podcast series, one crucial factor is the availability of people who can be interviewed. Ratliff highlighted the importance of having individuals on tape to form distinct characters within the narrative. Additionally, Ratliff emphasized the necessity of finding stories that offer more than superficial intrigue, ensuring that each episode has exceptional narrative dynamics to captivate listeners from start to finish.
Balancing Storytelling Innovation with Commercial Considerations
Ratliff discussed the challenge of finding the right balance between innovative storytelling techniques, such as breaking the fourth wall, and the commercial realities of the medium. He noted the need to orient listeners effectively and set expectations while ensuring the story remains engaging and surprising. Ratliff acknowledged that audio producers, with their expertise in shaping narratives for this format, provided valuable insights and guidance throughout the production process.
“One of these big scams is like a story. And in the story, what they're doing is they're manipulating you to be a participant in the story, and they're getting you so hooked that you will not just do anything they say, but you will invest yourself in bringing the story to its conclusion. And like, isn't that what you're doing if you're trying to get someone to listen to eight episodes, spend that much of their life listening to your voice? … The idea that every story has this person pulling the strings... I like revisiting that in everything that I do."