In this day and age when I think of what has replaced our typical DJ and talkshow hosts I think of podcasts. There are so many to choose from and so easy to produce. This is going to be part of a series and it will jump around different subject areas with you producing your own podcast series.
First, we are going to look closely at some of my favourite podcasters and look at what makes them good at their jobs.
No Such Thing As A Fish
No such thing as a fish is from the writers of IQ. So we come across one of the things that really works in podcasts - ensemble cast. The byplay between the different presenters is what really works in this podcast.
They are careful to not talk over each other but they do interrupt. They prepare by collecting facts and collaborating with each other and then letting their natural conversation and wit come through. This would have taken practice but I think as long as you get a group of people who are willing to work together you can get this kind of chemistry.
They have a clear structure to their podcast and use humour liberally. If you want to check out my lesson on humour you can better see how they set up their jokes.
Dr Death
This was recommended to me from a Science teacher who also loves her podcasts. This is more like what the older radio plays were like. (Warning there is some swearing)
Here they use sound much more effectively and with purpose. They've interviewed people and edited them in. They use sound effects and music to enhance the tension of the story. It is clear that a script has been written and practised until the narrator has a natural conversational voice. The interviews really add to this podcast. You don't always have to have a byplay with another person there but breaking up a narration is a good idea.
This Podcast will Kill you
Still sticking with the Science theme this is a series looking at different illnesses so make sure you haven't eaten dinner yet when you listen to this. Like Dr Death they use interviews to add a layer to their podcast. They don't rely on music or sound effects and have a much simpler format compared to Dr Death. (warning they talk about drinking)
I love the visualisation skills they use in this series. The oral language is delicious which elevates what is normally considered clinical to a work of art. I picked this particular episode because of the recent outbreaks in New Zealand. This series has a bit of the byplay that is in No Such Thing as a fish but also the scriptwriting and interviews of Dr Death.
The first standard you'll be doing is close viewing of an oral text. Pick your favourite podcast. Listen to it and start to look for literary devices that they use. If you need a refresher here is a list and here are a few that are specific to speeches.
For teachers
Most teachers do this with films but it says and/or oral text so podcasts can fit into this standard very easily.
Level 2 Close viewing of an oral text
Level 3 Close viewing of an oral text