Getting Past "Good:" Critiquing Audio Work

Better Than “Good:”Critiquing Work

2011 NYC Digital Waves Youth Media Festival

Working Backwards

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WHJE Radio:Different, Not Disabled: The

Perception of My Mind

• Class elected Ian’s piece for PRX profile• Developed language, image for profile• Licensed 4 times: SF, NH, YouthCastpodcast, REMIX• Appeared on school station, website, blog, FB, Twitter

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"The difference between the almost right word and the right word...'tis the difference between the lightning-bug and the lightning.” -- Mark Twain

Getting Past “Good,”Two Approaches

For I am a bear of very little brain and long words bother me.

-- Winnie the Pooh

It is easy. You just chip away the stone that doesn't look like David.

-- Michelangelo, explaining how he made his statue of David

Getting Past “Good”

Say what you hear, two examples:

1. Visual

2. Audio Sample

Getting Past “Good,” Part 1

Say what you hear• Scenes

• Music

• Technique

• Tone

• Intro/Outro

• Writing

• Tape

• Universal/Specific

• Pacing & transitions

Getting Past “Good,” Part 2

1. Check for C.A.T.s (Character, Action, Tension)

2. Try a focus sentence (Someone does ___________ because __________, but _______)

3. Notice when you stop noticing

4. Try on different ears

5. Look for an arc: Beginning, Middle, End

6. Pitch it back – the elevator pitch

7. Check yourself: What stuck with you?

Making it safe

• Praise-Critique-Praise

• Be specific

• Honesty and respect

• Be an ally

• Give your full attention

Jones (Johanna) Franzel

jones@prx.org

Generation.prx.org

Facebook.com/generationprx