🎄 We’ve done so much already.

We’ve planned our story, braved the cold for interviews, captured ambience, and come back home to organize it all over a warm mug of cocoa.
Now, we can finally sit back, close our eyes for a moment, and imagine how to weave it all together.

We’ve already talked about story structure.
Today, we’ll focus on the glue that holds everything together: you.

After all, this is your story.
You were the one who found it fascinating and decided your listeners would too.
But here’s the thing - if they don’t understand the story, if they lose the thread, then all your effort will have been for nothing.
Narration is your way of holding the listener’s hand, guiding them step by step through the story you’ve crafted.

Today, we’ll talk about crafting narration and the unique art of writing for the ear.

Why Narration Matters

In the world of audio storytelling, narration is your listener’s compass.

It’s your job to:

• Guide them through the story step by step.

• Highlight key moments, ideas, or emotions.

• Provide the context needed to make sense of it all.

This is your story.

Yes, your guests are sharing their experiences, but it’s you who found the story fascinating, and it’s up to you to make sure your listeners see it the same way.

Writing for the Ear: Tips and Tricks

Writing for audio is different from writing for the page.
When people listen, they can’t re-read a line if they miss something.
Your words need to be clear, simple, and engaging.

Here’s how to craft narration that works:

1. Keep It Conversational

   • Write as if you’re speaking to a friend.

   • Use contractions (“don’t” instead of “do not”) and natural language.

     • “You’re about to hear how one family spends Christmas in a way you’ve probably never imagined.”

2. Use Short Sentences

   • Short sentences are easier to follow when spoken. Break up long, complex ideas into bite-sized pieces.

     • Instead of:
       
       “Christmas celebrations vary widely around the world, depending on cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and family customs.”
       
       Try:
       
       “Christmas is different everywhere. It depends on culture, religion, and family traditions.”

3. Be Repetitive. But Smartly

   • Audio is a fleeting medium. Repetition can help listeners follow along, especially for key points.

     • Example: “You’ll hear it in the kitchen. You’ll hear it on the streets.
       You’ll hear it in their voices. The sounds of Christmas are everywhere.”

4. Paint Pictures with Words

   • Describe scenes vividly so listeners can visualize them.

     • “Imagine a warm kitchen filled with the scent of cinnamon and cloves.
       You hear the clatter of spoons on mixing bowls and a pot bubbling on the stove.”

5. Include Pauses and Rhythm

   • Silence can be just as powerful as sound. Let your words breathe.

When in doubt, read your script aloud.
If it sounds awkward or clunky, rewrite it.

Writing for the ear is about how it sounds, not how it looks.

What Doesn’t Work as Well in Audio

While narration is your superpower in guiding the listener, some things are harder to convey in audio.

1. Numbers and Data

   Numbers can overwhelm listeners if presented in excessive detail. Simplify wherever possible to keep the story engaging and accessible.

• Instead of:
  
  “Santa travels to 152 countries, delivering presents to approximately 2.2 billion children in a single night.
  Factoring in time zones, he has about 31 hours to complete his journey.
  This means he needs to visit roughly 22 million children per hour, or about 365,000 kids per minute.
  Assuming he travels at a consistent speed, that’s approximately 1,800 miles per second.
  And don’t forget, he must carry over 500,000 tons of presents in a sleigh powered by reindeer!”
  
  
• Try:
  
  “In one magical night, Santa delivers gifts to children all over the world.”
  
  

1. Complex Names or Abstract Ideas

Unfamiliar names, places, or technical terms can overwhelm your listener.
Adding context helps make these details easier to follow and more engaging.

• Instead of:
  
  “Maria grew up in Strängnäs—a town in Sweden where juletide traditions include the St. Lucia procession, baking pepparkakor, and something called julbord, which is like a Christmas buffet with gravlax, köttbullar, and Janssons frestelse. Oh, and don’t forget the glögg!”

• Try:
  
  “Maria grew up in Strängnäs—a small Swedish town where snowy Christmases are the norm. Every year, her family drinks warm spiced glögg. They prepare a holiday buffet called julbord with dishes like gravlax and meatballs. And they celebrate St. Lucia’s Day with candlelit processions to bring light to the dark winter nights.”

Connecting Your Story

Your narration is the thread that connects the blocks of your story. Use it to:

• Lead Into Soundbites
  
  Set the stage before a clip plays.

• Pick Up and Transition
  
  Follow up a soundbite with context or a link to the next section. Narration helps the listener stay oriented and connects the dots between different parts of the story.

🎁 Today’s Challenge

Write the first draft of your narration. Focus on:

• Keeping it conversational and clear.

• Leading into and out of soundbites.

• Including sound cues for ambience and effects.

Don’t aim for perfection just yet. Get your ideas down, read them aloud, and refine as needed.


🎄✨ Tomorrow, we’ll bring your words to life by tracking your narration.

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