1. Audio Slideshow: Audio Tips Multimedia Storytelling Fall 2012

2. Audio is important! • Your audio is just as important as your photographs because it gives your images some context • Your slideshow should be 50/50 – audio and photos each pulling their own weight

3. Audio 101: Types of audio • The best audio slideshows weave different kinds of audio in and out of the soundtrack • Narrative • Natural/ambient/background • Interview

4. Audio 101: Preparing • Make a list of background sounds you might be able to gather for intro, transitions • Have a detailed interview planned • Make sure your equipment is charged • Clear off your audio recorder

5. Audio 101: Recording • Use an external mic!!! • Choose your location carefully • Brief your interviewees before the interview so they know what to expect • Learn to nod and gesture instead of “yes” or “mmhmm” • Don’t interrupt your subject • Pause between Q & A’s • Record any interesting sounds you hear that could act as an intro or transitions between speakers • Record one minute of dead air in case you need to fill in some gaps

6. Audio 101: Choosing Clips • Listen to all of your recordings before selecting your clips • Find natural sound to open the slideshow, • Listen for a good quote to transition from background noise to the subject • Listen for details that might serve as good transitions • Include memorable quotes/colorful phrases • Listen for a good “kicker” quote to round out the story

7. Audio 101: Editing • Cut out verbal stalling • Cut out words that don’t add to the story: like, kind of, you know, etc. • Cut out reiterations • Cut out coughing, long pauses • DO NOT take out words that change the meaning of what was stated

8. More tips… • Use passionate subjects for your story • Shoot wide, medium and tight shots at high, low, eye-level, aerial, and tilted angles • Pace your photos, between about 5 and 8 seconds per image • Connect your audio and images • Let your strongest shots linger • Open up your slideshow with natural sound instead of someone talking • Consider using a subtitle to introduce the speaker • NEVER have dead air sound gaps in your audio narrative • Layer your sound, weaving natural and narration throughout • Avoid music unless the narrative truly calls for it