Orson and Ira
Audio storytelling can be incredibly powerful, but how do the masters do it? This week, we explored the techniques of two audio giants: Ira Glass and Orson Welles.
Ira Glass, the iconic host of “This American Life,” focuses on the power of anecdotes. He believes that any experience, no matter how ordinary, can be transformed into a suspenseful story by focusing on the sequence of events. His philosophy is that a well-told anecdote can keep listeners engaged because they’re always anticipating what will happen next.
On the other hand, Orson Welles, known for his dramatic radio adaptations, emphasizes the power of sound. His most famous example is the “War of the Worlds” broadcast, which caused widespread panic despite being a fictional story. Welles’ masterful use of sound effects and dramatic narration made the Martian invasion feel terrifyingly real, proving the ability of sound to create vivid imagery in the listener’s mind.
By combining these two approaches, we can learn valuable lessons about crafting compelling audio stories. From Glass, we take away the importance of strong narratives built from relatable experiences. From Welles, we learn the transformative power of sound design in creating a truly immersive experience for the listener. The next time you’re captivated by a podcast or radio show, pay attention to how these techniques are used to weave a magical audio experience.
