Sara Stackhouse Multimedia Writing and Rhetoric Audio Narrative Process Paper Due: September 13, 2013 Process

Paper Because the audio aspect of this assignment made it different than a typical writing assignment, I found it important to make some simple changes in the approach I took to completing it. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this assignment because it gave me an experience I had never had before. This was the first time I had ever utilized audio recording software and the first time I had ever been instructed to write a narrative intended for verbal delivery. Though I initially struggled to come up with a topic, I eventually chose to write about my experience with the Boston Marathon Bombing. I chose this topic because I have lived my entire life in Boston, but happened to be on vacation when the tragedy occurred. For this reason, all of the information I received regarding the events came through the media, and essentially, through screens. I really felt that experiencing such an event from afar was very different than the experience would have been, had I been at home. I also believe that experiencing this situation through screens really impacted my reactions and emotional responses. Once I had decided on a topic, I began writing. The first draft I wrote turned out to be mainly an account of the events of the week and of my emotional responses to each event. As I read over the draft, I realized that not only was it too long, but it was also more of a spastic storytelling, than an organized narrative. I then edited and re-edited my draft multiple times and worked to organize it and restructure it. Once it reached a more understandable state, I continued to restructure the narrative so as better incorporate the screen aspect and how integral the media was to my experience. I also had to make many adjustments in order to make the narrative

suitable for audio presentation. In my opinion, the restructuring portion of the writing process was the most difficult, but it was also the most important. Once I was satisfied with my narrative, it was time to record. To begin this process, I first spent time playing around with the audacity recording software. The first time I read through my narrative, it took seven minutes. From that starting point, I then proceeded to trim down any unnecessary phrases and information and then recorded again. I repeated this process four or five times until reading the narrative took only five minutes. The main difference I found between writing for audio delivery, as opposed to writing for textual delivery, was that as I was writing, I had to consider the ways in which I was going to deliver the narrative. This meant thinking about the tone of voice I would have to use and which words would more accurately convey the events and my emotions. I also had to make my statements clear and concise because unlike with textual sources, audience members do not have the ability to go back and re-read to gain a better understanding. Ultimately, these and many other factors influenced the way I approached this assignment. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to work with audio as a narrative delivery medium. I believe that the experience broadened my horizons and made me think more about what I was writing than I usually do. I am glad that this assignment encouraged me to explore rhetorical features that I had not considered in the past and also audio delivery techniques that I had never before had the chance to study.