Talking Apes, Digital Audio and Module One

On Exploring Language: A Voluble Visit with Two Talking Apes...
by Jon Hamilton

This is the story of two Bonobo chimps, Panbanisha and Kanzi, and how "they use language in many of the same ways humans do." This multimedia package includes the audio storytelling (the main focus of the feature), a transcript of the audio portion, and pictures. It is also part of a greater multimedia series, Exploring Language. Placed next to the text of A Voluble Visit... is a interactive guide to this series. It is an effective way to direct listeners to similar topics and other broadcasts.

What I've Taken From This Story:

1) The importance of a title. NPR has always thought up smart, sometimes witty titles, and like this one, I am draw into the story from our list of options. "Two Talking Apes," I read and think ... I'd like to explore this further. It also rolls off the tongue with alliteration.

2) This audio story works like an exchange of dialogue in a print story. Narrator Jon Hamilton will speak of an action or point that he is trying to make, and Dr. Sue or Bill Field's commentary will reinforce or make a point. It's a trade-off between narration and commentary, and I think this story showcases a great balance between the two. The story is kept active, almost interactive within an interactive. You also see techniques like this in traditional news reporting, the use of quotes to acquire a element of the story. Additionally, Hamilton incorporates clips of the two chimps, which also supports this idea. For example, Hamilton says Panbanisha "celebrates by playing her drums" and will them cut to the sound of Panbanisha actually playing her drums. I think of this as a sort of call-and-response. When Hamilton says something like this, I think that that would like to actually hear what it sounds like when Panbanisha plays her drums. Hamilton then delivers.

3) In this case, the reporter is IN the story, and the story revolves around Hamilton's visit. The action is a reaction of Hamilton being there; this IS the story. The question is when does this work and when doesn't it?

4) The interviewee's voice can be very powerful. When Bill Fields talks about his missing finger, and the chimp's sympathy, he uses emotive language in the word "hurt." This is a texture that I don't think Hamilton could achieve. NPR is typically more formal than other podcasts I've heard, even more so than WNYC Radio Lab - no laughing, professional tone - and this is a good way to add texture and interest in a piece.

5) Speed and pronunciation are VERY important. In Living on a Dollar Day in Malawi, narrator Suzanna Marmion is very clear, but her interviews are very hard to understand. Their accents are heavy, and while it adds texture and complexity to the story, it proves almost useless if I can't comprehend what they are saying. In the Malawi case, there is not a full transcript to reference, which is unfortunate.

6) In Living on A Dollar..., along the right side of the page is a daily balance sheet for the Phiri family. Even though it is plain text, it is a great addition to the story and helps to define a perspective. This made me wonder if I can find a way to use statistics in my project.

On Briggs, Chp. 7 - Digital Audio and Podcasting...

mp3 - most universal
wma - Windows Media
real - Real Audio
mpeg - Quicktime
mpeg-4 AAC - iTunes

- try to always use mp3
- record natural sound
- using Audacity
- vodcast - podcast with video

Be More Indie: Module One