Life in the Tech Lab
Podcasting with Audacity
Final Project: Create Fable Podcast
Now that you understand how to use Audacity to create interesting radio shows, it is time to work with a partner and produce your own shows using Audacity. Follow the directions below to successfully complete this project.
What IS a Radio Show?
Before you make a radio show of your own, it helps to listen to a few to see what they were like.
Click on this link to listen to a variety of radio shows from the 1930's.
Choose your Story!
The first thing you must do is to choose the story you will tell from the list below. Click any of the links to see the script of the story. All files are in MS Word format.
Print out a script for each person once you have selected the story you'll tell.
Listen to some radio shows other students have created!
Practice Reading
Read through the script with your partner. While you do concentrate on:
- Reading with enthusiasm (it is better to OVER act the part).
- Reading slowly and enunciating each word (enunciating means saying it so people can clearly understand what you are saying).
- Pacing the story so it isn't too slow, but the conversations sound natural.
Choose Parts
Each person should choose which part (or parts if necessary) they will read. Write it down on the script so you don't forget.
Practice Reading
Read through the script with your partner. While you do concentrate on:
- Reading with enthusiasm (it is better to OVER act the part).
- Reading slowly and enunciating each word (enunciating means saying it so people can clearly understand what you are saying).
- Pacing the story so it isn't too slow, but the conversations sound natural.
Record Your Part
Now each person should go to their computer, open Audacity, and record your part (or parts). Listen carefully to your recording, and if you aren't satisfied, record that section again.
Edit your parts to fix any long pauses or errors you might have recorded.
EXPORT your Audacity Project as a MP3 file and save it in the shared folder in:
Combine the Files from Each Group Member
From here on you will work with your partner to create your Radio Show.
Using Audacity, import the sound files each person created. Using the editing tools we learned, split tracks and move the voices on the timeline until you have the story script completely edited. This is called your RAW FOOTAGE. This step MUST be completed before you add music, sound effects or credits.
Add Credits and Titles
It might be funny to think of Titles in a Radio Show, but this is important. How will we know the name of your story if you don't include this? Record a track that will come at the very beginning of your show that tell the name of the story and the characters. You might say, for example, This is the story of the Tortoise and the Hare. Starring the steady Tortoise and the always speedy Hare.
Once your have completed this part of the project, your should use the MIX AND RENDER function to combine all your speaking tracks into one.
Add Sound Effects and Music
Now you are ready to add sound effects and music to your Radio Show. Use the pages below to find and download the best sound effects and music for your story. If you can't remember how, review the instructions!
Click here to open our page of sound resources on the web.
Add Credits at the End
The last step is to give yourself credit at the end! Record a track that includes:
Which person read each voice (only use your FIRST name!!).
The producers (you and your partner, of course!!). Again, only use first names!
Lastly, tell the date you produced your show. For example, you might want to finish with, This show was created in January, 2010.
Create the MP3 File
Listen carefully to your show. If you think you are done, the last step is to EXPORT your project to an MP3 file. When you save it, include everyone's name and the name of the story in the file name. Here's an example for a group that included Jane and Pete:
Jane Pete Tortoise and Hare.mp3
Need help? The instructions are here!
Grading
Click here for the rubric we'll use to grade our projects.