Tips for Success

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Podcast Tips

• When writing and editing your script, appeal to the listener’s ears. Audio is a purely auditory medium, so use sound creatively — for example, instead of describing a polka-dotted pin, illustrate it with a “cling!” sound effect to engage listeners.

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• Music and sound effects help set the tone, signal transitions, and elevate production value.

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• Hook your audience immediately. Listeners often decide whether to keep listening within the first 3-7 seconds, so start with something intriguing, surprising, or emotionally engaging to grab attention right away. ​

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• Favor authentic conversation over monotonous script reading as natural dialogue keeps listeners engaged.

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• If you’re doing interviews, record in a quiet room with sound-absorbing materials to reduce echo and ambient noise.

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Blog Tips

• If you can convey a story of a thousand words in just three, you can tell it even more effectively with precision and impact.

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• In book reviews, don’t just summarize — analyze themes, symbolism, and character development. Ask why the author did the choices that they made, what does it say about the world. Help your reader see the work in a new way.

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• When writing about a global or societal issue, consider ending with a call to action to invite your reader’s engagement.

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• Cite sources in Associated Press (AP) style — a widely used journalistic standard. Purdue Owl
  https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/journalism_and_journalistic_writing/ap_style.html

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• Use imagery that appeals to all five senses (visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, gustatory) to make descriptions more vivid and engaging.

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Film

• Use different camera angles to create more dynamic and visually interesting shots.
  https://www.polarpro.com/blogs/polarpro/filmmaking-101-types-of-camera-shots-and-angles?srsltid=AfmBOormdXeVXspZRxXFCNCpmJu9_OfMHwLQkG0Myxv69KMSkCYc4YSM

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• Start early. Actors, cinematographers, and producers often have conflicting schedules — early prep helps keep everyone on track.

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• Keep shots as stable as possible using stabilization tools (tripods, gimbals, etc.).

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• Natural light is often the most flattering — use it whenever possible and complement it thoughtfully with artificial lighting.

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• Make sure credits are readable, with appropriate font size and pacing that give viewers time to absorb the information.

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• Avoid ending with clichés like “it was just a dream.” Instead, honor your characters’ journeys with meaningful conclusions.

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• Be aware of and avoid common storytelling clichés (e.g., waking up to an alarm clock after an unbelievable sequence).

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Tips for Any Medium

• Show, don’t tell — use visuals and actions to reveal information rather than exposition alone.