How can research help you create a compelling audio story?

Most of my podcasts are long form interviews. I've found a great way to find some unique (and usually unknown to the public) background is to talk to friends and family during your research. They have the good stuff - the things you won't find searching the web. Usually a guest will be surprised you knew and open up an an unexpected way. It's a simple but very effective technique.

Research can help you create any story, not just audio. The key to any story is to have a fact wrapped in emotion. Author Daniel Pink has the best example of this: The Queen died. The Kind died of a broken heart. The first sentence is a fact, the second sentence is a story. My point being, if your fact is research, it tends to have one or two compelling numbers that help make your point. Just don't get lost in the numbers or you'll also lose your audience.

Sure, research fuels captivating audio stories. Here's the gist: Ground your story: Research ensures accuracy and grounds your world in believability. Craft real characters: Research accents, dialogue, and historical details to bring characters to life. Add texture: Research sound effects and cultural practices to create an immersive experience. Intrigue your audience: Research plot twists and lesser-known details to hook listeners. Research isn't just facts - it's the magic that makes your story sing.

Research is like the secret sauce that makes your audio story really pop! It's all about diving deep into your topic, getting to know the ins and outs so you can tell the story with real oomph. Think of it like adding layers to your story cake: the more you research, the richer and more delicious it becomes. It helps you understand what you're talking about, adds that authentic flavor, and makes your characters come to life. Plus, it's like having a treasure map for finding all those juicy details and plot twists that keep your listeners on the edge of their seats. And let's not forget about accuracy – nobody likes a story that's all fluff & no substance. So, do your homework, dig up those nuggets of gold, and watch your audio story shine!

Research helps you understand your audience better, enabling you to tailor your storytelling style to resonate with them effectively. It allows you to identify the tone, language, and narrative techniques that will engage and captivate your listeners. Additionally, research helps you uncover storytelling techniques used by other successful audio storytellers, providing inspiration and guidance to refine your own style. By investing time and effort into research, you can ensure that your audio story is well-informed, engaging, and compelling, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on your audience.