I do not think that my impression throughout the entire time: It is almost like a podcast but contains more aesthetic elements, or an academic paper presented in the format of sound.
One thing I find challenging about making an audio paper, actually also for all the works presented in the format of sound, is that we can only provide the listening experience to the audience. The lack of visual elements is a crucial limitation but that does not mean the is the end of it. McHugh (2022, p.64) believes that audio has always been the most intimate of mediums. It’s a lot to do with the connecting power of voice, which allows us to hear so much more than words. Sounds are not just sounds. If we use it well, it’s not only about listening anymore. Although we still can’t see things, we can feel and imagine through listening.
In terms of the content, I believe I can extend the explanations of different “ah”s. However, I think explaining too much would be very bored and overwhelm the audience. I also want to get them spaces to rethink of their listening experiences of ah as I play them. This is more likely a matter of personal choice, there are pros and cons in these approaches. Instead of explain more of each “ah” I think finding more examples of “ah” would be better. For now I think the amounts of ah are quite enough for the audio paper but I believe I can find more of them if I have more time.
On the technical side, I think the volume trimming of my voice could be done better. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough time for this. Instead of simply using presets in mastering plugins, I could have manually fine-tuned the volume of my voice with automation.
Since the audio paper lasts for 9 minutes, it is so easy to get distracted and bored as my audio paper does not have a lot of sound elements but mostly my voice. To draw the attention of the audience, the tone of my voice is crucial. In the audio paper I found my voice quite deep and dull, although I have tried talking more enthusiastically. It is quite challenging to find the balance between having a deep masculine voice and having an exciting tone. On the one hand, masculine creates more impact and feels more persuasive. On the other hand, creating an exciting vibe avoids boredom. Having no experience in voice acting, the outcome of my voice makes me understand how important it is.
References
McHugh, S. (2022) The power of podcasting: Telling stories through sound. New York: Columbia University Press.