To Swear or Not to Swear in Narration
Sound School Podcast
Deep Dive
Why does Dan Taberski include swearing in his narration?
Dan believes swearing can convey genuine emotion and tone, such as frustration or shock, which enhances the authenticity of the storytelling. He also uses it to balance seriousness with a sense of relatability, ensuring the audience doesn't feel overwhelmed by the drama.
How many times does Dan swear in the first episode of 'Hysterical'?
Dan swears three times in the first episode of 'Hysterical', including an F-bomb.
What is the main reason for swearing in Dan's narration, according to him?
Dan swears to reflect his true feelings about certain topics, such as his frustration with experts or the shock of unexpected situations, making the narration more honest and relatable.
Does Dan swear when discussing the main characters in 'Hysterical'?
No, Dan avoids swearing when talking about the main characters or the medical issues central to the story, reserving swearing for moments peripheral to the core narrative.
What does Dan think about the risk of listeners not taking him seriously due to swearing?
Dan believes that a controlled use of swearing can add honesty and authenticity to the storytelling, but excessive swearing could be perceived as lazy or cheesy, which he avoids.
How does Dan's writing style differ from traditional audio storytelling?
Dan formats his scripts like a TV writer, with lots of white space and titles for each scene, creating a rhythm and structure that resembles poetry. This approach allows for a more conversational and visually rhythmic storytelling style.
What was Dan's experience with swearing in his previous podcast 'Surviving Y2K'?
In 'Surviving Y2K', Dan used profanity to describe a personal and emotionally exposing story about his marriage. He found it challenging but necessary to convey the raw honesty of the situation, which taught him the importance of balancing authenticity with appropriateness.
Why does Dan use playful language in 'Hysterical'?
Dan incorporates playful language to create a sense of intimacy and friendliness with the audience, making the storytelling more engaging and relatable. It also helps to balance the seriousness of the subject matter.
What awards has Dan Taberski's work received?
Dan's podcast 'Running from Cops' was nominated for a Peabody Award, and 'The Line' earned a prestigious DuPont Columbia Award.
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