Ira Glass on storytelling: Part 4

Here is Ira Glass (“This American Life”) talking about storytelling. Today Part 4 (note: slightly distorted audio):

Glass talks about a common pitfall for newbies: Trying to talk like people they see on TV or hear on the radio.

“Of course, everything is going to be more compelling if you talk in your own voice… the more you are actually your own self, the better off you are.”

Screenwriting takeaway: By virtue of your DNA and your life experience, you have a unique voice. Use that when you write.

“In a good story, you’re going to get both. Basically most of the story is going to be about whoever’s life it is you’re trying to document… but you’ll be in there, too, as a particular person… You’re going to be in there as a clear personality.”

Screenwriting takeaway: A good reminder about narrative voice. The tone and attitude you take in scene description, how you approach scenes, how you ‘edit’ the story, and style choices you make are a reflection of your narrative voice.

So a cool 4-part series with Ira Glass. What did you learn from listening to him?

The “This American Life” website here.