Audio diary
Introduction to audio storytelling, fostering deeper self-reflection through sound and personal narration.
Duration: Two sessions, each lasting three hours, with a week in between for participants to gather their sounds.
Difficulty level: 5/5
Preparation
Smartphones or audio recording devices
Computers to edit audio recordings
Free audio editing software (we recommend Audacity, or an easier online tool AudioMass)
Projector to share your screen.
Headphones
Speakers
Online platform for saving and sharing the files (for example Google Drive)
Instructions
Session 1:
Introduction: The first session will be dedicated to introducing participants to sound storytelling and sound recording.
Sound storytelling (20 minutes) is the art of using audio elements—such as voice, music, soundscape, and sound effects—to create narratives. Offer examples and listen to it together: Tony Schwartz's 'Sounds of My City'
Ask participants about their preferences in sound storytelling (radio, podcasts, audiobooks) and their experiences in recording sounds (15 minutes).
Most smartphones make recording simple—just open or download a recording app, press record, stop, and save the file. However, ensure that everyone feels technically confident with their devices before proceeding (20 minutes).
Invite participants to experiment with recording devices and explore different aspects of sound recording (30 minutes). Encourage them to record their own voices, capture conversations with others, or step outside to collect ambient sounds.
Gather participants and together discuss the experience of collecting sounds and encourage them to share samples of their recordings (30 minutes).
Discuss the main technical problems with recording and the quality of sound. How can these be solved? (20 minutes).
Introduce them to the idea of sound journaling, expressing their unique reality through sounds. Initiate reflection time with these questions (10 minutes):
What do you hear when you wake up? Is it birds singing, an alarm clock, or distant traffic?
As you go through your day—heading to work, school, or other activities—what sounds are around you?
During your commute, what stands out? Maybe rustling leaves, people talking, or the hum of a bus or car?
How does your home sound when it's busy versus when it's quiet? Is there laughter, cooking noises, or perhaps just silence?
If you had to describe your daily life in a few words, what would they be?
Ask participants to write down answers to these questions or ideas that they would have for recording the sounds around them (15 minutes).
Ask participants to record the sounds of their daily life over the coming week, paying close attention to both familiar and unexpected sounds. Encourage them to experiment and have fun with their recordings—capturing spontaneous thoughts, descriptions, or words that come to mind. Suggest writing down ideas or reflections they may want to explore further in their recordings.
For technical support, recommend storing the recordings on Google Drive and reaching out to you via email or group chat if any issues arise.
Session 2:
Introduction: The second session will focus on sound editing. If you have no prior experience, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the basics beforehand. We recommend using free software like Audacity or the simpler AudioMass. Be sure to watch tutorials on YouTube and practice before the session. Here are some essential tools for sound editing:
Import/Export: To bring in sound files and save your work.
Cut, copy, and paste: Allows you to remove unwanted sections, duplicate segments, or rearrange parts of your audio.
Helps shorten clips by removing unnecessary parts at the start or end.
Splitting: Divides a single track into multiple segments for easier editing.
Volume adjustment: Ensures parts of the audio aren’t too loud or too soft.
Noise reduction: Reduces unwanted background noise.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with multitrack editing, which lets you layer sounds for more complex mixing and adding sound effects.
Guide participants through the sound editing software by sharing your screen and demonstrating its key tools and features. Answer any questions to build their confidence in editing (30 minutes).
Invite participants to explore the editing software and work on their own files. Suggest copying original sound files before starting the projects to avoid losing them. Suggest the maximum length of the final sound file, for example 3 minutes. Offer participants 90 minutes for their individual work on editing their files. Support them with finding solutions to their problems.
Helpful tips
This two-session workshop introduces participants to sound storytelling. After the introduction workshop, participants can continue experimenting with different types of recordings (like nature sounds or conversations). These activities help build confidence and creativity in using sound for storytelling.
Wrap-up
Gather participants to discuss their progress in sound editing (20 minutes).
What did they learn?
How did they enjoy it?
What was the most challenging?
What was the most exciting?
How audio storytelling can be applied in their future creative projects?
Invite participants to share their finished or work in progress sound journals. Sharing is optional. Encourage a conversation about the recordings (30 minutes).