Telesale Experience

The last night of Telesale 2008 is tonight, and for me it has been a great learning experience.  Being a part of the producing team has been a privilege and something I'll never forget. 

I was excited, and flattered really, when I was asked if I was interested in being a part of the team.  But my excitement also turned into nervousness earlier this week when I realised that I would actually help to write something for live television.  The thought of someone reading my words over the air was kind of intimidating. 

But there were two things that I learned: 

First, understanding how writing integrates with the technical aspect of the production has enormous benefits with any writing you do.  If you are separated from the physical reality of production then your writing will be deficient.  A lot of different elements go into making a good script sound natural and entertaining while operating within time limits in a practical way.

Second, challenges can increase your writing skills.  I don't want to sound pretentious and say that my skills are tremendously better because of Telesale, but I've definitely noticed a difference in the time it takes me to write and a more accurate ability to find a voice.

So don't be afraid to push yourself.  Find challenges that will force you to explore new ways of thinking and writing.  

What's the connection?

I realise that some news stories are published because they offer entertainment.  But I just can't get over how this story about Mao Zedong's offer of 10 million women to Henry Kissinger is a popular story on CNN.com.  

As you can see, there's really nothing wrong with the style of the writing, it's clear and concise.  But it has absolutely no connection to current events or people today.  The story happened thirty-five years ago and isn't linked to any kind of current event.  Sure I think the story is interesting and funny.  But without any connection, it's just a bit of history trivia.  

Broadcast writing has been an interesting challenge this week.  It seems to me that the key is finding the intricate balance between entertainment and truth, and projecting from that balance with the right timing to sustain interest.  

This is an effective way to write for any kind of broadcasting, but I've been struck recently by what pod-casting means for this way of writing.  Technology has made it possible for individuals to make their own broadcasts to virtually any niche on any subject.  So while pod-casts are being used by news broadcasters as a marketable medium, many people are using it unprofessionally as a tool for expression or community building.  Check the description on this page for example.

I've noticed that pod-casting seems to be even more informal than even what you might expect from the radio.  I find it interesting also that this new medium has a way of building community and integrating with other media that seems to be better than traditional radio.  

Creative Process

As I was trying to formulate ideas for this week's commercial assignment, I felt that something was missing.  I couldn't conceive practical or functional ideas easily, and with the few ideas that I managed to whip up, I could barely progress.  After reviewing my work and talking to my brother, a graphic designer, I realised that my creative process was lacking.  Somehow, I was not creating a positive environment, and I wasn't constructing my ideas positively either.  

I wonder if any of you have had the same troubles.  Here are some online resources that give tips in creative writing: 

The Chief Happiness Officer has 10 tips for a productive and fun writing process. 

This one is related to creative blogging.

Specifically for commercial radio writing- radiosnack