WORKSHOP TO CREATE AN INDIVIDUAL PODCAST ON EMOTIONAL AND SEXUAL LIFE – 25 h
By Jouïr podcast
Here, we offer you a set of outlines for creating a podcast from A to Z on intimate and sexual life. In these workshops, the podcast activities are a way to address various topics such as gender stereotypes, but also friendship, better communication and sensuality.
This training and activity schedule has been curated for you to follow. All the activities can be shortened for the duration which is convenient to you.
Please read our handbook “Creating podcasts that address sexuality and intimacy” (ici insérer lien vers le manuel) for more information on facilitating this type of workshop.
And don’t forget to listen to our podcast, which presents a facilitator’s vision of running a radio workshop on this topics.
Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us: jouir_asso@protonmail.com
SESSION 1
GETTING READY TO TELL A STORY – 2h00
This first session is dedicated to set up the bases for a creative atmosphere in order to imagine a podcast. As presented here, start with icebreakers to get to know each other and create together !Participants can feel apprehension, fear not to have ideas, or be uncomfortable about expressing themselves in front of others. These games liberate the body and mind in a collaborative and intimate way. They allow everyone to write later more freely.
Introduce yourself, i.e. indicate the social position from which you are speaking.
Here are a few things you can read beforehand to help you find your way around.
Present the workshop and its educational goals in a few sentences.
Make it clear that these are educational, not therapeutic workshops: invite people to share only things that will not put them in a state of great vulnerability.
Please read our recommendations on how to deal with traumatic stories in the event that such experiences are told. This will help you feel more prepared as a facilitator.
If you are located in Limerick, you can print this list of feminist associations.
Please note that we are proposing activities based on non-formal education: the objective is above all to express oneself, to get to know oneself better and to develop one’s social and relational skills: these are not workshops that aim to deliver theoretical knowledge on gender or on emotional and sexual life, although these dimensions may be present.
Finally, specify the framework for the dissemination of the sound bites. Reassure participants that nothing will be broadcast without their consent.
When participants are in a workshop, they may feel anxious. After this type of activity, participants are better prepared to focus on theory and to create their own stuff.
20 min
Icebreakers: Learn names
One person says “Hello I’m Diarmuid and I love baking”. The person can add their pronouns if they feel like sharing. The person next to them repeats “Hello Diarmuid, he loves baking. I’m Cassandra. They”.
To read the explanation of these activities, click here.
10 min
Icebreakers: An intimate object you brought with you
Each person brings an object which reminds them of a precise memory in their intimacy. They show it to the group and tell the part of the memory they would like to share. No need for traumatic ones, only positive.
30 min
Icebreakers: Exquisite corpse
Split into groups. Bring 5 containers filled with words in this order : names, adjectives, action verbs, names 2, adjectives 2. Each group picks one word in each container, will create a story in the group and share it collectively to the rest of the group.
To read the explanation of this activity, click here.
30 min
Icebreakers: The hidden object
Bring a bag full of objects. One person will choose one without saying what it is and invent a story (without the world) to make it guessable to the rest of the group.
To conclude, ask a few questions to participants:
– Do you feel safe enough to create an intimate story?
– Do you feel more empowered to speak in front of others ?
– Do you feel like creating more complex stories?
SESSION 2
UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS A PODCAST AND GETTING MORE COMFORTABLE WITH THE FORMAT – 5h00
The session you’ll find here is more theoretical. In order to create a podcast with a group, you need to know what it is and to listen to some of them to get to understand how they are built. Indeed, the format can change a lot and be very different from what people think, like : “oh it’s like long interviews without video”. The podcast field is actually very diverse, from investigation to radio drama. Here the schedule starts with a listening session in order to listen to others and to our own podcast productions to immerse the participants into the topic.
As a facilitator you introduce yourself, your social position, and the context of the meditation.
Ask guests if they feel comfortable, if they can, they can close their eyes.
You will speak in a loud enough, soft and articulate voice.
You can invite the participants to pay attention to sounds that are close to them, pause, then far from them, pause, then on their left, pause, then on their right, pause, then behind them, pause, then in front of them, pause. Then, they can stay a couple of minutes focused on what they prefer. Notice each time they feel about the sound : is it loud ? is it far ?
They can open their eyes slowly like old windows and stay within themselves, with this quality of listening for the session.
20 min
Identify different markers of the podcast :
Intro, outro, the different formats and how to make them in terms of sounds.
30 min
At the end of each extract or at the very end of the listening session, ask the participants :
What did you hear? Who is speaking?
What is the format (report, documentary, news, etc.)?
What are the different stages you have identified?
Did you like the format?
To read the explanation of this activity, click here.
30 min
Taking notes and listening carefully
Invite people to note down what they hear in terms of sound such as jingle, carpet, comma, dialogue, monologue
10 min
Debrief
You can ask participants :
– Did you learn anything from listening to the clips?
– Did you hear the markers of a podcast episode?
– Did you understand their relevance?
– Was it difficult to identify the different markers of the podcast?
– Which form did you like the most? Why or why not?
20 min
Introduce the differents formats
Sound creation goes from investigation to audio fiction.. Give a few details about each format and listen to an excerpt if you have time.
You can find the details of the different formats.
20 min
Tips to create a narrative podcast
In order to create a powerful narrative, tell participants that they need to rely on 3 importants elements :
– A voice that we trust : a consistent narration where we understand clearly who is the narrator and what is the implied contract between the narrator and the listener.
– A good script : a chosen format with consistency and sound friendly narration
– The speaker’s ability to deliver it : Is the voice clear? How to write a spontaneous script ?
You can find the details instructions on podcast narration here.
20 min
Podcast recommandations
In addition to the listening session and podcast formats description you can detail podcasts you liked explaining why they are adapted to the questions of the participants.
You can find a list of recommendations here.
30 min
Questions and inspirations for each podcast
Each participant shares which format, length they prefered and how it serveed the story according to them. Do they have further questions ?
Stand in a comfortable circle and have a participant in the center of the circle : Which format did you prefer ? Which technical aspects did you like ? Which one would you like to create ?
SESSION 3
FROM WRITING TO SOUND : CREATE A PODCAST FROM A STORY – 1h30
In this session, we will go deeper in how to select one idea to make a podcast from it. How to better serve the idea that we want to further develop ? As a facilitator, you’ll lead the group to test this idea through different activities. The aim is to learn directly from the audience, to identify and understand others’ reactions. Explain to the participants that this starting process will show them that a podcast about intimacy can start with community learning.
30 min
Different steps of narration
On a flipboard write the different steps and explain them with examples :
a) Viewpoint: This type of narrative tells the story from the viewpoint of the narrator.
b) Linear : This type of narrative tells the story in order of events as they have taken place.
c) Non-Linear : It allows the order of the story to be changed around.
Be pedagogical and don’t hesitate to give examples !
You can find the details of the different formats.
45 min
Invente a story with narration steps
Prepare 6 cards with examples of story corresponding to the narration steps : Card n° 1 has Equilibrium (everything is normal) , card n° 2 has Disruption (something happens to disrupt the normal running of things) card n° 3 has Recognition ( a realization of the extent of the disruption), card n° 4 has Repair ( preparing to overcome the disruption), card n° 5 has A New Equilibrium ( the outcome creates a new equilibrium). Card n° 6 is blank.
By groups, participants put them in order. They can then create their own story.
You can find the step-by-step instructions here.
To conclude, ask a few questions:
– Do you feel more empowered to create your own story ?
– Do you feel capable of building a complex story ?
– Did you feel comfortable sharing your story ?
SESSION 4
HOW TO WRITE A PERFECT PITCH – 4h30
In order to dive further in podcast creation, it is important that participants create a pitch. If you have no idea what it is, do not hesitate to do a bit of research beforehand ! A pitch is the summary of the format, the length and why the podcast exists. It’s about 4 written lines. In order to arrive at this sum up, you need to find collectively a way to develop these elements. You can start by developing the pitch collectively from an emotion which helps to be authentic and sincere. Then as a facilitator, lead participants to write a pitch that willthen be developed as a script in session 5. You will also learn to read your script in a compelling way.
15 min
Icebreaker
Exquisite corpse in movement. Each participant picks a random word on a piece of paper. They walk in the space until they meet someone else. They have 1 min to invent a story with their two words.
You can find more details about this icebreaker here.
30 min
Sharing doubts and desires
Participants express their doubts and desires about this activity in order to address them.
30 min
Defining emotions and having debate
Facilitator proposes a debate to give a definition in your own words about the emotion you chose to write about : How has this emotion or feeling manifested itself in your life? How does this feeling impact your relationships? What does this feeling evoke in you? These questions lead to a discussion to stimulate ideas to then create a pich.
45 min
Writing a pitch with 5W
Participants can use the 5W technique used by journalists: who, what, when, where and why.
In the pitch, the format being explored should be outlined: a dialogue, a monologue, a song or a manifesto, etc.
10 min
Security chart
On a flipboard, write what the participants need to feel comfortable to share their ideas without judgment and what they fear. During speed dating they can show the board to make sure the rules are respected by all.
16 min
Pitch
In pairs, each participant explains the main idea in 8 min of their podcast with 5W : who are the main characters ? Where is it set ? What is it about ? When is it ? Why is this idea relevant ? Then pairs switch.
You can find instructions here.
30 min
Sharing the pitch together
Each participant shares their pitch, everyone can comment in a non judgmental way. As a facilitator, explain that the aim is to give ideas or references to nourish this pitch.
4 min
Debrief
In a circle, all participants share in one word how the speed dating changed their pitch. Do they know in what direction they need to further work to improve their pitch ?
30 min
Writing the script for the oral presentation
Participants should think of and tell participants to:
– Write short sentences
– Read them aloud and see if it’s easy to breathe as reading. If not, adjust your sentences.
– Write signs as / to mark pause or articulation.
– Underline words to emphasize them.
You can watch our video on how to deliver a script here.
15 min
Preparing the body and mind
Read outloud not in your head. You can warm up before reading. Repeat each of the vowels: A, E, I, O and U. And some of the following sounds: Ba, mm and lily. It sounds ridiculous, but it works!
15 min
Posture
Stand to deliver the text. Open your chest and breathe!
Depending on the intention of your text, you can find original places or positions to record it. For example, if your script takes place in the privacy of a bed, you can try recording it lying down. If it’s an intimate story, try lying down on a sofa or bed.
To read the explanation of this activity, click here.
To conclude, ask a few questions to participants:
– Do any other desires emerge during the writing pitch from an emotion ?
– Do you feel ready to write a script from your pitch ?
SESSION 5
HOW TO WRITE AN APPEALING SCRIPT ? – 12 h
Explain to the participants that a script is the equivalent in audio of a movie scenario. Everything they hear will appear on the script. In this session, we will listen to more podcasts to create a more inclusive approach to gender, sexual orientation and marginalized communities. Then, participants can choose to write together a script or to make it individual (takes more time). Finally, we will give a few hints on how to find or create sounds to tell your story in a sound friendly way.
30 min
Topic about oneself, the personal is political
When you speak about your story as part of a society, it’s a way to analyze and be critical about collective story, therefore it’s political. Ask the participants: how connected to you is your story? Why is it a story shared by many?
Here are a few things you can read to help you find your way around.
30 min
Amplifying existing voices
Objectivity can exist only through analyzing how we connect to the subject we chose to investigate. Create a debate with participants :
– How will the content I want to create contribute to the struggles involved?
– Why do I want to express myself in the media on this subject, and what use?
– Will this undertaking be for me and for others?
– Am I the most legitimate person to deal with this issue that does not concern me directly?
Recommendation to share with participants: have your podcast listened to by people who are concerned by the issues and experts to ensure that your podcast does not have stigmatizing biases.
Pay them if you can. Quote these people, organizations, groups and associations in your podcast.
Always remember to offer plural, complex and diverse representations of reality. Avoid miserabilism.
30 min
Describing your social position, diversity of backgrounds and social groups
Give an overview of your position in the social sphere only if it helps to understand your podcast and what you are presenting. Especially if you add elements of analysis or questioning. The main disadvantage of this exercise is that it can feel too “formal”. Think of it as an introduction, a set-up for what comes next. Talk about your intimate relationship with the subject, the reasons that led you to it, your background and how it has influenced the person you are today. Ask participants to describe their social position and to consider the diversity of the backgrounds of their characters in their stories.
10 min
Accents and names pronunciation
Write all names in caps to pronounce them correctly.
10 min
Tips for inclusive vocabulary
Let participants read their script with an inclusive eye to correct themselves.
For example :
– Man/woman = person.
– Husband/wife = partner.
– Father/mother = parent.
– Girl/boy = child.
In this video you can further go into inclusion topics.
20 min
Icebreaker
Cut out poems from a magazine. Cut out short lines from magazines or poetry. Participants have 10 minutes to compose their own poetry and share it with participants if they feel like it.
To find the details of this icebreaker, click here.
30 min
Discuss the theme
As a facilitator you can propose a theme, for example love which will be the main topic of the script. Each participant shares their definition of what love is for them in everyday life. Then make proposals for sub-themes, for example, friendship. Let participants tell stories that they like from this theme : they can be intimate (but not traumatic), fictional or coming from an art piece (book, podcast, movie, etc.) From these stories pick together one that you like.
To read the explanation of this activity, click here.
30 min
Define the story structure
The group chose their theme. The participants will make proposals for characters, places, and temporality. They must also explain why they want to record this story: what is the message or the theme at the heart of the story?
10 min
Write the story and define the sound atmosphere
In the script, there are ambient sounds that are not words. It is also written in the text as AMB. The facilitator and the group develop why they want to write this story and how to serve this purpose. For example, if the intention is to show that friendship is as important as romantic love, the characters will find themselves in a situation that shows this in their behaviors.
Special tip : As a facilitator, when everything is written, you can ask the group to act out the story before recording the dialogue and background sounds as a rehearsal.
Here is an example of a script.
90 min
Do your own recordings
Tell participants to write from your detailed script:
– Underline all sounds you need to record from your direct environment. Do several takes : one close, one from above, one far.
– Each recording should last at least 5 minutes, even if you plan to use only 20 seconds, so you can choose.
– Once you’re back on your computer, name each file with a method : date / place / what is heard / is it far close ?
60 min
Dig in your personal archives
On your computer, in your emails, in your phone recorder, you might have treasure that you underestimate. Dig with key words from your creation to integrate them in your script. For example, if you are writing about friendship and you want a scene to happen in a protest, maybe you recorded protest songs from marches on your phone.
90 min
Creative common sounds and music
To complete these recordings, you can look on Youtube or on the Internet with key words : protest sound effect / protest creative common sounds. Then you can convert sounds to wav (better quality) or to mp3 (easier to find).
It’s the same with music. We recommend not to use free music which is often kitsch, either to compose yourself music, even by whistling your favorite song or using birds sounds recorded from a public garden.
2 sounds library :
🎉BBC Rewind: https://sound-effects.bbcrewind.co.uk/
➕FMA: https://freemusicarchive.org/search
To conclude, ask a few questions to participants:
– Are they proud of their story?
– Did they have enough time to prepare the script?
– What is the favorite sound you recorded?