Star With a CSD Photo Essay

PSA Journal, Jan, 1999 by Linnet G. Dean

7. The Script: Writing a script can take several directions. Composing it on a computer could give you a ready-made format. Those without computers can accomplish the same result with a little more effort. I use a legal pad to compose the script while looking at the final (or almost final) arrangement of slides. Begin with the title slide as number 1 and proceed. It is wise to allow at least 5 seconds per slide (with music only) so the image can be seen, and 6 to 10 seconds if the audience is listening to narration while viewing. Leaving a slide on screen for 18-20 seconds or more can be deadly even with the most interesting commentary. (I use a kitchen clock with a sweep second hand to double-check the timing if in doubt.) Most importantly, avoid describing a slide! Your audience can see it just fine and would rather hear related information important to the theme. Each slide does not have to be accompanied by a complete sentence or phrase. Just let the narrative flow and change slides where appropriate.

8. Formatting the Script: Whether composed on a computer or typewritten, the script should be easily followed by the person showing your essay to the judges and others. It is helpful but not necessary to have a brief(one or two word) description of each slide in the left margin before the number of the slide. (See sample script.) Leave a space line between slide changes or draw a line as illustrated. I include and highlight "change" just to remind a day-dreaming remote control holder to do so! Of course, if there is no narrative, only music, then each numbered slide should show how many seconds the slide should be held in order to keep up with, and end with, the music.

9. The Tape: It is not a requirement that a tape be sent with your entry. You may wish to have the person showing your entry read your script, though this eliminates your final control of the production. It does not necessarily eliminate background music. (You could request that the taped music be played softly behind the narration.) If you wish to produce the complete tape, you may simply play music on a separate source as you narrate into a tape recorder. Some presenters like to use a simple mixer, but this is certainly not necessary, especially for a first production. If you use a separate microphone to input into your tape recorder (which does sound better than a built-in microphone), place the mike about 4 to 6 inches away from your mouth and slightly below mouth level, which will help to eliminate annoying pops and noises. Just remember that the voice should be at a higher volume than the music, so that the music sets the mood but is not a distraction to the listener. Consider too, that using music usually associated with familiar lyrics may have your audience thinking of the lyrics and humming along instead of listening to your narration! So try to choose less familiar instrumental music as background music. When you have finished taping, play back the tape. Does the narrative flow smoothly? Are the words easily understood? Could the tape stand on its own in following your theme? Are voice and music levels okay? If not, you may have to re-tape, but not necessarily the whole thing. However, if one selection of music has been used throughout, redoing the entire tape would make for a smoother presentation. You may wish to eliminate background music for part of the production anyway, to avoid monotony and provide a break. I do this especially on a longer program, which also makes it easier to re-tape if necessary.