Turning a simple conversation into a compelling two-minute audio story

Creating the video

Creating this audio interview project was a really interesting experience because it pushed me to think beyond just asking questions and required me to actually tell a story using sound. From choosing the subject to editing in Adobe Audition, every step forced me to be intentional about what I included and why.

For my interview, I chose to speak with someone whose story I found genuinely interesting. I wanted a subject who had a unique perspective or experience that would translate well into audio. Before the interview, I spent time thinking about what angle I wanted to take. Instead of just asking surface-level questions, I focused on how I could guide the conversation in a way that would reveal something meaningful or unexpected.

Going into the interview, I prepared a set of initial questions, but I made sure not to share them ahead of time. I wanted the responses to feel natural and unscripted. During the conversation, I found that the most compelling moments came from follow-up questions. Listening closely and responding in real time made the interview feel more like a conversation than a checklist, and that’s where the strongest parts of the story emerged.

I recorded the interview in a quiet environment to minimize background noise and used my MacBook’s microphone and Adobe Audition to capture the audio. One thing I paid close attention to was audio levels. I made sure the sound wasn’t too quiet or peaking, which would make editing more difficult later. I also recorded a few moments of ambient sound to help give the final piece a sense of place and make it feel more immersive.

Thinking like a storyteller

When it came to editing, Adobe Audition played a huge role in shaping the final product. This was where I really had to think like a storyteller. I listened through the entire interview and selected the strongest, most engaging clips. The challenge was fitting everything into a two-minute limit while still maintaining a clear and logical flow. I had to cut out anything that didn’t directly contribute to the story, even if it was interesting on its own.

I focused on pacing and clarity, making sure the final edit didn’t feel rushed but also didn’t drag. I arranged the clips in a way that built a narrative, starting with an engaging introduction and moving toward a more meaningful or reflective moment. Transitions were important, so I trimmed pauses and filler words to keep the piece concise and engaging.

I also incorporated a music bed using Creative Commons audio. I chose something subtle that wouldn’t overpower the interview but would help set the tone. Instead of abruptly ending the music, I used a fade-out to create a more polished and professional finish. This small detail made a big difference in how complete the final piece felt.

it’s all about intention

Overall, this project helped me understand how much intention goes into even a short audio story. Every second matters, and every choice—from the questions you ask to the way you edit—affects how the audience experiences the story. It also reinforced the importance of listening, both during the interview and in the editing process.

This assignment gave me a new appreciation for audio storytelling and the level of detail involved in creating something that feels both natural and engaging. It’s not just about recording a conversation—it’s about shaping that conversation into something meaningful for the listener.