Having read Pitching Story Ideas from Transom and How to Focus Audio Stories from NPR Training, I came out with two large takeaways regarding what works in a pitch. First, an effective pitch requires a well-defined and compelling point of focus. To state, for example, “I want to do a story about cafés” is not enough. You need to uncover the core of the story. Like the very conflict, question, or surprising turn that will grab people’s attention and propel the story. Two, I found that great pitches also equate to exposing the human nature in the story. Human beings, voices, and moments resonate with editors and listeners just as much as ideas do. A pitch should emphasize who will be telling the story and why their viewpoint or experience is important.
Considering my first episode, one thing I wish I had known earlier is the importance of establishing setting through a firm central tension or question. My episode had strong raw material but treated it as a succession of observations instead of an aimed narrative. If I had popped up earlier and told them, “I have a question about driving, and let me show you,” and stuck with it through, the narrative would have been tighter and more engaging. Going forward, I will bring this lesson with me by making sure that all the ideas I present have a definable central point and identifiable characters or voices who will make it flesh out.