Narration should not sound fake or, as Angela Grant likes to call it, “plastic.” And it shouldn’t get all cute and clever. Leave the emotions to the people in the story, and use narration to fill in any information the viewers need to understand to appreciate the story.

My students did a lot of audio interviews and editing last semester, so I hope they have learned the “ask again” lesson. Another variation of that is the messy story — the first time someone explains something, they might repeat a lot and make it all very confusing. Let them get through it. Ask some more questions. Then ask them to please tell you that thing again (the messy one). The second time, it will be sooo much smoother!

I’m the consumer reporter at WGRZ TV, the NBC station in Buffalo ,N.Y. I thought your tips on how to shoot video interviews were right on the money.

I’d add one that I’ve found particluarly useful in my 28 years (shrieks!) as a television reporter: Don’t be afaid to re-ask questions, especially the question that you consider most important to your story.

I do a lot of “troubleshooting”stories-helping people with problems. So consequently most of the people I interview have never been on TV before.

First time around they’re often nervous and tend to ramble or pause a lot. Second time around on the same question, they usually relax and speak more succinctly and even in “sound bites”.

Your head phones tip is an especially good one. That’s because even though the audio levels look good there may be some extraneous cracklingy from a dying battery or some sort of RF intereference to ruin your interview.

Good luck in your classes. I’ve just discovered your varoius web presences and I believe you’re definitely providing practical guidance to the next generation of journalists.

Mike Igoe