que pasa

So, azzamac invited me to his studio to do some recording of some scripts the other day. Quite an experience.

First, the place. When we think of DJs, the image we see in the movies comes up. The gargantuan headphones, the immense switchboard, the microphone hanging overhead, the big comfy chair, the PC by your side, the big glass window for people to look through. Azzamac's studio was the same, just smaller. It was nice though, a cozy room.

Second, the script. You know the comfortable feeling you get when you tune in to your favorite DJ? I always wonder how they can convey the impression that the listener and him were just picking up from their last conversation, and like they even know your favorite song or color. Yet they actually have no idea of your last crime, whether you are a male or female, or even whether you are listening or not. Gotta give them points for that. So the script that I had were peppered with warm greetings like "Hello friends! I am very glad that you are listening in to the show today" and "I hope you will tune in to the next show, so farewell my friends!" I do not speak like that at all, so I was laughing inside whenever I read those phrases.

Third, the content. These scripts were about countries in Asia, the land, its people, animals, and local food. Something like Discovery Channel in 3 minute segments. The intention was for people learning English to listen to the recording as they read the written script. So I had to speak slowly. I think normal speech is around 250+ words a minute, and DJs probably clock 160-200. But for this audience, I had to do 80-100. I speak pretty fast, so it sounded very odd to me. Actually, I think the word "dopey" is quite an appropriate description. I mean, its one thing to try to be a documentary commentator where you just keep going, but documentary commentators never have to say things like "Wow, that is quite a leap!" or "That is an amazing talent!" or "I would love to have some of that food!" So there I was, trying to sound genteel as a commentator should, and get all excited (but still at the pace of 80 words/min) when these sentences came. Go ahead, you try!

All in all, I thought it was good experience. And for a good cause too. They say that listeners can "hear" expressions even when they cannot see your face. As we replayed the recordings, I began to understand what they meant. I could tell when I had a smile on my face, or if I had a "what-the-heck-is this-word" look even. So, the next time some one calls you on the phone, smile, and say, "Hello friend!" :)

Recording clip on Sri Lanka:
eng_wow_sri_lanka_land.mp3

Recording blooper (the right word should be "Bangladesh"):
wow_blooper.mp3