Elements of Radio Production - Sound effects, Music, Silence, Human Voice

Sound effects

Sound effects are sounds made by living or non-living things which are neither word nor music. Sound effects help the listener to imagine and give meaning and sense of location. It adds realism to the programme and is an essential component of radio production. Sound effects can be created in the studio using computer and other musical instruments. In most cases the recording artists records them from real situations and store them for further use. For example, a crowded bus, noisy street, forest, etc. These atmospheric sounds are called ambience. Sound effects are classified into, recorded sound effects and spot effects. Spot effects are randomly recorded natural sounds. Sound effects can also be created artificially using software. In some cases different objects wooden boards, cellophane papers are used to create sound effects like door closing, fire raging, etc.

Music

Music is an essential component of the radio. The purpose of playing music in a radio programme is to generate the appropriate atmosphere and emotions for the situation. Music easily works on human emotions. The listener can easily understand the feelings of the characters or the situation that is going on in the programme. It can create the sense of happiness, sadness, fear, excitement, etc., in the minds of the audience. Musical programmes are independent programmes on radio. Music is also used for signature tunes that are played in the beginning and end of programme, and theme music of the radio station or the programmes.

Silence

Silence is a very powerful and useful element in a radio production. It can give emphasis for a radio message. Silence is used only for a very small duration in a radio programme. It can evoke the tension and deep feelings in the audience. It is mainly used to create a gap during the narrations.

Human Voice

Human voice is basic element of communication for a radio. It is a crucial element in radio. It can provoke different reactions on the listener depending on its characteristics. It is used widely in radio programmes. The presenters or announcers are major source of human voice. Presenter use voice modulations to give different emotions for the presentation.