Journalism professor explores the power of audio storytelling in TEDxTorontoMetU talk

Journalism professor and award-winning podcast producer Amanda Cupido took the stage at the annual TEDxTorontoMetU conference to deliver a talk on the significance of audio storytelling. In her captivating talk, titled Why Audio Storytelling is an Integral Part of Humanity, Cupido discussed the rise of radio, the current podcasting boom and the future of immersive audio storytelling.

From ancient oral traditions to modern podcasts, audio storytelling has the unique ability to capture people's attention, evoke emotion, and convey complex ideas and information without the need of a visual aid. For this reason, Cupido initially became interested in audio storytelling, leading her to pursue a career in radio, teaching and, most recently, as an award-winning podcast producer.

"I grew up loving radio -- I thought it was magical that people could share ideas on a platform where it didn't matter what you looked like," remarked Cupido. "I also think audio storytelling is so special because we can express so much through words, but also through vocal bursts. Think about a sign of relief or a shriek of disgust. It means even babies, who haven't spoken a word, can technically tell an audio story."

Stories form the backbone of what it means to be human, and audio storytelling provides an additional dimension of understanding through tone, emotion, and personality in a way that is not possible through written text alone. For this reason, oral stories have been such a successful communication method for millennia, creating a sense of intimacy and connection between the storyteller and the listener, and is the driving force behind Cupido's talk.

"The thesis of my TEDx talk is that audio storytelling is the backbone of humanity and fundamental for connection," said Cupido. "I believe it is so powerful because without images, our mind is forced to dream up an image and fill in gaps with little bits of ourselves. It means the same audio story can be a unique experience for each person who hears it. "

The evolution of audio storytelling in the digital age

From the inception of the radio to the potential future applications of podcasting, Cupido delved into the rich history of audio storytelling and its ability to transcend time, cultures and languages to captivate audiences. 

"In my TEDx talk, I referenced the inception of radio in the early 1900s and the ‘Golden Age of Radio’ that followed shortly after," stated Cupido. "Then, when TVs entered most homes, many said it would "kill the radio star," but here we are, decades later, and radio is still here."

With technology advancing exponentially, the possibilities for a fully immersive aural experience are quickly becoming realized. "Looking ahead, be ready for more immersive audio experiences through spatial audio (think VR but for audio)," remarked Cupido. "Audio has always been a 360° experience (we can hear things above us, behind us etc.) so to be able to emulate that will have a massive impact on the types of audio stories we'll be able to produce. 

Leaving a lasting legacy: how audio storytelling can impact future generations

For Cupido, having the opportunity to talk about her passion for audio storytelling has been a long-time coming and one she won't ever forget. "Doing a TEDx talk about audio storytelling has been a goal of mine for a long time. It was an incredible thing to finally check off my bucket list," stated Cupido. "I will admit that I've applied several times to TEDx events across the province but was never selected. I feel it was all meant to be because taking the stage at Toronto Metropolitan University's TEDx stage was deeply meaningful for me as an alumna and student scholarship donor."

It's also her hope that listeners of the talk will feel inspired to record their own story, and as she explained at the closing of her talk, it's as easy as recording a voice note on your phone. "I spoke a lot about the power of legacy and how recorded audio stories can allow people to capture their experiences, wisdom and values. It can also create a bridge between generations long after you're gone."

Her app, Remember This (external link, opens in new window) , allows users to quickly and easily create their own professionally produced podcasts, allowing everyone the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.

Interested in learning more about Cupido's recent TEDxTorontoMetU talk? Stay tuned for the TEDxTorontoMetU conference series that will be released in the next few weeks. 

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