Audio Assignment Prompts

BackStory is a public radio program & podcast that brings historical perspective to the events happening around us today. On each show, renowned U.S. historians Ed Ayers, Peter Onuf, and Brian Balogh tear a topic from the headlines and explore historical...

BBQ 911 Call – Most people don't’ get to call 911 unless it is a true emergency.  Here’s your chance to call 911 to get the answer for the BBQ.  Ok, I don’t really want you to call 911 – instead create a mock 911 call where you have an interchange with the operator...

Movie Star Voice Message – create a voice mail message from a character in a film or TV show that answers the BBQ.  Use voice samples, impressions and/or music to create your message.  *this post does NOT need an explanatory paragraph*

90 second BBQ - using the format of the 90 second naturalists from National Public Radio, create a 90 second answer to the BBQ.  *this post does NOT need an explanatory paragraph*

The Family Table – everyone can recall memories of conversations around the family table. You know your family and these conversations better than anyone.  Create a “family conversation” about the answer to the BBQ.  Act out the various roles around the table as...

BBQ Rap – write and perform your very own rap that answers the BBQ.  *this post does NOT need an explanatory paragraph*

Many Voices, One Answer – ask some folks the BBQ, record their answers, and then create a mix that represents the best, compiled answer to the BBQ.  *this post does NOT need an explanatory paragraph*

Over-Dramatic Reading – draft the answer to the BBQ into a dramatic reading that you read in a way that overly emphasizes aspects of the answer (using an odd pace, being overly excited or sad, etc.).  *this post does NOT need an explanatory paragraph*

Jingle, Jangle – write and record a jingle that answers the BBQ.  Add music if you like.  Try to sell your answer to the audience.  *this post does NOT need an explanatory paragraph*