Summary: NPR Reporter, Robert Smith. Photo by Lam Thuy Vo. Robert Smith's stories for National Public Radio regularly bring a spark to news programs full of "just-the-facts-ma'am" stories. Robert does it by going live -- narrating to tape on location. Freestylin', if you will. No script. Just Robert and the moment. In reporting lingo, this is known as a "stand-up." And if Robert isn't the king of the stand-up, he surely is the prince. Personally, I find the prospect of a stand-up frightening. My script for narration is never far from me and my microphone. But, after talking to Robert for this edition of HowSound, I may just jump in the deep-end some day soon and give it try. Have a listen to HowSound and then come back to the blog and check out these links to the full pieces featured on the program. Coconut Water Companies Sell Image, Not Taste Candidate Bingo: Is Bloomberg Running? Bus Showdown: New York vs. Los Angeles NYC Take The A Train to Honor Duke Ellington Best, Rob PS - Transom.org recently published an article by Robert and Phyllis Fletcher on spicing up short news stories. It's called "Creativity in a Minute."
