Creating True Crime Podcasts

Overview

In this 45-minute session, students will collaboratively create a brief true crime podcast episode that demonstrates mastery of rhetorical strategies, emphasizing storytelling techniques that reveal bias and varying perspectives. This lesson is the seventh in the unit "Rhetoric in Real Crime" and builds on prior analysis of rhetoric in true crime media.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Apply rhetorical strategies (ethos, pathos, logos) in a creative, narrative medium to engage listeners.
• Analyze and represent multiple perspectives and biases within true crime storytelling.
• Collaborate effectively in small groups to produce a coherent, persuasive podcast script.
• Demonstrate command of formal English and storytelling conventions in scriptwriting.

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Common Core Standards Alignment

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4
Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.6
Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.3
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

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Materials Needed

• Audio recording devices or apps (smartphones/tablets/computers)
• Headphones
• Paper and pens for note-taking and scripting
• Projector for displaying guidelines and rubric (optional)

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Lesson Timeline

1. Introduction & Review (5 minutes)

• Briefly revisit previous lessons on rhetoric in true crime storytelling.
• Highlight how bias and perspective influence narrative and audience perception.

Teacher Prompt:
"Remember, every story has a teller’s voice that shapes what you believe. Today, you’ll become storytellers, crafting your own podcast to persuade and captivate listeners while showing how bias and perspective play a role."

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2. Group Formation & Task Explanation (5 minutes)

• Divide the class into 4 groups of 5 students.
• Explain that each group will create a 3-4 minute podcast script based on a fictional or historical true crime event (previously selected or created by the teacher).
• Their challenge: Incorporate at least two rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) and present multiple perspectives or biases clearly through their narrative.

Key Requirements:

• Use storytelling techniques (tone, suspense, character voices) cohesively.
• Include an introduction, body, and conclusion in the script.
• Identify and explain in the script one example of bias or perspective influencing the story.

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3. Planning & Scriptwriting (20 minutes)

• Groups collaborate to outline and write their scripts.
• Teacher circulates to support, prompt deeper thinking about rhetorical strategies, and check for inclusion of bias/perspective.
• Encourage use of vivid, concise language and interaction among characters or narrators to convey different viewpoints.

Teacher Tips for Engagement:

• Suggest role assignments (researcher, writer, editor, speaker).
• Challenge groups to think about voice modulation or sound effects for later recording (if time permits).

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4. Group Presentations & Peer Feedback (12 minutes)

• Each group presents their podcast script by reading aloud their episode (approx. 3 minutes each).
• After each presentation, invite 1-2 peer comments focusing on how well rhetorical strategies and biases/perspectives were communicated.

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5. Wrap-up & Reflection (3 minutes)

• Facilitate a brief class discussion:
  • How does bias influence the “truth” in crime stories?
  • Which rhetorical strategy was most effective in engaging listeners?
• Assign Lesson 8 preview: recording and producing the podcast audio for a final assessment.

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Assessment

• Formative: Observation of group collaboration and rhetorical strategy use during writing.
• Summative: Quality of podcast script presentations evaluated via rubric emphasizing:
  • Clear application of rhetorical appeals
  • Inclusion and explanation of bias/perspective
  • Narrative engagement and organization
  • Language conventions and clarity

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Extensions & Innovations

• Invite students to experiment with sound design and audio editing software for their final podcast project.
• Incorporate a reflective essay on how rhetoric influences public perception of true crime.
• Use AI transcription tools during recording for self-assessment of pacing and clarity.

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This lesson plan is designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and mastery of rhetorical analysis through an engaging and relevant medium aligned with Common Core standards.