TASK
Your task is to create a podcast that presents the complexity of truth-telling for Australian First Nations people and non-Indigenous people in Australia.
The aim of your podcast is to inform all listeners of the importance truth telling in the Australian context. Your hope is that the podcast prompts every person listening to commence the process of analysing their own truth. So your approach will be empathetic to the process of truth telling.
In the work we are doing on cross-cultural communication and analysis, we have discussed how success in engaging other cultures largely rests with YOUR understanding of your own ethnorelativism; that is, YOUR understanding of YOUR position (acceptance, adaptation or integration).
In this assignment we are asking you to consider YOUR personal truth-telling position. All positions are equally respected. Your podcast can be developed in accordance with YOUR truth-telling.
You may frame the podcast to address one of three levels of truth-telling:
- Personal
- National
- Business
- Your research material may be drawn from the report: Coming to terms with the past? Identifying barriers and enablers to truth-telling , and other respected sources.
- You do not need to cite or source material used. No bibliography required.
- Your podcast should include each of the headings presented in the draft script below.
- Your final podcast should present carefully considered material in each of the sections.
- Your final podcast can be inventive within each of the sections to present an authentic response.
- Your submission should not be an AI avatar and/or voice. YOUR truth, YOUR voice.
- Your podcast should not focus on telling the history of Australia. The podcast should focus on the benefits to be gained by the process for contemporary Australia.
- Your final podcast should not sound like a recitation of a script. Do not read, talk to the points and your Truth Telling knowledge.
- You DO need to include an authoritative and authentic interview (Voices from the field) and the interview should be:
- An original and authentic discussion with a person of authority in any Truth Telling discussion, or,
- an excerpt of an authentic interview/discussion of a person of authority published on the internet/radio/TV.
- No substitution of an authentic voice will be rewarded.
Please ensure that you are available for the discussion in your workshop on how to complete this task.
The following script is a suggestion only. You can use, amend, or omit the sections in italic and blue. This is YOUR Truth Telling podcast.
There is also a ‘how to’ video available on L@G
Title: “Truth Unveiled: Navigating Historical Acceptance”
- Introduction (<1>
- Host : ( EG: Welcome to “Truth Unveiled,” where we explore the complexities of truth-telling and historical acceptance. I’m your host, [Your Name], and today, we delve into the groundbreaking report titled “Coming to Terms with the Past.” Let us embark on this journey together.)
- Segment 1: Understanding Truth-Telling (1.5 minutes)
- Host : (EG: What does truth-telling mean in the context of reconciliation? We dive into the report’s findings, examining how Indigenous perspectives differ from those of non-Indigenous Australians. Listen closely as we unravel the layers of truth.)
- Segment 2: Barriers and Enablers (1.5 minutes)
- Host : (EG: The report identifies barriers to silence, fear, and historical denial—that hinder truth-telling. But there are enablers too: storytelling, community support, and education. Join us as we dissect these forces shaping our collective memory.)
- Segment 3: Strategies for Historical Acceptance (1 minute)
- Host : (EG: How can we promote historical acceptance? We explore strategies for curriculum reform, truth-telling ceremonies, and intergenerational dialogues. Discover how universities play a pivotal role in fostering understanding.)
- Segment 4: Voices from the Field (30 seconds)
- Guest Interview : (EG: We chat with Dr. [Expert’s Name], a researcher involved in the study. Their insights shed light on the emotional impact of truth-telling and the urgency of acknowledging our shared history.)
- Closing Thoughts (30 seconds)
- Host : (EG: As we wrap up, remember that truth-telling isn’t just about facts; it’s about healing, empathy, and building bridges. Let’s continue this dialogue beyond this podcast. Until next time, stay curious and compassionate.)
Brief Summary of the Assessment Requirements
The assessment required the creation of a podcast that explores the complexity of truth-telling for Australian First Nations people and non-Indigenous Australians. The purpose was to inform listeners of the importance of truth-telling in the Australian context and encourage them to reflect on their own personal truth-telling position. The approach needed to be empathetic, authentic, and reflective of the student’s own perspective on truth-telling.
Key Requirements to be Covered:
- Select and frame the podcast around one level of truth-telling: Personal, National, or Business .
- Research material, including the report "Coming to Terms with the Past? Identifying Barriers and Enablers to Truth-Telling" and other trusted sources (no formal citations required).
- The podcast must include the following sections:
- Introduction
- Understanding Truth-Telling
- Barriers and Enablers
- Strategies for Historical Acceptance
- Voices from the Field (original or published interview)
- Closing Thoughts
- The student’s own voice and personal reflection must be the focus (no AI avatars/voices).
- Avoid simply reciting a script; instead, speak conversationally.
- The final product should focus on contemporary benefits of truth-telling, not historical events.
- Inclusion of an authoritative and authentic interview.
- Creative freedom in presenting material, while covering the key areas.
Approach of the Academic Mentor: Step-by-Step Process
Understanding the Assessment Brief
The Academic Mentor started by carefully explaining the task, emphasizing the purpose: to create a podcast that helps listeners reflect on truth-telling in Australia. The student was guided to think about their own truth-telling position, whether acceptance, adaptation, or integration of ethnorelativism.
Clarifying Key Sections and Expectations
Each required section of the podcast was explained in detail:
- Introduction : Setting the tone of the podcast while introducing the topic of truth-telling.
- Understanding Truth-Telling : Encourage the student to reflect on what truth-telling means in the reconciliation process, using insights from the Coming to Terms with the Past report.
- Barriers and Enablers : The student was advised to identify key barriers (e.g., silence, fear) and enablers (e.g., community support), using their research.
- Strategies for Acceptance : Mentor suggested exploring practical steps such as curriculum reform or truth-telling ceremonies.
- Voices from the Field : The importance of including an interview (either self-conducted or sourced from media) was emphasized to add authenticity.
- Closing Thoughts : Encourage the student to share a personal, empathetic reflection that connects back to their own learning.
Research and Reflection Phase
The student was advised to:
- Read the Coming to Terms with the Past report carefully.
- Identify barriers/enablers from both First Nations and non-Indigenous perspectives.
- Reflect deeply on their own ethnorelative position and how it influenced their view of truth-telling.
The mentor encouraged brainstorming ideas, writing short reflective notes, and developing an outline rather than a rigid script.
Script Development and Practice
Instead of writing a formal script, the mentor guided the student to develop bullet points for each section:
- Write conversational prompts.
- Practice talking to the points rather than reading.
- Rehearse the flow of the podcast to sound natural.
Interview Process
The student was instructed to either:
- Conduct an original interview with a person knowledgeable in truth-telling (e.g., academic expert, community leader), or
- Use a published interview, selecting a genuine and authoritative voice.
The mentor helped the student to select or plan questions that linked clearly to the themes of barriers, enablers, and personal reflection.
Recording and Editing
The mentor advised:
- Using simple recording tools (phone, laptop).
- Speaking clearly and authentically.
- Avoiding reading from the script.
- Editing for clarity, ensuring the podcast had a smooth flow from section to section.
Final Review and Submission
The student’s podcast was reviewed for: