Documentaries are a passion of mine. I love the story, the truth, and the raw emotion that many documentaries release into the universe. I found a fantastic documentary series called America’s Hidden Stories this past week.
This series explores the history of some of our nation’s more controversial stories. From the Salem witch trials to Mrs. Benedict Arnold, America’s Hidden Stories brings you through stories with great intrigue.
Produced by the Smithsonian Channel, this series utilizes professionals to reenact the characters from each history story. The producers do in-depth research on costumes, dance, personas, and character traits. Additionally, each episode has a compelling plot because of the controversial nature of these particular stories. Furthermore, the Smithsonian Channel applies time-era music to each episode to help the views feel immersed in each scene. These are just a few critical elements of storytelling the Smithsonian Channel applies to this document series.
I feel drawn into each episode because of the human connection I feel with these stories. One story that stood out was the Mystery of Jamestown. Jamestown was the first settlement in the New World. Even though these events took place centuries ago, I feel a deep connection to the people’s struggles. The Smithsonian Channel producers helped me emotionally connect with the Native Americans and settlers of the story. Using professionals to reenact the poverty and destruction of the first settlements made me appreciate my life because of them. The producers made me feel empathy through the music, setting, and hazy, dreamlike filtering this episode used.
After watching this document series, I would like to incorporate more pathos into my presentations. Pathos is essential when presenting because it appeals to the audience’s emotions. When I show passion and feeling, it is necessary to get my audience to feel something. It is essential for me to connect with them and to influence them.
I encourage everyone to check out America’s Hidden Stories on Hulu.
Jessica Kupcake 