There seems to be some obvious differences in the two types of audio assignments. For me, the audio essay definitely had more structure to it. Having an entire script laid out obviously aided that. It made the tone a bit more serious and informative, when compared to the podcast. The podcast had a general structure to it in that we knew where we were generally going with points, but it was certainly a lot more conversational in tone. I think the podcast tested my communication skills more in that it forced me to adapt to the conversation and be more improvised with what I chose to say. I would've never imagined myself talking into a microphone - kind of free-balling it - for more than 15 minutes; however, I was able to. This communication skill was something I learned that I had in me that I never would've been exposed to had I not tested myself with this assignment.