Sound Design - Don't Say Rabbit, See Rabbit

"Don't say rabbit, see rabbit" serves as a cautionary mantra for audio producers, warning against the redundant practice of using sound effects to literally illustrate what is already being described in narration. This one-to-one correspondence between words and sounds often results in a cartoony or cheesy listening experience that fails to add emotional or factual depth. Instead of literal mirroring, effective sound design should function metaphorically or impressionistically to evoke the visceral reality of a scene. By using techniques like mood boarding or distressing audio to create atmosphere, producers can better immerse listeners in the narrative. Rather than simply embellishing a story with clean, literal sound effects, creators should prioritize sounds that provide context, emotional resonance, or a sense of place, ensuring that audio elements actively contribute to the storytelling rather than merely repeating it.