Preparing for Your Audio Recording Session

Whether you are recording a promotional audio track for your website, an audio CD or an audio book, it’s important that you are at your very best! It’s important that you sound your best, and that your message is clear and focused.

To get the most value out of your recording session, we offer these tips:

Your Message:

Always work from a script. That doesn’t mean that you have to have the script in front of you, but a script is essential for focusing your thoughts, and conveying your message clearly and succinctly.

Practice the script. This is the most important piece of advice that we can offer. Nothing wastes more time than being unprepared for your recording session. And that translates not only to more cost but to a product you’ll be less than happy with. Know what you are going to say, and how you are going to say it. Have it (mostly) memorized so you can say it as you would in normal conversation. Reading from a script without the proper preparation, will almost always sound mechanical and lackluster.

When talking, you may need to speak more quickly than normal conversation. It will sound fast to you, but when you listen to the recording, it’ll sound as it should. Most people tend to slow down when recording, and it’s just hard to listen to. Remember to vary your voice – up and down for emphasis, and faster and slower where appropriate. And let loose your passion! Your passion and excitement speaks volumes.

If you are recording for a CD, some of the guidelines above may not apply – you will likely want your voice to the carry the intention of the recording.

One of the best methods we know, is to record your talk with a smart phone, or other recording device when practicing. Then play it back and note what you like, and more important, what you don’t like. Work on those areas you don’t like until you’re happy with them.

Schedule the recording time when you are at your peak – mornings if you are a morning person – afternoons if that’s when you’re most alert. That way, you can more easily bring your energy into the recording.

During the recording session, we will often make recommendations to improve (in our opinion) the final product. It is absolutely not necessary to follow our suggestions. This is your recording, but we do ask that you remain open to our suggestions.

Your Voice:

There are several foods that coat your vocal folds with a heavy layer of phlegm, making your voice sound “gluggy”. For the best audio recording, the following should be avoided for 24 hours prior to recording:

• all dairy products – especially milk, cream, yogurt, etc.
• soy products, like soy milk
• pasteurized citrus juices like orange and grapefruit – fresh juice is fine
• alcohol
• Limit your caffeine intake as well
• Carbonated beverages fill your stomach with gas making them a poor choice prior to recording.

Room temperature water (with or without lemon) will be made available for you while you are recording.

Location:

Our studio address will be provided when your recording appointment is confirmed. Please do your best to arrive on time. Note that the address on this website is our mailing address. It is not our physical address.