Top Professional Recording Tips

Top Tips for Professional Recordings Holdcom | www.holdcom.com | 800.666.6465 | info@holdcom.com

These recording tips are provided by Holdcom’s Audio Production team and contributions from our worldwide voice talent roster. Holdcom Voice Talent Roster The Holdcom Team Holdcom | www.holdcom.com | 800.666.6465 | info@holdcom.com

Step 1: Proper EquipmentMicrophone:• Directional Polar Pattern -Eliminates background noise. Microphone Directional CharacteristicsWindscreen:• Omits “pops” that can happen whenrecording a ‘p’ or ‘b’ sound. Holdcom | www.holdcom.com | 800.666.6465 | info@holdcom.com

Step 2: Keep your Audience in MindBefore you begin writing your script,ask yourself…• Who is this being recorded for?• Think about how your target audiencethinks, sounds, acts, and listens.• What is the ultimate goal for yourrecorded message?Script Tips:- Write your script with a clear message.- Make your script simple, straightforward, andeasy to understand.- Know what you are trying to accomplish with Script Tips “Greatest Hits”each idea you are writing. Holdcom | www.holdcom.com | 800.666.6465 | info@holdcom.com

How does your audience speak? Think about regional differences in pronunciation and accents. For example: Data Do your customers pronounce it with a short A or long A? If a client wants a short A, you would write “DAT uh.” If your business prefers a long A, write “DAET uh” in order to direct voice talents on pronunciation. If a word is pronounced “incorrectly,” your listeners can become distracted by the sound of the word being mispronounced, steering them away from the intent of the message. Holdcom | www.holdcom.com | 800.666.6465 | info@holdcom.com

Pronunciation Resources Guide to Effective Scriptwriting for Message On Hold & Telephony Applications Blog: How to Direct Voice Talents for Successful Recordings www.forvo.com- Pronunciation dictionary can determine the right articulation for your business’s recording.Holdcom | www.holdcom.com | 800.666.6465 | info@holdcom.com

Step 3: Record Correctly-Position yourself 6 to 12 in. away from the microphone.-Speak directly into the microphone.-Place your script at the same level as your microphone and just to its side. -Use a music stand to hold and position your script.-Print your script on one-sided pages to eliminate paper shuffling, and laypages out sequentially. Blog: How to Direct Voice Talents for Successful Recordings Holdcom | www.holdcom.com | 800.666.6465 | info@holdcom.com

Step 4: Smile!Why Smile?When you smile your voice instantlybecomes more warm and likeable.How do I record with asmile?- Before you record, do somethingthat will put in a good mood likewatching a funny YouTube video.- Make sure your mood sticksthroughout your recording. If youbecome tired or frustrated take abreak. Holdcom | www.holdcom.com | 800.666.6465 | info@holdcom.com

Step 5: BreatheBreathing correctly is important when recording. Make sure you don’t sound rushed orlike you are running out of breath. You want to sound natural and calm in your recording.- If you’re having trouble mastering where to take a breath, record your script once andlisten to it. If you find that a section sounds particularly awkward, see if you’ve placed abreath in an unusual spot. Breathing correctly enhances your voice “Riding your breath,” as many producers refer to it, gives your voice a soothing sound and makes your subject matter sound easy. Don’t overdo it, or your recording might not be appealing to you or your audience. Holdcom | www.holdcom.com | 800.666.6465 | info@holdcom.com

Step 6: Pause Punctuation marks are small but important points in a recording script. Pausing allows you to slow down your pace and remain conversational and natural. Pausing Tips: • Read your script “out loud” in your head and take note of where you pause. Mark it on your script to remind you while you are recording. • Using a pause to emphasize a word can be ideal when you want to make it really stand out without having to change the tone of your voice or raise your volume.A properly timed recording will allow the listener the chance to process the information withoutthe distraction of an unnatural or irregularly spoken recording. Correct pauses will sound naturaland authentic, like a regular conversation. Holdcom | www.holdcom.com | 800.666.6465 | info@holdcom.com

Step 7: Speak at the Appropriate Volume -Let the microphone do the work. It is not necessary to raise your tone of voice while recording. to do the sound amplifying. -Make sure to directly in front of the microphone. The microphone may have trouble picking up your voice and make the editing process more difficult. Holdcom | www.holdcom.com | 800.666.6465 | info@holdcom.com

Step 8: Smooth it OutIf you blend your words together while delivering yourscript, you will create a conversational and naturalflow to your recording.If you speak word-by-word you will sound robotic,choppy and unnatural.For Example:The sentence “He is either out of the office,or with a client” can be read as “He yizeithe routta the office…or with aclient.” Holdcom | www.holdcom.com | 800.666.6465 | info@holdcom.com

Step 9: Emphasize the Right WordsAdding emphasis to your recording will make it sound more dynamic and interesting. Which words do I emphasize? Adjectives- Describing words Ex.) “Our services include a serene spa atmosphere, with lavish pools, and luxurious accommodations.” Quantifiers- Words that express how many or how much Ex.) Always, number one, 2.3% Why do I emphasize these words? - These words highlight your products and services. - Two of the same sentences can have a different meanings depending on which words you emphasize. Holdcom | www.holdcom.com | 800.666.6465 | info@holdcom.com

Step 9: Emphasize the Right Words cont.How do I correctly create emphasis?Never raise your volume!Instead,• Raise your pitch• Pause slightly before or after the words• Lengthen the word.Blog: Emphasizing the Right Words for Professional Recordings Holdcom | www.holdcom.com | 800.666.6465 | info@holdcom.com

Step 10: Edit & Perfect Your Audio Filea. You will need computer software that will edit audio files.b. Normalize audio levels.c. Cut out background noise from recording.d. Eliminate the “Umm”’s from the recording. File Formats for Message On Hold Holdcom | www.holdcom.com | 800.666.6465 | info@holdcom.com

Additional Recording Resources Holdcoms Audio Marketing Resource Library Sound Communication BlogLinkedIn- Audio Marketing|Sound Communication Discussion Group Contact Holdcom Holdcom | www.holdcom.com | 800.666.6465 | info@holdcom.com

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Top Professional Recording Tips

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