Recording Audio

- Maybe "Recording Narration" is a more appropriate title, since it seems like the narration is the only audio element we actually record ourselves. At least, it's the only audio element talked about in this article.

Recording audio is a key part of creating safety training videos. We include background music as well as voice narration in most of our videos.  When it comes to the narration, an employee in either the media department or learning development department writes a script. Then the media department recruits another employee from the office to record the voice-over for that script. - How exactly do the media guys select someone to record the narration? Are there certain voice qualities they look for? Do they hold auditions? If there's a process here, we might want to include it.

How to Prepare

Before recording the narration for a video, you should make the following preparations:

• Schedule a recording session with a voice actor (make sure the voice actor knows to bring water).
• Set up the room with recording equipment and any other items you may need. - Do we have a dedicated recording room? If not, should we include a note about how to choose a good room to record in?
• Arrange to have another member of the media department present while you record.

Note: When setting up the room for audio, remember to hang a foam pad or blanket in front of the area where the voice actor will be speaking. This will prevent sound from bouncing back and echoing in the mic.

When it is time to record: 

• Ask the voice actor if it is okay for you to put the lapel mic on their shirt. If you are recording video footage of the voice actor, you should ask if they would be willing to thread the lapel mic under their shirt and clip it to their collar. - This seems like something I would want to get out of the way before the recording session.
• Ensure the lapel mic is facing the voice actor's mouth.
• Make sure no hair or clothing is covering or pulling on the lapel mic, as this will affect the quality of the sound. 

How to Record 

It can be hard to record good narration when there is audible background noise or small mistakes in the voice actor's speech. To help us get good audio and give you multiple options if there is a small error, try to record one paragraph at a time. Consider following these steps:

• Start the recording and have the person read the first paragraph.
• Pause the recording, and if you have any tips or changes for the voice actor, give them a few suggestions, and allow them to drink some water if they would like too.
• Resume the recording and have them read the paragraph again.
• Repeat this process until you have had the voice actor read the paragraph three times. 
  - This list feels like a roundabout way of simply telling them to record each paragraph of the script three times. Am I wrong? Also, are they supposed to record three times so that they end up with multiple audio clips to choose from, or is the implication that they should be recording as many times as it takes to get a perfect clip, with the expectation being that it will usually take about three tries?

That completes your first paragraph recording! Once the voice actor has finished reading the paragraph, stop the recording and save it. Be sure to start a new recording before having  the voice actor read the next paragraph. If you save the recordings for each paragraph individually, you will have an easier time reviewing and editing the audio later.

What should I be listening for?

There are a a few key tips and guidelines you will need to know when recording audio. As the person talks, take note of their:

• Pacing: Is the voice actor speaking too fast or too slow? They should speak quickly enough to finish each paragraph at a reasonable pace, but not so quickly that it becomes difficult to follow along with them.
• Diction: Does the voice actor slur their words or add too much emphasis to their S's? If you hear any of this while they are speaking, try reminding them to articulate their words more clearly.
• Pauses & Punctuation: Is the person pausing at the appropriate times throughout the script? If not, try adding more clear punctation to the script so they can more easily see where they should pause. 
• Inflection: Does the voice actor speak in a monotone? It is important for our narrators to have a natural balance of high and low tones in their speech. Consider giving the voice actor some time to loosen up and regain their composure so they can speak in more conversational tones.