Before the day of the recording

Phone call to discuss in detail what will be talked about. Suggest they write a script, or minimally an outline.
Discuss photos to be used and request they be sent before the day of recording.
Testimonial blurbs sent to me
Schedule a quiet time of day (client should let those they live with know they’ll need some peaceful space.)

Discuss client needs re headphones and what kind of device they’ll be connecting with. (Ask about their internet connection speed.)

Just before recording

Client needs:
Script/Outline/Bullets
Earbuds or Headset (can connect via smartphone or computer)

If smartphone, settings need to be adjusted so that phone does not turn off after a minute or so. If using earbuds, wired works best- Bluetooth not recommended

Set phone ringer to “off” (set phone to “Do Not Disturb”)

Is A/C on and noisy, or are windows open?

Room
Comfy Chair
Water
Pets put away if they may disturb
Remind any in the house to not disturb

While Recording

 

Please don’t multi-task during the recording. Please check your emails, make any calls, etc. before we get going, and ignore all interruptions,

We’ll do an audio check before we get going, to ensure that the audio is good.
Mouth needs to be close to microphone- I will advise as needed.
Repeat back to me the question I just asked.
For example, if I ask- “What drew you to this line of work?”
a good way to respond would be to either say aloud: “What drew me to this line of work?” as a question, and then respond from there, or to reply, “What drew me to this line of work was …” as a statement, and then respond fully from there.

After the Recording
I will make a rough cut and send it to you. You will listen to it, and note the passages that you want included in the final cut. 

I’m really looking forward to our upcoming conversation.

I wanted to share a few gentle notes ahead of time, just so you know what to expect — and just as importantly, what not to worry about.

This won’t feel like a formal interview or a marketing exercise. Think of it more as a relaxed, guided conversation. I’ll ask open-ended questions and help you stay grounded and natural, and we can pause, rephrase, or redo anything at any point. There’s no pressure to sound polished or to “get it right.”

You don’t need to prepare anything specific unless you want to. Some people like to reflect briefly on:

  • What draws them to their work

  • The kinds of people they enjoy serving

  • What they hope someone might feel after watching the finished video

Our goal is simply to capture your voice in a way that feels honest, warm, and true to you. You’ll have plenty of audio to choose from afterward, and nothing is used without your approval.

If you have any questions beforehand, feel free to reach out. Otherwise, just come as you are.

Warmly,

Getting Ready for Your Recording
These tips will help you feel comfortable and make sure we capture the best possible recording of your story.

Please note that before we get started with the actual interview, we’ll just talk for a few minutes. This will let us both settle in, and permit me to do a couple of sound checks at my end to ensure that all is good. IF you’re open to it, I can have us do some slow, deep breathing exercises to encourage calmness.

Not to worry about “Ums” or “Ahs” or other verbal hitches. They will be edited out.

If you need a break, that’s fine.

  • Do a few gentle vocal warm-ups, and have a glass of water nearby.

  • Wear comfortable, quiet clothing (no jangly jewelry or fabrics that rustle).

  • Find a comfy chair that doesn’t squeak when you shift.

  • Choose a quiet time of day and let those you live with know you’ll need some peaceful space.

  • Give pets a cozy spot in another room so they won’t be tempted to join in.

  • Turn off notifications and silence your phone and other devices.

  • Close windows to reduce background sounds from outdoors.

  • Keep a notepad handy if you’d like to jot down any thoughts before or after.

  • Avoid multitasking during the session.
  • Feel free to ask for a re-take is you felt something you said came across awkwardly.

  • Make sure you have a solid internet connection- the app for recording depends on this

  • Most of all, allow yourself to settle in, relax, and enjoy the conversation.