Basic Guidelines

Getting Started:

  • Skim the material and look for any words or graphics that may be problematic
  • Be sure the microphone is about a foot away
  • Begin Recording
  • Read a few sentences and then stop and review the quality of the tape
    • If there is humming or static, find a staff member to assist you
    • If your voice sounds hollow move the mic closer
    • If you hear "pops" especially on b's, d's, p's
    • and t's or a hissing noise on s's then move the mic away

While reading:

  • Speak in a normal tone and keep a steady pace. Remember if you're falling asleep reading it then the student will fall asleep listening to it!
  • A quicker pace is usually preferred, but be sure to maintain clear annunciation.
  • Utilize vocal dynamics, so that there will be some variety in your pitch, speed, and volume.
  • Don't rock, tap the desk, or talk with your hands near your face; these things reduce the quality of the recording.

Finishing up:

  • Find a good stopping point. The end of a chapter, or section is best. Please do not end in the middle of a paragraph.
  • State the page you are stopping on. This helps us keep things in order and is very important.
  • Hit pause or the stop key.
  • Use a Post-It to signal the next reader where they start reading.
  • Let a staff member know that you are leaving and if you want to sign up to volunteer again.
Last Modified: 11/15/2008 01:36:54 by content editor