Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Record Your Presentation? The Audacity!
I recorded only the spoken part of my presentation the other day.
I do this a lot, actually.
And it's not because I adore the sound of my voice. Like most people, I don't care for the way my recorded voice sounds. I prefer the familiar, idealized way my voice sounds in my head. After all, I'm more accustomed to hearing my voice through the thick layer of my skull.
photo credit: rayced
But my recorded voice? To me, it sounds repugnant. Like I'm on the verge of hysteria.
Mercifully, my audience hears my voice differently than I do. Ergo, I frequently record my voice to gain audience empathy... but for two other key reasons, as well.
1. As I age, I'm aware that I'm losing the spontaneity of youth. It's too easy for me to slip into a comfortable pace and pitch. The way I hear my own voice may please me and make me feel comfortable and safe -- but may bore the hair off of my audience. When I listen to a recording of myself, I first emotionally divorce myself from my personal dislike for my voice. It's tough. Next, I pay attention to word choice, pace, pitch, and volume. Pace and pitch are my worst vocal demons -- I note where I'm either boring or horrifying myself; editing and correcting my choices in takes 2 and 3.
2. Listening to recorded presentations helps my recall. I don't often use speaker notes or talk from scripts. Instead, I'm more frequently asked to chat about what I know. If it's a formal presentation, I prepare relentlessly. I design PowerPoint in such a way that if I experience a visual technical meltdown on stage, I can usually can continue talking somewhat coherently. Previously listening to my recorded voice and agonizing over every cringe-worthy gaffe helps me remember where I am and what I'm saying. I'm conscious and aware on two different levels at once -- putting the "fully present" into my presentation.
Technically, it's not hard to record and examine your own voice. I'm a long time fan of Audacity, a free, open source sound editor and recorder. Download, install, record, listen -- and you'll even SEE your vocal patterns presented in waves.
It's an edge. Give it a try!
I recorded only the spoken part of my presentation the other day.
- Not for posterity.
- Not for posting online.
- Not for anyone to listen to...
I do this a lot, actually.
And it's not because I adore the sound of my voice. Like most people, I don't care for the way my recorded voice sounds. I prefer the familiar, idealized way my voice sounds in my head. After all, I'm more accustomed to hearing my voice through the thick layer of my skull.
photo credit: raycedBut my recorded voice? To me, it sounds repugnant. Like I'm on the verge of hysteria.
Mercifully, my audience hears my voice differently than I do. Ergo, I frequently record my voice to gain audience empathy... but for two other key reasons, as well.
1. As I age, I'm aware that I'm losing the spontaneity of youth. It's too easy for me to slip into a comfortable pace and pitch. The way I hear my own voice may please me and make me feel comfortable and safe -- but may bore the hair off of my audience. When I listen to a recording of myself, I first emotionally divorce myself from my personal dislike for my voice. It's tough. Next, I pay attention to word choice, pace, pitch, and volume. Pace and pitch are my worst vocal demons -- I note where I'm either boring or horrifying myself; editing and correcting my choices in takes 2 and 3.
2. Listening to recorded presentations helps my recall. I don't often use speaker notes or talk from scripts. Instead, I'm more frequently asked to chat about what I know. If it's a formal presentation, I prepare relentlessly. I design PowerPoint in such a way that if I experience a visual technical meltdown on stage, I can usually can continue talking somewhat coherently. Previously listening to my recorded voice and agonizing over every cringe-worthy gaffe helps me remember where I am and what I'm saying. I'm conscious and aware on two different levels at once -- putting the "fully present" into my presentation.
Technically, it's not hard to record and examine your own voice. I'm a long time fan of Audacity, a free, open source sound editor and recorder. Download, install, record, listen -- and you'll even SEE your vocal patterns presented in waves.
- Witness how awfully big and unwieldy "ums" and "ers" look!
- Feel the shame when your voice suddenly goes flat for minutes!
- Furrow your brow when you realize that even you didn't understand a quickly uttered phrase!
It's an edge. Give it a try!
Labels: Presentation, Presentation Applications
¶ 8/05/2008 02:46:00 PM
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