Any advice

reader25 · Post by **reader25** » September 25th, 2020, 9:09 am

Hi, I couldn't find a similar topic so I hope making a new one is fine. I'm quite new to the field of recording so I wanted to ask for some advice.
Any tips against speaking too fast or getting nervous?
I appreciate for your help.

Post by **TriciaG** » September 25th, 2020, 10:25 am

Hmmm. I've heard of people setting a picture of a loved one next to their recording area, or a stuffed animal, then focusing on telling the story to them.

With any new experience, there are going to be nerves at first. Take a breath, be aware of it (and that it's not unusual), then consciously try to slow down and take your time. And the good thing about this over public speaking? If you mess up, you can simply redo it, and no one will know how bad the first version was!

Post by **philchenevert** » September 25th, 2020, 10:29 am

Yep. To slow down, take a deep breath before recording; read the sentence or phrase to yourself and mentally rehearse it. The author spent a lot of time choosing each word in that sentence and meant it to convey something. this has helped me slow down and speak the words more carefully trying to decipher and then interpret the words and emotions. Otherwise I just keep speeding up.

Nervous? I read to children in my mind. They are not critical at all. No matter they love to listen to any story. I have a few stuffed animals on my desk to remind me and to substitute for my grandchildren. Tell 'em a story and nervousness drops away and the wonder of the story takes over. At least for me.

KevinS · Post by **KevinS** » September 25th, 2020, 10:44 am

Another thing that might help is to remember that you are in full control. Nothing gets posted without your deciding so. You get to edit the piece, so if you don't like it, you can do it again. Try on another day. Have a cup of herbal tea. Pretend you're Mr. Rogers or Phyllis Diller. Whatever works!

What works for me is to never take myself too seriously. (I'll probably laugh at my own funeral.) Just have fun.

reader25 · Post by **reader25** » September 26th, 2020, 6:14 am

TriciaG wrote: ↑
September 25th, 2020, 10:25 am
Hmmm. I've heard of people setting a picture of a loved one next to their recording area, or a stuffed animal, then focusing on telling the story to them.

With any new experience, there are going to be nerves at first. Take a breath, be aware of it (and that it's not unusual), then consciously try to slow down and take your time. And the good thing about this over public speaking? If you mess up, you can simply redo it, and no one will know how bad the first version was!

I wouldn't have thought about the pictures. Thank you. Good to know you can keep the bad version a secret

reader25 · Post by **reader25** » September 26th, 2020, 6:15 am

philchenevert wrote: ↑
September 25th, 2020, 10:29 am
Yep. To slow down, take a deep breath before recording; read the sentence or phrase to yourself and mentally rehearse it. The author spent a lot of time choosing each word in that sentence and meant it to convey something. this has helped me slow down and speak the words more carefully trying to decipher and then interpret the words and emotions. Otherwise I just keep speeding up.

Nervous? I read to children in my mind. They are not critical at all. No matter they love to listen to any story. I have a few stuffed animals on my desk to remind me and to substitute for my grandchildren. Tell 'em a story and nervousness drops away and the wonder of the story takes over. At least for me.

Maybe I try some mediation beforehand. I often heard it helps to slow down. Thanks for your advice

reader25 · Post by **reader25** » September 26th, 2020, 6:16 am

KevinS wrote: ↑
September 25th, 2020, 10:44 am
Another thing that might help is to remember that you are in full control. Nothing gets posted without your deciding so. You get to edit the piece, so if you don't like it, you can do it again. Try on another day. Have a cup of herbal tea. Pretend you're Mr. Rogers or Phyllis Diller. Whatever works!

What works for me is to never take myself too seriously. (I'll probably laugh at my own funeral.) Just have fun.

That's good to know

Thank you

Post by **annise** » September 26th, 2020, 5:15 pm

Just to make sure this doesn't give the wrong impression - once your reading is catalogued you can't change it

Post by **TriciaG** » September 26th, 2020, 5:24 pm

Yeah - sorry if I gave that impression. Mess up as much as you want, but when you submit the section, make sure it's what you want to be released to the public.

There may be something caught in proof-listening, but the submitted section is to be broadcast-worthy.

sjmarky · Post by **sjmarky** » October 1st, 2020, 7:26 pm

reader25 wrote: ↑
September 25th, 2020, 9:09 am
Hi, I couldn't find a similar topic so I hope making a new one is fine. I'm quite new to the field of recording so I wanted to ask for some advice.
Any tips against speaking too fast or getting nervous?
I appreciate for your help.

You can attend my free Zoom narrator workshop: viewtopic.php?f=24&t=82840