How to Record a Guided Meditation
Part of our series of articles on how to create a guided meditation
For some people the idea of recording the voiceover for their guided meditation is a bit daunting. Well in this article, I'll pave the way forward for you. I'll briefly discuss what to look out for when selecting a recording studio. I've included some advice on how to narrate your script correctly, and I’ve also included some tips on how to really save on recording costs.
Have you written your guided meditation script?
Are you now ready to record a guided meditation?
Great! Let's get started...
Unless you are fortunate enough to have the equipment and technical skills necessary to record your own voice, you’ll need to organize a trip to a recording studio. Most recording studios charge by the hour, so it goes without saying that the more organized you are, the less time (and money) you’ll spend on studio fees. What do I mean when I say "organized"?Well there are a few things you can do to ensure that the recording process is smooth, efficient and enjoyable...
1. Bring along 2 or 3 copies of your guided meditation script. There is a good chance that the recording engineer will want to read through the script while you are speaking it. 2. If possible, decide on what background music you want to use in your recording BEFORE you visit the studio. If you can present your background music to the engineer on the same day you record your vocals, then there is a good chance that he or she will be able to produce your entire guided meditation for you right then and there. 3. Rehearse your guided meditation script a few times before you go to the studio, and you’ll feel more relaxed and comfortable about speaking it in front of a microphone.
Tips on choosing a recording studioSome of the meditation teachers I speak to are fussy about where they record...they don’t want to record a guided meditation in a space that was occupied by a heavy metal band earlier that day! The internet is the best way for you to research recording studios in your area. Most studios focus on recording bands, but there are studios that also specialize in voiceover recordings. A little online research will steer you in the right direction, but if you are still unsure, don’t hesitate to ask studios if they have any experience recording guided meditations or voiceover productions.
“Mates Rates”...
Letting a friend record your voiceoverMore and more people are competent with computers and recording techniques these days, and it’s possible that you have a friend or family member that has a home recording studio. Perhaps you’ve asked them if they can help you, or perhaps they have offered their assistance. Recording with a friend will probably be more comfortable and cheaper than going to a studio, but if you intend to sell your guided meditation then you must ensure that the person you are working with has a suitable level of technical skill and good quality recording equipment. Obviously this can be a little hard to asses, but as a rough guideline, the minimum requirements for recording at home include: 1. A (very) quiet recording space.
2. A good quality, large diaphragm condenser microphone. (Check out Rode Microphones and take a look at their NT1-A microphone. This is a great choice if you are looking for a high quality vocal mic at a reasonable price).
3. Knowledge of correct vocal recording techniques.
4. The ability to mix your vocals with your music and to produce a properly mastered audio file.
Tactfully ask your friend if they can anwer "yes" to these requirements. If they can, then you may well be able to record your guided meditation in the familiar comfort of a home recording studio.
Narrating your voiceoverWhen narrating your guided meditation, speak in a relaxed tone of voice, and speak at a slightly slower pace than you normally would, but don’t break up your guided meditation with too many long pauses. Keep it flowing and keep the listener engaged.It might seem like a good idea to allow long breaks in between sentences and paragraphs when reading a guided meditation, and many people mistakenly assume that this encourages deeper relaxation. However, you should avoid pausing for too long, or you will begin to break your bond with the listener and they will start daydreaming, floating away, or falling asleep (of course, if you want your listener to fall asleep, then you can ignore this advice). Occasional pauses of 5 to 15 seconds are generally OK, but regular 20+ second pauses can be counterproductive. Of course, it’s acceptable to include a few longer periods of silence in the guided meditation if you intend to make space for the listener to experience some “silent time”...a break from the guided portion of the meditation, in which they have time to sit in silence or to reflect upon some aspect of the meditation.
Further help and adviceIf you are interested in creating a guided recording for meditation, relaxation, hypnosis, personal development, spiritual awakening...whatever your aim may be, please feel free to contact Dr. Christopher Lloyd Clarke for friendly advice and assistance.
This article is part of a series that is dedicated to
helping you to create a guided meditation.
Please click here to find out more.
This article on how to record a guided meditation is copyrighted, however you have permission to reprint this article on your website, in your e-zine or in your newsletter provided that that you include the following credit (including the active link) whenever you do so: Article by Dr. Christopher Lloyd Clarke from www.The-Guided-Meditation-Site.com.
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