Online training is a great way to coach and teach employees the knowledge and skills they need to do their job and support your business. But you need to make the training modules interesting and entertaining to capture associates’ attention and help them remember what they hear. Follow these simple tips to help you record audio for online training modules.
What do you want to say?
Outline the content you want to cover in each training module. Think of each training topic as a short story with several key points that you want to communicate. Write a script using these
When recording the audio, you don’t need to follow the script verbatim. The script notes should help you stay on topic. Remember that employees prefer microlearning training modules, with one topic covered in each segment in 10 minutes or less.
Organize the audio equipment
Some people use the built-in microphone on their computer to record audio for online training. But often the microphone quality isn’t right. It’s easy to pick up noises from the computer, which can distract employees listening to the content.
When recording audio, it’s essential to reduce breathing sounds or popping noises that can occur when saying certain letters, such as words with “p” and “b.” Some trainers purchase a pop filter to screen out these sounds. Others make a DIY model by wrapping a nylon stocking around a clothes hanger and setting it up in front of the microphone.
It’s also vital to reduce ambient noise when recording audio content. As a small business owner, you probably don’t have access to a professional recording studio to control sounds in the room that can distort the audio. Don’t worry. It’s easy to make a DIY studio box to encase the microphone. Learn how to make the box using foam and a container with handles. One final step to eliminating ambient noise is to turn off the HVAC in the room and disconnect equipment that may emit sounds during the recording.
Test the audio
Before starting the taping session, make sure you’re comfortable with the script. Read the copy
Speak slowly, enunciate words
Now it’s time to record the audio. Remember to speak slowly and clearly. Enunciate words vs. slurring syllables together. After recording each segment, listen to it to ensure you’ve covered all the key points. You may be tempted to record the part several times trying to make it perfect. But don’t. Your employees prefer authentic recordings vs. polished and precise. They expect to hear a few ums and ahs. They’ll feel more comfortable listening to the content.
Finish the training module
The last step to making training modules is to add the audio, visual images and copy into the