2004-05 - Tutorial Home > Step 2: Before You Record
To begin => Audio

Duration of audio: 14.5 minutes

Before You Record


1. Preparing your "script"

  • Notes that have served in the classroom may not be adequate for a recorded presentation
  • Drawing upon your classroom delivery to prepare a script
    (A presentation script is not an article.)
  • Anticipating the need for revision in future years
    (identifying whether and where updating is required)
  • The importance of using terms that don't age quickly
    ("April 2004" rather than "four months ago" or "recently")
  • Putting information almost certain to change from year to year in text using more general language in your audio presentation

  • (e.g., average Social Security benefit levels for men and women)

2. Selecting and locating illustrative material

  • From chalkboard and handouts to PowerPoint and on to multi-media
    (outline or agenda, key terms, diagrams and maps, critical statutory language)
  • A question to ask
    (Is there ...?)
  • Locating useful material on the Web
    (The LII, agency sites - e.g., Copyright Office, Social Security Administration)

3. Taking account of alternative distribution methods and platforms

  • Where do you want, where do you expect your students to listen to and view your presentations?
  • An array of alternatives
    (streaming audio with links, CD-ROM or DVD, straight audio in MP3 format)
  • Pros and cons
    (weighting breadth of access, length of pipeline, infrastructure requirements, amount of epublishing required - a matrix)
  • Why it is important to have your distribution plan in mind before recording