1. Paths to avoid

• Beware of presentation software that will lock you into an inflexible and proprietary format
  (the fatal attraction of [brand name] Presenter or Producer packages)
• The importance of creating and maintaining in an editable format
  (dealing with coughs, ums, pauses, and dropped words)
• Recording at the computer rather than by means of a separate recording device

2. Reviewing some attractive (and inexpensive) options

• The full setup
  (computer with sound card and speakers, a head mike, and capable audio editing software)
• The microphone
  (choices)
• Audio software
  (criteria and a recommendation: Audacity – http://audacity.sourceforge.net)

3. Becoming familiar with the processes of recording and editing yourself – a simple exercise

• Setting your preferences and testing the setup
  (Audacity's controls and menu choices)
• An exercise designed to introduce the basic moves
• Record a short text passage including hesitations and blemishes (an "umm" or cough) and omitting a critical word or two.
• Delete the flaws of commission.
• Place labels at points needing insertions.
• Record and paste insertions.
• Adjust the amplitude.
• Optional: adjust the tempo, adjust the pitch.
• Repeat until comfortable with the process and pleased with the results