We will show you how to record perfect telephone interviews!

How often have you recorded a telephone interview that sounds downright chaotic? It is one of those moments in life you experience what frustration is. Susan Shatner a regular contributor to several major dailies had a rude shock when a phone interview of hers, with a prominent artist sounded barely audible.

There are hundreds of us like her, who just cannot figure out what goes into recording a clear phone interview. Despite dime a dozen apps around and all those tips you’ve read so far does a clear recording still eludes you?

Hear it from the experts!

At Transcriptionstar we transcribe dozens of telephone recordings every day. And we’ve found that recordings that fall into the “good” category are the ones recorded with care. Just a few simple guidelines, a decent recorder and a bit of precaution are all that is needed, to avoid your recording from becoming a noisy mess.

The precautions to take…

If there is one thing that can ensure a clear recording it is to record in a quiet environment. A surprising number of amateurs record in noisy places and forget that a recorder tends to pick up sounds that the human ear chooses to ignore.

Record your telephone interviews in places that have heavy carpeting. Carpets absorb a lot of noise. Even the slightest of hums can ruin your recording. Switch off air conditioners or computers that make noise. Talk clearly into the phone and don’t try to speak over static. If there is trouble in the line it is going to show up in your recording. Hang up and call a little while later.

Simple guidelines to follow!

• Have your questionnaire in hand to prevent unnecessary pauses in the conversation

• Invest in a good recorder

• Do a quick mock interview with a friend to ensure everything’s perfect.

• Have backup batteries in hand for your recorder.

• There are some recording apps that place time limitations on your interview. Read what’s in the box!

The best recorders out there…

SpeakEasy is a recording app that is user friendly, smart and designed for iPhones. Its simple interface is one of its biggest plusses. ipadio  is a comprehensive recording app that can be used for iPhones, Android devices and landline. It has a three way call option as well. Call Trunk is another telephone interview recording app that can work with any phone.