Why You Should Record Everything You Do or Say

“Why You Should Record Everything You Do or Say” by Guest Author Leesa Barnes

Note from Karen:  Leesa’s email newsletters have been coming in to my inbox for some while and when this one popped in today, I knew I had to share it with you.  I couldn’t say it better myself – you really should record everything you do or say! Over to you, Leesa.

One of the mistakes I made early in my business is not recording anything. Speeches, workshops, presentations, you name it, I didn't record it.

Times have certainly changed. I can't go anywhere without recording my speeches or workshops. I even carry my digital recorder in my purse just in case I have to give an impromptu speech.

There are several reasons why it's important to record your what you say and what you do:

1. You can review what you've done and make it better.

I remember a speech I used to do called "Networking Mistakes to Avoid." Because I recorded it, I was able to review it and make the next speech even better. The very last time I did, it was flawless.

2. You can pinpoint just what worked and what didn't.

I don't know about you, but my memory is pretty bad. If I tried to remember every speech I did, I would fail.

By recording it, I can review and understand why the audience didn't laugh at my joke at the beginning or why the audience seemed fully engaged in the middle of my speech.

It also gives me a chance to incorporate the answers I gave to the questions from the audience. I do this to make my speech sound richer.

3. You can leverage the content for other uses.

This is my favourite point. By recording a speech or workshop, you now have content that you can re-purpose for other uses.

After recording a workshop, I get it transcribed and email it to attendees as a bonus. Or, I can use the audio and video content for my podcast. The possibilities are endless.

© 2008 Leesa R. Barnes. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Award-winning blogger and podcasting expert, Leesa Barnes, teaches insider tips on how to boost your sales and make a six-figure income using a podcast. Visit http://www.leesabarnes.com and sign up to receive 2 FREE chapters from her book, Podcasting for Profit.

Comments

[Alice Elliott]

So, do you smuggle a tape-recorder into your handbag to capture those gems of wisdom you give people at networking meetings? There have been many times I wished I had done so, even to catch those rantings to myself in the car on the way home from events (yes, I am a bit weird, I confess). Talking to myself sorts out the wheat from the chaff with my ideas (especially when they come thick and fast) and I'm always annoyed that I've forgotten 95% of them when I come to write them down.

[Leesa Barnes]

Hey Karen, I'm honoured that you would share this with your readers. And you really do have a kick ass blog. I love it! I've added you to my feed reader so I can keep up with your musings.

[Leesa Barnes]

Alice, yes, bring your tape recorder with you. If you're hosting an event, you must record it. Just get the permission of the attendees first before you start recording. If the people in the room aren't comfortable, they can either leave or, just ask them to use only their first name when speaking.

Now, if you're attending an event, it's not cool to record that. For example, if you're attending a teleclass or workshop, you should find out from the host if you can record it.

Either way, recording makes sense. Not only can you review whatever you missed, you can turn it into a product later on. It's all about leverage.

[Dave Jackson]

Yeah, be careful. Recording other people without their permission is illegal. However, recording yourself for evaluation purposes is a "must do." The tape will not lie.