My Life and Stories

Introduction

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‍For editing, you can use a Free Software Program called ‘Audacity:’ Audacity

Editing your recordings means you will be eliminating errors or pauses and making it easier for your client’s family to enjoy.

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Sending the memoir means you will save the memoir as an MP3 file format that can be attached to emails and played back on devices such as computers or smartphones.

If you have never done this before and you feel some concern (“will I be able to do this?”) your feelings are quite understandable.

It may seem scary at first especially if you are not familiar with the software.

But as with all the skills you are learning, as you prepare to run your My Life & Stories business, practice and experience will make it easier over time. And learning can be fun.

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In this module you will learn:

How to download Audacity to your computer

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How to use Audacity Audacity software for editing recordings

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How to edit out any prolonged thinking points and excessive ‘umms and errs”

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How to add music if requested

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How to combine individual recording sessions, into a completed memoir, ready to give to your client.

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How to Download Audacity software to your computer. It’s free.

Go to this web site: https://www.audacityteam.org/download/

You’ll see the instructions for downloading the software to a PC and a Mac.

How to Use Audacity to record and edit and complete memoirs:

This part of the training will require patience and perseverance.

If you have never used editing software or if you are a bit scared when you look at the software and think, “no way, I can’t do this!’ then please, feel the fear but do it anyway!
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Take your time. You don’t have to learn this all at once. Go at your own pace. But go…forward.

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Start working through the manuals and tutorials listed below.

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Audacity has an excellent manual and tutorials here: https://manual.audacityteam.org/

Read through the manual and do the tutorials. Don’t worry if you get confused, there are more tutorials to help you.

We suggest doing about 15 minutes at a time.

Take a break and do another 15 minutes when ready.

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Exporting your memoir:

Once you have finished editing your client’s memoir, you should export it to MP3 format.

Watch this video to see how to do it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v05LosL1yo

This format is widely compatible with most if not all audio software.

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Making sure you can use these skills:

Have you been able to:

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Download Audacity to your computer?

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Use Audacity Audacity software for editing recordings?

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Edit out prolonged thinking points and excessive ‘umms and errs?”

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Add music if requested?

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Combine individual recording sessions, into a completed memoir, ready to give to your client?

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If not, please review and get to the point where you feel confident and ready.

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7. How to Edit and Deliver a Memoir