With the steps that precede the recording, it’s important to research and practice beforehand. The goal is to understand your topic thoroughly before talking about it. A script is helpful to ensure that the recording stays on topic. It’s important to be confident while recording, so reading the script helps produce a clear, straightforward recording. The steps are given below:
- Write Script per the guidelines on how to Introduce and Close (see check lists). Make sure it is good for context, clarity and consistency. The choices should be unique to each piece and speaker. Check for redundancies or need to shorten; or for gaps and places in need of more elaboration, etc. Check for basic grammar mistakes, especially for those that hamper the listener’s grasp of the sunject
- Rehearse in a quiet setting. Afterward, give feedback based on the recording criteria (see below) and suggest ways to improve. More stringent criteria are applied for those at the intermediate-advanced level. For beginners key to understanding by others is to be confident, when they speak to the group. For intermediate/advanced levels, the list of criteria is more exhaustive (as shown); those must pay closer attention to the grammar
Criteria for beginners |
Criteria for intermediate-advanced |
Loud Enough |
Follow general meaning |
Pronunciation
- Phonetics of French words
- Flow of Syllables
- Liaisons Used
|
Non-Monotonous
- Pitch changes
- Sustained (few hesitations or repetitions)
- Variable Intensity
|
|
Loud Enough |
Understandable |
Pronunciation
- Clear speech
- Flow of syllables
- Liaisons in place
- Faithful to French phonetics
|
Smooth Rhythm
- Tone of the voice
- Sustained (no long breaks)
- Intensity in relation to content
|
Others: Convincing, Relaxed, at Ease |
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