CCM Coaching Tip #28: Voice Tracking

by Tommy Kramer, KramerMedia.net

The biggest challenge in voice-tracking is making it sound just like a live show. Here's a tip that will really help you...

When you voice-track a show, here's the best way to work. After you finish an hour, stop right then, and go back and listen to that hour's breaks, all in a row. You'll spot things like whether or not your track matches the tempo and emotional vibe of the song you're talking over (or coming out of) - something most people never even think about - and you'll pick up on "crutch" words, "default" phrases and camera angles, or just something you think you could do better. So you recut whatever you think needs it, THEN move on to the next hour.

Some air talents have told me, "I listen to each break as I do it." But I think that's too micro-focused. You won't pick up on things like always saying the name of the station the same way, or always going down in pitch at the end of sentences, like you will if you hear several breaks back-to-back.

Plus, that little break between hours also gives you a little time to rest and regroup. The people who do this always sound good, despite being voice-tracked. And the people who SAY they'll do it, but never actually commit to it...well, you can always tell.