Comments on: Freelance Technique: Capturing Your Writing Client’s Voice

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:42:45 +0000

Jake, thanks! I bought that one a while ago on your recommendation. It's really neat.

Good thinking, Emily!

By: Emily Fowler

Emily Fowler — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:28:30 +0000

Thanks for the gadget advice – I'll make a decision and send the link to my mom, She insists on buying something I really want for my birthday, and I can never think of anything!

By: Jake Poinier

Jake Poinier — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 20:21:43 +0000

Another Olympus digital recorder fan here, from way back. (I think I'm on my 3rd.) Here's another neat gadget to consider:
http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-TP-7-Telephone-pick-up/dp/B000GU88CQ

It's a little bud that fits in your ear and plugs into the MIC jack, so you can use it with your cellphone/when you're away from the office. I've done interviews anywhere from parking lots to on a boat. You can find it cheaper than the Amazon link I've pasted–just hunt around a bit.

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 17:47:10 +0000

Cathy, isn't that tough? I had something similar once. I was fortunate -- she wrote in sound bites and I somehow managed to translate that into copy she liked. I wouldn't want to do that again, though. Way too nerve-wracking!

Very good point, KeriLynn. I always ask (and record the question/answer) if they mind if I use a tape recorder. To date, no one has said no. I think if you just ask and they say yes, you should be fine with the law.

That does sound like fun, Anne! Sounds like a terrific technique.

Paula, I hear you on the shortcomings of the recorders. Their software is abominable. I can save folders B, C, and D to my computer, but I can't use the Olympus software to access them. I've reinstalled several times, too. So lately I just transcribe using the recorder and some headphones.

By: Paula Hendrickson

Paula Hendrickson — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 14:54:22 +0000

I use a similar switch and my recorder is an Olympus VN-7200. (The only thing I don't like about the recorder is it doesn't do Mp3 files so I can't save them to my computer or send them off to be transcribed, if I got so busy I couldn't finish all of my own transcribing.)

Writing quote-heavy articles is a great way to get a feel for someone's voice and tone, or even help in dialogue writing.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 14:31:48 +0000

Good list and the key for me is what I've come to call deep listening. It's an attitude within – I get in a place where I really want to hear what they say and the way to say it. Hard to describe, fun to do… another way I think of it is getting my own ideas about what the client is say out of the way so I can really hear them.

By: KeriLynn Engel

KeriLynn Engel — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 13:13:43 +0000

Lots of great tips, here, Lori! I use most of the above. Sometimes I'll also ask for a few examples of other writing they like - other blogs, other websites, etc - and a few examples of ones they DON'T like, and why. This is especially helpful if they don't have any previous marketing materials :)

I record phone conversations sometimes, using an app on my smartphone (Auto Call Recorder), and then hire a transcriptionist to type it up. BUT it's very important to note that in many jurisdictions, you MUST get permission from all parties to record a phone conversation, or else it's illegal!

In person recordings are different - all my clients are long-distance, so I've never recorded an in-person conversation & don't know the laws for that.

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 12:29:39 +0000

Because most of my work is ghostwriting, I am always attempting to capture my client's voice. Sometimes I never speak to the person whose name is going on the byline (i.e., when I'm blogging for a company who puts various subject matter expert's names on the byline).

That's not the ideal. I always prefer speaking with (and recording like you do, Lori). I'll ask if there are any recorded presentations where that person spoke or at a minimum, something he or she wrote.

Otherwise, when I can speak with them, I pretty much follow your formula of questions and recordings so I can capture those soundbites gems. :-)

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 12:28:56 +0000

It does rub off, doesn't it? I've noticed the same thing, Emily.

I use an Olympus digital voice recorder (#VN-4100PC). It's about seven years old (maybe older), but it works so well. Plus I bought a switch that allows me to record phone conversations. This one, in fact: Amazon.

By: Emily Fowler

Emily Fowler — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 12:01:46 +0000

Capturing the client's voice is something I really enjoy, and I've gone from perky event planner to cool tattoo dude to formal CFO. As well as going through past content, I usually ask if there are any materials they already have that they're *not* particularly happy with, and why exactly that is. Saves me repeating someone else's mistakes. I also usually ask similar questions to you, during a phone call, and type as they talk. I could probably do with recording the call instead, so it gives me more time to listen back, what do you use for recording, Lori?

One thing I find is that it rubs off on me a little while I'm working on a project. I gave someone some advice the other day and they commented how particularly inspiring the advice was - I was working on a project for a motivational speaker that day, so I was a little bit "Woo, yeah, you can do it!" Most unlike me in real life ;o)

Touch wood, I haven't had any issues getting a client's voice. Yet. I'm sure it will happen at some point.