Show Your Work: Novice Script Writer

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Tricia Ransom

The Articulate elearning challenge this week is about recording audio for online learning.

It got me thinking that before you can record audio, you really need to have a script to record. I’m a novice script writer, but here are my tips:

  • Write what you would say if you were just talking to someone.
  • Use contractions.
  • Try not to let Legal get involved (unless it is about compliance) – you’ll end up with Legalese.
  • Never ever use the passive tense. I export my scripts to Word and run a grammar check. It takes some ingenuity to get rid of all passive verbs, but well worth it.
  • Remove useless words and phrases – directly related to preceding point. I have a job aid hanging in my cube (see below).
  • Read every single sentence aloud. If you can’t get it out, reword it until it sounds natural.
  • NEVER EVER record word-for-word what is on the screen. Don’t read to people. (508 is exception).
  • If someone else is going to do the recording, make sure you give them phonetic spelling/hints for strange words or acronyms as words.

Does anyone else have tips?

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Should’ve, Could’ve, Would’ve

Posted on August 3, 2014 by Tricia Ransom

Don’t live your life by these three words. Should’ve, Could’ve, Would’ve. That means you have regrets, and are living by looking backwards.

Yes, I wish I would have made different decisions. But you know what? If I hadn’t made those decisions, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

You are going to make mistakes. Don’t regret those mistakes, learn from them. Those mistakes are what make you interesting.

I should’ve done blah.

I could’ve done blah.

I would’ve done blah.

Nope. I shouldn’t have, I couldn’t have, and I wouldn’t have. Because then I wouldn’t be me.

I like me, and my mistakes. They are the stories I tell as I get older.

My mistakes prove that I’ve lived my life, not just watched it.

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Elearning Challenge 45: Recording Audio in Online Training

Posted on August 1, 2014 by Tricia Ransom

Each week, David Anderson of the Articulate elearning heroes posts a challenge. This week it is all about Audio in Online Training.

When we lived in Chicago, I made the most perfect recording studio….in our front closet. Coats absorbed the noise, and it was large enough for a desk, chair, and workspace.
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Now that we’ve moved out to California, I record in the office with my most trusted microphone! My husband, James Watkins, took the pictures in the background. Here’s his website if you want to see the full scope of his talent: http://www.jimwatkinsphoto.com/4

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Live Your Life

Posted on August 1, 2014 by Tricia Ransom

Live your life. 

You aren’t promised tomorrow, so live BIG!

Celebrate your life while you’re still here with friends and family. 

Just live. Smile every day. Compliment a stranger once a day. Hold the door for someone. Make someone laugh. Take your picture…post your picture! Wear that outfit you’ve always wanted. Use the good dishes.

Today is a special day because you are alive. 

Celebrate yourself and tell your family you love them.Tree LaughingTreeRabbit HatTreeLobsterTreeGrinch

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People Trump Features

Posted on July 10, 2014 by Tricia Ransom

I develop elearning courses, amongst other things such as cat-herding. I’ve convinced 4 out of my last 5 employers to purchase the Articulate suite of products.

Why? Their community and customer service. Their products are customer-centric and easy to learn. They provide tutorials, and they talk to their customers.

I’ve used several other development tools – in one case, it took me 3 days on their website and the phone just to give them my money.

If a company makes it difficult to pay for their products, I’m wary. When it takes years for them to answer questions in their forums, I run.

So, what is my key factor in purchasing software? The people of the company. The service and responsiveness of the company. That’s it.

People trump features every single time.

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