Pressing record can make a simple message feel like a performance. It may help to picture the person you are talking to and begin the way you would if they were sitting beside you.
You can record up to two minutes, but there is no need to fill them. A few sentences can be enough.
Before you press record
- Choose a quiet spot and turn down the TV or music.
- Keep the phone comfortably close and its microphone uncovered.
- Try a short recording and listen back. If the voice is hard to hear, move closer or find a quieter spot.
- Write down a note to get you started. Reading a message is fine too.
A few places to begin
- I still laugh when I think about…
- One thing I love doing with you is…
- Thank you for the time you…
- This is how we first met…
- The story behind this photo is…
- Something you taught me that I still use is…
Listen once, then choose
Check that the words are easy to hear. A pause or a laugh can stay if you like it. If you want another try, you can record again before moving on.
When you are helping a child record
An adult should handle the recording and create the keepsake. Ask one small question, such as what they like doing with Grandma, and leave room for their answer. A short response in their own words can feel more familiar than a sentence practiced several times.
If they do not want to speak, leave it for another day or choose an existing recording you have permission to use. Before sharing, check that you have the rights and permissions needed for the recording and photos, including a parent or guardian’s permission where required.
If you already have a recording
You can upload a voice memo, a saved voicemail, or a video instead. With a video, the keepsake uses the sound. Choose a recording you have permission to share, and keep the original file too.