Uncertainty in Medicine:
Tech FAQ
How do I record my story?
Most people record on their smart phones (e.g., the voice memo app on the iPhone, or the voice recorded app on the Samsung Galaxy).
What room should I record in?
Avoid rooms with hard surfaces and bare walls, which can sound like a “tin can.” Look instead for places with soft surfaces, like a closet full of clothes, the inside of a car, or your bedroom. You can create a sound absorbent environment by stacking pillows in front of you on a desk, or recording underneath a blanket. Be mindful of open windows, cars, fans, dishwashers, and washing machines. If your child or pet interrupts, feel free to bring them into the story!
How do I capture good sound?
Hold your phone about a foot away, with the microphone (mouthpiece) facing you. Avoid bumping the phone or brushing against the mic as you speak. If you don’t want to hold your phone for the duration of your recording, rest it on a sweater or towel (not a hard surface), or a stack of books with mic side jutting into the air. Point the mic toward your upper chest — if you point it directly at your mouth it will cause “popped Ps” or “plosives” which cannot be fixed in post-production. As you speak, try not to turn your head or the volume will drop out.
Often, an external microphone, like those that come with headsets or headphones, can capture good quality sound. But if they’ve been stepped on or submerged in water they will record poor sound, so do a sound test first before committing to these.
Where do I send my audio file?
Click here to view our submission form.
How do I upload audio from my iPhone?
In the Voice Memos app, record and name your audio file according to this format: FirstL_Uncertainty_yyyymmdd (eg: EmilyS_Uncertinaty_20230201).
Connect to WiFi if available.
Touch the three blue dots in the left corner of your audio file, then touch “Save to Files”.
Touch “On My iPhone”.
Touch “Save” at the top right corner of the screen.
Open this FAQ page on your phone (if you’re not there already) and touch this link.
Select your file.
Once the file appears under the “Browse Files” box, touch “Next”.
Fill out the Participant Release form and touch “Next”.
Fill out the Credit Preferences form and touch “Submit”.
You’re done!
How do I upload audio from my Android phone (e.g. Samsung Galaxy S7)?
Open an app like Voice Recorder or download a different audio recording app to use.
Record your diary entry and save it using the naming convention FirstL_Uncertainty_yyyymmdd (eg: EmilyS_Uncertainty_20210815).
Connect to WiFi if available.
Open this FAQ page on your phone (if you’re not there already) and touch this link.
Locate your audio clip in Files. Select it.
Once the file appears under the “Browse Files” box, touch “Next”.
Fill out the Participant Release form and touch “Next”.
Fill out the Credit Preferences form and touch “Submit”.
You’re done!