Easy Instructions for Recording Your Personal History

This post accompanies our email series Legacy in Focus: Weekly Email Prompts to Document Your Stories. If you would like to sign up for that, please click here.

These steps are designed to be simple and straightforward. You can record your story by speaking into your phone or a microphone. If you want to make a video, we'll cover that too. Once recorded, you can get it turned into written text (transcribed) using easy apps. Take your time, and feel free to ask a family member for help if needed.

1. Recording Audio on Your Phone (For Video refer to step 3)

You can use your phone's built-in app to record your voice. Speak clearly and at a normal pace. Find a quiet room to avoid background noise.

For iPhone:

• Open the "Voice Memos" app (it looks like a red and white sound wave icon; search for it if you don't see it on your home screen).

• Tap the big red circle button to start recording.

• Speak your story. You can pause if needed by tapping the pause button.

• When done, tap the square stop button.

• The recording will save automatically. To name it, tap the recording, then tap the name and type something like "My History."

• To share or save it, tap the share button (a box with an arrow) and choose where to send it (like email or save to files).

For Android Phone:

• Open the "Recorder" app (it might be called "Voice Recorder" or "Sound Recorder"; search for "recorder" in your apps). If it's not there, download "Google Recorder" from the Google Play Store—it's free and simple.

• Tap the red microphone or record button to start.

• Speak your story. You can pause if you want.

• Tap the stop button (usually a square) when finished.

• It will save automatically. To name it, tap the recording and edit the name to something like "My History."

• To share, tap the share icon (three dots or a box with arrow) and send it via email or save it.

Record in short sessions if it's easier—5-10 minutes at a time—and combine them later.

2. Using an External Microphone (Like the RØDE Wireless Micro)

An external mic can make your voice sound clearer. The RØDE Wireless Micro you mentioned comes with two mics and a charging case—it's great for smartphones. It connects via Lightning for iPhones (plug the receiver into your phone's charging port). For Android phones, you may need a USB-C version of the mic or an adapter—check the packaging or buy one that matches your phone.

• Charge the mics and case first (plug the case into a charger).

• Turn on the mic by pressing the power button (it should light up).

• Plug the receiver into your phone's port (Lightning for iPhone, or USB-C/adapter for Android).

• Open your phone's recording app (Voice Memos on iPhone or Recorder on Android).

• Clip the mic to your shirt collar (about 6-8 inches from your mouth).

• Start recording as in Step 1—the phone will use the external mic automatically.

• Test it first: Record a short "Hello, testing" and play it back to check the sound.

If your mic doesn't connect easily, try restarting your phone or checking the RØDE app (download it from your app store for setup help).

3. Recording Video 

If you'd like a video version, use your phone's camera app. This is optional—audio alone is fine.

• Use a tripod with a phone holder, like this one: Tripod and Phone Holder on Amazon. It holds your phone steady.

• Attach your phone to the holder on the tripod. Adjust the height so the camera is at eye level while you're sitting.

• Open the "Camera" app on your phone.

• Switch to video mode (tap "Video" or the camcorder icon).

• Tap the red record button to start.

• Speak your story facing the camera.

• Tap stop when done. It saves to your photos or gallery.

• If using an external mic, plug it in as in Step 2—it works with video too.

Keep videos short if possible, or break them into parts.

4. Getting Your Recording Transcribed (Turned into Written Text)

After recording, you can use an app to transcribe it automatically. These apps listen to your audio or video and write out the words. They're free to try, but some charge for longer files. Upload your recording file to the app. Here are three good ones available on both iPhone (App Store) and Android (Google Play Store):

• Otter.ai: Great for clear transcripts. Download the app, sign up with your email, upload your recording, and it transcribes quickly. Free for basic use; paid for more features.

• Rev: Reliable and accurate. Download the Rev Voice Recorder app (or use their website rev.com on your phone's browser). Record directly in the app or upload a file. They offer AI transcription for free trials, or human-checked for a small fee.

• Transkriptor: Simple and fast for audio/video. Download the app, create a free account, upload your file, and get the text. Good for beginners; free tier available.

Other options: If you prefer not to use an app, upload your file to a website like otter.ai or rev.com using your phone's browser. Or, email the recording to a family member to transcribe it for you. Always review the transcript for any mistakes and edit as needed.

That's it! Start with one short recording to practice. Your history is valuable—enjoy sharing it. If you have questions, feel free to ask.

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