> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://twbvoiceplaybook.clearglobal.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://twbvoiceplaybook.clearglobal.org/5.-recording-and-validation/5.1-guidelines-for-recording.md).

# 5.1 Guidelines for recording

In voice recording, contributors read out short, written prompts. Or in some cases, they speak freely. We have developed some guidelines for the projects in [TWB Voice](#user-content-fn-1)[^1].

* **Natural speech:** Try to get contributors to speak naturally, as they would in a conversation. But they also need to speak clearly.
* **Quiet setting:** Do the recordings in a quiet space, with no loud background noise (a little noise is ok). Try not to have any other people speaking or any music or other sounds.
* **Proper speed and clear speech:** Ask contributors to speak at a moderate speed and to speak clearly but naturally. It's a good idea to set a limit in seconds for each prompt
* **Avoid false starts or trailing off:** Some recordings may have sentences that are not finished or that include hesitation. Ask the speakers to record them again.
* **Position of microphone:** The microphone should not be too close to the contributor’s mouth, and not too far away either. This will help you to get a good-quality recording with no sound distortion.

{% hint style="info" %}
These guidelines are based on benchmarks from voice data projects outside of TWB Voice, including Mozilla Common Voice, NaijaVoices, and RESPIN in India. The guidelines aim to be short, clear, and concise, providing contributors with a simple but accurate framework to guide their recordings.
{% endhint %}

[^1]: **TWB Voice:** A platform for collecting voice data. It was developed by CLEAR Global, who also own it. Users can make voice recordings to help with active data collection projects in TWB Voice by [signing up to the TWB Community](https://translatorswithoutborders.org/join-the-twb-community/). The main goal of TWB Voice is to help to develop voice technology for speakers of marginalized languages. For example, by creating the voice datasets that are needed to build language models for TTS and ASR.


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