With families being much more mobile today than a few generations ago, we have families spread out over great geographic distances. This can make it challenging to get together for family reunions, birthdays, weddings, and funerals.
Creating a group audio “greeting card” is a simple yet touching way to gather good wishes and greetings from all those relatives who could not attend the event. Here is a simple free way to do that…
1. Create a Google voice account.
Why Google voice? Because it’s free and you will be able to choose a number to share with friends and family. The message records as an mp3 file into an email that also includes a text readout of the message.
Record a voice mail that goes something like this:
Thank you for calling the 80th Birthday Voice Mail Box for John Smith. You will have 3 minutes to state your name, your birthday wishes and sing a song or share a funny memory or story. If you mess up, that’s ok. Just call back to leave another message. Relax and have fun!
2. Write up instructions to send to friends and family.
Dear Friends and Family,
My dad, John Smith, is turning 60 this November. Since our family is so huge, we know it is practically impossible to assemble everybody for a family reunion!
We have developed a way for you to share your personal birthday wishes with Dad via a group audio card. Everybody can participate and it would mean a whole lot to Dad.
Please call this number (110) 500-BDAY (2329) and you will have 3 minutes to state your name, your birthday wishes and sing a song or share a funny memory or story. If you mess up, that’s ok. Just call back to leave another message.
Please do not wait until November to call. We would love to start hearing your birthday wishes so we can record a CD in time for Dad’s birthday.
If you are savvy with audio equipment and have something really special in mind, please send me an email and we can make arrangements to receive your file.
Thank you for sharing in this special event and we look forward to hearing from you!
–Make sure to send this message via email, send a postcard, instant message, post on Facebook – whatever it takes to get the message out.
3. Use Dropbox to share larger files.
You may have some audio savvy relatives who want to send in a better quality recording. Utilize Dropbox to share the files when they are too big for email.
4. Assemble the files in Audacity.
Audacity is a free program used to edit audio. There’s no need to wait until everybody has submitted their calls. Once you start to receive some voice mails, start a file in Audacity and work on it as the calls come in. Use an instrumental music background if preferred.
Have you ever made a group audio card? Please share your ideas and tips below.
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