Voice Banking

Recording and Saving Messages into a Computer Organization:

1. Create a folder for each topic of messages on your Personalized Message List.

2. Record the messages from each topic as you have written on the Personalized Message List by using one of the following methods:

Method 1: Saving messages as .wav files, using a computer

1. Plug a microphone in your computer. Test microphone to make sure that it is recording clearly.

2. Go to the Start Menu > Programs > Accessories > Entertainment > Sound Recorder

3. Record the first message

4. Listen to the recording. If you are satisfied with the quality, proceed to save the message.

5. Choose âSaveâ

6. Save the message as a .wav file.

7. Proceed to record and save all messages as outlined above. Be sure to save each message as a separate .wav file.

NOTE:

â Least expensive

â Quality reduced due to background noise and feedback (Sound editing software is commercially available to improve quality of recording)

â Uses up a lot of hard drive space.

Method 2: Saving messages as .wav files, using a digital audio recorder

Purchase a digital audio recorder and follow the directions for recording and uploading files to your computer. Be sure to save each message as a separate .wav file.

Method 3: Saving messages as MP3 files

Some people use Windows Media Player or you can download MP3 recording software (i.e. iTunes) and follow the directions for recording and saving messages as MP3 files. Be sure to save each message as a separate MP3 file.

NOTE:

â MP3 files use up less hard drive space than .wav files and can be loaded quickly and easily to a device later on. Not compatible with all devices.

I would suggest purchasing a USB microphone if you are going to voice bank. It is better quality and will pick up more.

There is also an experimental program called Model Talker that allows patients to record their voice into a program (web based) and create a synthesized voice. This is a bit more complicated, and can be very tiresome and labor intensive. The website is http://www.modeltalker.com/

Personalized Message List

The Personalized Message List will be used to program your Speech Generating Device (SGD). It is recommended that you include messages to meet future needs. Examples of messages are provided. Delete messages that you do not want to be included in your SGD and add your personal messages to each topic. Think about and include common phrases and anecdotes that you say. There is no limit to the number of messages and topics may be added. Iâve included a basic guideline that should help you get started.

Greetings

Hi
Hello
Good morning
Good to see you.

Opening Questions

What's new?
How are you today?
What's happening with you?

Responses

I'm OK.
Could be better.
I am getting along.
Not very good today.
I like that.
I don't understand.
I don't know.
I don't think so.
It doesn't matter, I guess.
It is important to me.
It is not that important.
I am sorry to hear that.
Really?

Conversational Continuers

Really
Alright
Isn't that wonderful (great)
That's good
I see
I know it
Okay
Yeah
Good
Uhhuh

Conversational Turnarounds & Extenders

What about you?
What do you think about that?
What have you been doing?
Tell me about your family.
That's interesting, tell me more.
Thank you.
You're welcome

Resolving Communication Breakdowns

I changed my mind
Let's try that again
Let's do it another time.
Tell me you what think that I said.

People (family, friends and caregivers)

Personal Care

I need you to...
I would like for you to...
I need some help with...
Can that wait until another time?
Just a minute, I'm not finished.
When will you be back.

Give me a tissue.

Clean my mouth.

Wipe my face.

Cut my nails.

I would like a haircut.

I would like a blanket.

Body Positioning

I want a pillow.

I want to go to bed.

I want to sit on a chair.

I am uncomfortable. Please reposition me.

I want my neck collar.

Environmental Needs

Turn on/off the light.

Water the plants.

Feed the dog/cat.

Check the mail.

Clothing/Dressing Accessories

I want a sweater.

I want my slippers.

I need my glasses.

Health and Safety

I am having difficulty breathing.

I need suctioning.

I have cramps.

This is an emergency.
Get help now!

Nutrition/Hydration

My mouth is dry.

I have no appetite.

I want something to eat (include a list of food preferences).

I want something to drink (list drink preferences below).

Cut my food into small pieces.

Places

I would like to go outside.

I would like to visit ______________.

I want to go to the dentist.

Leisure Activities

I would to see a newspaper/magazine.

I would like to listen to music.

I would like to send an e-mail to ____________.

I would like to use the computer.

I would like to watch TV.

Good-byes and Farewells

Thanks for stopping by.
Come back again.
Great to see you again.
See you soon.
Good night
Good-bye

Use of Telephone
I'd like to talk toÂ
This is (Name), I have a speech problem. I use a machine to talk. Please be patient.
The number I am dialing is _ _ _ _ _
How are you?
I'll talk to you soon.
Call me back when you can.
Do you understand me?

Meeting New People

Hi, I'm (Name). I can hear and understand everything that you say. I have ALS/Lou
Gehrig's disease and I have trouble speaking. I use this machine to communication. Give me a minute.
Please tell me if you don't understand what I am saying.

Vocabulary for Support Groups or Conversing with Others about ALS

Having this disease has made me...
I worry about...
I fear the loss of...
I can't think about...
It makes me really mad that ...
I am determined to...
One good thing about this is...

Clinic Appointments

I need to see the doctor about...
I need to make an appointment for...
My seating, wheelchair/computer isn't working.
I have noticed that...
What's next.
I need information about...

Jenna Gardner, MS, CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Communication Disorder Unit

SUNY Upstate Medical Center/University Hospital

phone: 315-464-1576

fax: 315-464-1577