The Best Way to Record Phone Conversations

Whether you\'re recording a business discussion so you can refer to details later, or recording conversations for personal use to keep track of information, knowing how to record phone conversations will help you capture the information you need easily.

First, you should be aware of the laws in your area, and make sure your recording is legal. If you ask and receive permission to record a telephone conversation, it\'s always legal. For business conversations, whether corporate or personal business, it\'s probably easier to just ask permission (and record the permission) than to worry about whether you\'re recording legally.

Before you begin recording your first real conversation, set up your phone recorder and call someone outside your building so that you can test the equipment and your understanding of it. Get comfortable with the equipment and fix any glitches in rehearsal, so that you don\'t miss part of a conversation or embarrass yourself when trying to record.

Before you record phone conversations, give some thought to what you\'re recording and why. Are you taping or digitally recording business conversations so you can refresh your memory later? Are you recording a call so that you can transcribe it later and distribute copies to everyone on the call? Are you confirming arrangements for an event and need a record? When you know what you\'ll be doing with the recordings, you can prepare in advance to archive and store the conversations, have them transcribed if necessary, and use the final recordings appropriately.

If you\'re uncomfortable talking when you know you\'re being recorded, practice. If you think the person you are talking to may be uncomfortable, spend the time at the beginning of the conversation to put their minds at ease. Talk about the weather or throw out some trivia to help them relax and forget about the recorder.

When you record phone calls, know that you\'re not making a feature film. There will be pauses, "uhs" and "hmms." You\'re recording the call because you need the information from the conversation, and you need to get that information through interaction. That\'s why you\'re talking on the phone rather than exchanging documents. Remember it\'s about the information, and allow the recording device to do its job.

Most people do not record phone conversations on a regular basis, and may not know the best practices for getting good quality. Just make sure you follow the law, know how your recording device works, and concentrate on making the conversation productive.