Thinking about how to preserve the voice of someone you love means choosing which conversations you want to be able to hear again. A recording keeps the tone, the accent and the way a story is told; photos and texts capture other sides of the same life. Start by asking the person whether they want to take part and how they would like their voice to be kept.
A voice holds what a photo cannot
A photograph shows a scene; a recording preserves the way a memory is told.
A recording also keeps pauses, pronunciations and expressions that a transcript may leave out. Ask the person what they would like to share and get permission before recording. In families that use French, English or other languages, keep the original audio and label any translation added later. A written version does not need to replace the way the person spoke.
Record everyday moments too, not just interviews
Beyond planned interviews, the person may want to keep a message, a laugh or an everyday conversation. Ask permission before recording, including during a call, and agree on whether the file will stay private or can be heard by others. A casual fragment can complement the account without having to represent a truer version of the speaker.
What to do with the recordings
A recording kept only on a phone can be lost if the device fails or is replaced without a copy. Organize files by topic and check that the copies remain accessible. For people experiencing memory loss, it is worth looking carefully at how to talk about memories respectfully.
From voice to book
The stories can make up a personalized memory book, with the text reviewed by the storyteller. The book offers another way to read; to preserve the sound of the voice, also keep the original audio files and the access permissions. Text and recording can complement each other.
Keep the voice with consent and context
Ask permission both for a planned interview and for keeping a casual fragment of conversation. Explain who will be able to listen and allow people to say no to sharing. In a multilingual family in Canada, keeping the original audio can matter as much as preparing a translation. Label the file with the person, an approximate date and the topic; keep verified copies and do not mistake a written transcript for preserving the sound of the voice.
Further reading: Canadian Conservation Institute — electronic media.