hi! jeannie! I feel as you do! I'd freak if I heard something.. but I 'm very interested in it!

You probably won't freak :-) For one thing, when you do the reviews, its usually in the comfort of your own home after the fact and it's so fascinating that the process and discovery over-rides the little shiver of realization that also usually comes with it.

We like using digital recorders with a USB so you can do the review on the computer. Goldwave has a free downloadable trial program that works nicely for this.

We've picked up quite a lot. I don't know whether the locations we've been going to are particular hot spots, or if we just happen to attract that sort of activity. We've had as many as 20-40 EVPs in one session. Some get thrown out because they are too low that only the reviewers can really get it, some because there is the chance there may have been a human cause and then 5-10 that will be pretty good and 1-5 that are Grade A. Granted these numbers are from 6-8 hr investigations and 3-4 recorders- making the review material as many as 32 hrs worth.

Experience has left us with placing the recorder down on a surface- this eliminates the noises of the person carrying or being blasted by the voice of the questioner. Do not use dictation setting. The optimal locations and times are when you've got your client keeping track for a month or two of the phenomena as well as any anecdotal information prior to tracking. When reviewing, take your time, don't do another activity that might distract you, take regular breaks so you are not tired or uncomfortable, and use a quiet location (no TV or radio in background). Use headphones- I prefer the ones that cover your ears rather than earbuds. Record in areas where you know there are no animals, or unaccounted for people walking around. Take regular notes of all outside noises you hear- people outside, vehicles passing, weather related noises, animals and birds in the distance, music, bodily noises too. You'll appreciate the reference later. Also we make sure that everyone who is present says their own name so you've got a voice reference on them. And above all- no whispering by anyone- hit them with a stick if you must. Train your members to speak up if they make a bodily noise or whisper by mistake, or even chuckle. Discourage boisterous conversation as the higher decibal is quite painful to reviewers. Calm conversation is best, and talking about day to day things seem to get more responses- just as you would any new person you are meeting. The first 5 minutes tend to get the most successes for some. If you suspect the time frame for a particular spirit (you think its aunt jane who died in 1920, for example) gear your questions in an era appropriate manner- talk about the times they know, speak courteously. I'm a strong proponent against instigating- it's really frikkin' rude in my opinion.

Go for it, and have fun!