At the end of recording, a list saying “redo the introduction” can hide several different jobs. A missing word, a factual correction and a preferred delivery need distinct instructions.
Group pick-ups by reason. For each, include the script location, the exact replacement and enough surrounding text to restore a natural transition. Mark factual wording that must remain unchanged, while leaving room for performance choices where appropriate.
- Correction: the original information is wrong.
- Repair: a sound or word is missing or unusable.
- Alternative: the original works, but another delivery is worth trying.
Read the neighbouring lines before each take and keep the recording setup reasonably consistent with the original where possible. Label the new take immediately so the editor can distinguish it from earlier alternatives.
Do not describe every preference as a mandatory correction. A performer should know whether the task is to fix a mistake or explore another reading. That clarity can make a short session less tiring and more productive.
After inserting the pick-up, listen across both edit boundaries. A clean replacement sentence can still feel disconnected from its neighbours. Close the item only when the wording is correct and the full passage works as heard, not merely when a new file exists.
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