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Obtaining Electronic Voice Phenomenon
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People have been trying to contact spirits of the dead for literally thousands of years. Since the invention of audio recording devices a new form of such communication has arisen known as Electronic Voice Phenomenon (aka EVP). While EVP has been around since the invention of the first methods of recording audio it’s recently seen a massive resurgence in popularity thanks to several movies, TV shows and the work of the late Lou Gentile who was famous for regularly obtaining EVP regardless of conditions or location. It’s also a relatively simple form of evidence to collect only requiring some form of audio recording device and some time.
The first thing to consider when gathering any form of evidence of the paranormal is safety. EVP is particularly risky because collecting it usually means directly addressing a spirit seeking answers to questions. The two basic rules here are take precautions for your own protection (see the article on the subject) and to never do it in a person’s home unless absolutely certain what’s present is benign or trained in how to handle a violent outburst, always keep in mind when working in a home that whatever you stir up someone else is going to have to live with. The next concern is the sort of questions asked. In particular questions about religious matters, requests for displays of power or questions about if the spirit had ever been a living person are extremely dangerous and should only be asked by a person trained in what to do if a spirit reacts violently.
With all of this in mind the actual methods of collecting evp are simple. Set the recorder down in a stable location on record, state the date, time and location of the recording and let it go. It’s important to point out here that the type of recording isn’t extremely important as evp has been gathered on video cameras, digital recorders, reel to reel, and tape recorders (Panasonic’s discontinued digital recorder #RR-DR60 is actually one of the best recorders although it has unfortunately been discontinued and as such can be difficult to fine). For a first attempt it’s often better to just let the recording run a while and see what turns up. When asking questions ask each one clearly and then delay at least 15 seconds before asking the second question so that enough time is left for a proper answer. Finally it’s important to make a verbal note of any sounds that may be picked up on the recorder so that when reviewing you’re not left spending an hour figuring out that strange noise was just a sneeze.
Once you’re done recording a set it’s always a good idea to play the recording back and see what you hear. Use any answers you think you hear to inspire questions in the next session and then continue till done for the evening. Later when you’re in a quiet location go back over all of the recordings carefully and check for any findings you may have missed. Play the recordings for other individuals and see what impressions they have. Ask them open ended questions (ask what do you think it said instead of did it say hello for example) and compare their opinions to your own and that of others (rarely voices recorded will be absolutely clear cut but most of the time they have a growling tone to them). Finally catalogue the evps you have so that you can maintain a database of evidence gathered.
*All rights reserved by Kevin P Meares Copy right 2009*
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