EVP Efficiency

Working with various paranormal investigation teams, I have seen a variety of theories and techniques when it comes to performing an EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) session. Some have proven to be quite effective and make the evidence reviewers job much easier. While others seem to make little sense and border on being laughable. I'd like to discuss some of these differences and what I have learned to be the most basic and methodical approach, proven to be effective.

The first thing an investigator should consider is the history of the location. This gives us an idea of time period and what type of people previously inhabited the investigation site, and are possibly still present. One of the biggest mistakes I've seen investigators make, is asking questions as if they are trying to communicate with some other worldly being. Just as we are souls encased in a human form, spirits are no different, other than no longer having a corporeal form. Speak to them as you would to anyone else, asking simple questions in a respectful manner. Never refer to them at "it" or use inappropriate language. The saying "you'll catch more flies with honey" holds true in this instance too. Being polite and respectful, you are more likely to receive intelligent responses than being rude.

Reviewing history also gives us an idea of what languages were spoken by those who lived there. If you are investigating a location where everyone had only spoken French for example, should we expect intelligent responses to our questions in English? This is where preparation comes into play. Through online resources, research and memorize some basic questions in the native language of those who previously dwelt at the location. Even if you receive a recorded response you don't understand at first, with some research you may find an intelligent response to your question. Keeping in mind the culture of spirits you are trying to make contact with can greatly increase your chances of capturing evidence.

During EVP sessions especially in larger groups, everyone should remain aware of all sounds and think from the perspective of the person who will be reviewing the recorder. Probably the biggest yet common mistake investigators make is whispering. It's a human response trying to be quiet to help everyone hear, but it makes the reviewers job so much more difficult. Having to discern who's voice it is, and what is being said. It's important to always speak at a normal tone, and a good practice at the beginning of the session to state where it is taking place, and have all those present state their name so everyone's recorded voice is easy to identify.

A moment of silence between questions is something that seems to vary from team to team as well. A common mistake is when more than one investigator is present, one will ask a question then the other will talk or as a question right after. When going over the recordings looking for EVPs, how can anything possibly be found? Spirit voices can be difficult at times to hear, and we want to make sure we are not talking over them. I feel it's important for the group to discuss and observer a set amount a silence between each question. It doesn't really mater if it's 10 seconds or 20 seconds; what's most important is that there is a consistent moment of complete silence between question.

Depending on the location, environment, and the amount of investigators, there is also the factor of sounds beyond our control. Some of these various noises are dogs barking, a loud truck driving by, an investigator tripping on something, or even someone's stomach growling. Sometimes these sounds are just ignored and left for the person going over the recorder to figure out. To ensure nothing is confused with a paranormal sound, I feel it's important that when these instances occur, someone should make a clear statement right after describing the source of the noise. This is a great practice to try and get into the habit of.

These are just some of the common mistakes, as well as effective methods I have discovered through personal experience. As sessions unfold, keep the mindset as if you are the evidence reviewer. The basics of conducting an efficient EVP session is rather simple, as long as we remain constantly aware of ourselves and our environment. .