A Special Gift for Anna's 30th Birthday...

“Love is, above all, the gift of oneself.”
~ Jean Anouilh

Anna is turning thirty on June 26!

To celebrate, we’re creating a special audio gift filled with messages from the people who love her most — and I know Anna would love to hear your voice.

You might share a memory, a message, a moment of laughter or love — anything that reflects your feelings for Anna and your wishes for her future. Your voice recording will become part of a unique keepsake she can return to again and again.

Please find a quiet moment this weekend to speak from the heart — a message of up to two minutes is perfect — and help us fill her Story Collection audiobook with joy, warmth, and love.

Recordings close in four days — please submit yours by Monday, June 23 at 5pm.

Neil

An Invitation

Consent:
By submitting your audio, you agree to give The Story Collection (ABN 47 282 369 378) broad rights to use your audio, personal information, and other content to create a Story Collection for your loved one. We will handle your personal information in line with our Privacy Policy.

Please share only content you feel comfortable others hearing, and we ask that your message be respectful and kind. Thank you for sharing your voice in this meaningful gift.

WHEN YOU ARE READY TO RECORD, PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO ACCESS THE VOICE RECORDING PLATFORM

Reminisce

Before you record, take a moment to think about the stories or messages you’d like to share with Anna.

We recommend writing down what you’d like to say, just as you would in a heartfelt letter. That way, you’re prepared in case you need to re-record.

The platform works best with a stable internet connection. And don’t worry about being perfect — coughs, pauses, and hesitations will be edited out. Your voice will be gently woven with music into a beautiful listening experience.

Planning

Your Story

If you speak from the heart, directly to Anna, your greeting will be a lovely contribution!

Your message can be up to 2 minutes in length.

Please Include:
Your Name
Celebration Greeting e.g. Happy birthday, Happy anniversary, farewell, welcome new baby! etc
1-5 words or ways to describe Anna
Up to 2 minutes of stories, memories or thoughts

Speak from the heart

Story Ideas

To get started, you may enjoy using this gentle five-step guide to shape your message:

Five words to describe Anna

Four ways she makes you feel

Three reasons you feel that way

Two memories you’ve shared

One wish for her future

Or simply draw on any of the prompts below – choose one, a few, or follow where your heart leads:

A cherished childhood memory

A sibling moment that stayed with you

How, when, and where you met

Early memories together

School or university moments

A meaningful experience at work

Why you became friends

A time you travelled together

Something funny or unexpected you’ve shared

The ways you admire or value Anna

Reasons she should feel proud of who she is

What you’re grateful for in your connection

A habit or unique quirk you love about her

A poem, a song, or a piece you’d love to read aloud

A wish, blessing, or piece of wisdom for her future

Speak approximately 20cm away from your phone or computer microphone. You may like to use headphones with an in-built microphone.

Record your story from your phone or computer desktop.

The Recording Environment

IMPORTANT: If you are recording on a mobile phone, gently tap the screen now and then during your recording to prevent the phone from becoming idle. The recording may be interrupted if the phone 'goes to sleep' .

If possible, record in a room with carpet and/or curtains and avoid rooms with tiles or high ceilings.

Recording at night is recommended to minimise background noise.

Turn off loud appliances e.g. fans or heaters.

Please record without pets in the room.

Allowing Microphone Access

To record your voice, you may need to enable microphone access on your device.

After pressing ‘Record,’ a prompt may appear – please click “Allow” to grant access. Then you can start recording your story gift.

If no prompt appears, follow the instructions below for iOS, Android, or desktop devices:

*iOS (iPhone/iPad)
Open the Settings app on your home screen.

Scroll down and tap your internet browser (e.g., Safari, Chrome).

Tap Microphone under the Privacy & Security section.

Make sure the toggle for Microphone is switched on to allow access.

If it’s off, turn it on so your browser can use the microphone for recording.

*Android
Open the Settings app on your device.

Tap Apps or Application Manager (depending on your phone model).

Find and select the browser app you use (e.g., Chrome).

Tap Permissions or App Permissions.

Find Microphone and make sure the toggle is switched on to allow access.

*Desktop (Windows/Mac)
Google Chrome:

Click the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.

Click Privacy and security on the left menu, then select Site settings.

Scroll to Microphone and click it.

Under Allowed to use your microphone, check that the website you’re using is listed.

If not, add the site or change any “Blocked” status to Allow.

*Safari (Mac):

Click Safari in the top menu bar, then select Preferences.

Click the Websites tab at the top of the window.

Select Microphone from the sidebar on the left.

Find the website in the list and select Allow from the dropdown menu next to it.

If you still can’t record:

Refresh the page after updating these settings.

Restart your browser or device if needed.

Ensure no other apps are using your microphone.

Need help?

If you need help with your recording, or if your would prefer to record your greeting over the phone, please contact Louise at hello@thestorycollection.com. I am here to help!
www.thestorycollection.com

Warmly,

Louise Rosati

Story Curator