What should be your first annotation during the recording session?

In the context of a recording session, the first annotation plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the recorded material. The testing of the recording equipment is vital because it serves as a proactive measure to confirm that the equipment is functioning correctly before any important content is captured. This initial step allows the reporter to identify potential technical issues that could affect the quality of the recording.

By making this your first annotation, you are essentially documenting that the equipment was verified and operational, which is important for maintaining the integrity of the recording process. This prepares the reporter for a successful session, minimizes the risk of losing critical information due to equipment failure, and establishes a standard operating procedure that helps in maintaining consistency across different sessions.

Annotations related to the case details, subject, and date/time are also important but should follow this initial verification to ensure that the groundwork for a high-quality recording is established first.