ABSTRACT
This chapter describes something that is not technical, is often overlooked, and is usually underrated: people skills. One of the easiest ways to influence a recording does not require a knob or fader, or any technical skills at all. One of the intangible qualities that occur during a recording session is the "vibe" of the recording. Communication skills are key to being a successful recording engineer. Since communication skills often involve verbal cues, it will be helpful to have a vocabulary that musicians and other engineers understand. Body language is the non-verbal way in which people communicate. Recognizing song structure is a common area where communication skills are necessary. Quickly memorizing song structure is an effective tool to help communicate during a session. It can be a tool to help effectively communicate about a client's music. Good scheduling, time management, and organizational skills can help a recording session run smoothly.
