An Introduction to EVP: Basic Information & Helpful Suggestions

By Nicole Strickland,

Introduction to Electronic Voice Phenomena

One of the most common techniques that paranormal investigators employ when conducting investigations is the use of Electronic Voice Phenomena or EVP. EVP is a common phenomenon in the paranormal world where by voices or sounds are picked up on analog/digital voice recorders, but not heard at the time of actual recording. Thus, sounds and/or voices are only heard upon playback of recordings. An analog tape recorder or digital voice recorder is the most common device for obtaining EVP. However, voices and/or sounds have been known to appear on answering machines, radios and cell phones from time to time. Some of the most common sounds documented, consist of knocking, banging, tapping, rapping, footsteps and other non-verbal noises. Voices can range from a minute whisper all the way to a recognizable word or phrase.

Methods

The two methods of EVP that I integrate while investigating the paranormal realm are active and passive EVP. Active EVP entails the investigator asking questions to the spirit world, in hopes of receiving a response. The questions are usually in a YES/NO format, because it may be easier for the entity to respond in a one-word fashion. The other method of EVP is known as passive, where the investigator sets his or her recorder down and lets it continuously trace voices or sounds. In my opinion, I personally like to use active EVP more often, simply because I enjoy my attempts at communicating to the spirit world. Most experienced investigators use the active approach. With the passive approach, meaning that you set your recorder somewhere and let it roll, you HAVE to make sure that the environment your recorder is in is controlled. For example, make sure that all doors and windows are closed at all times and that no one enters the room. If someone enters the room, he or she should state it and the time they leave the room. NEVER walk around with your recorder in attempts of acquiring an EVP because there is too much room for erroneous noise that might be mistaken for actual spirit communication.

Theories and Classifications

There are different theories for and classifications of Electronic Voice Phenomena. Telekinesis is one of the main theories of how Electronic Voice Phenomena works. Telekinesis or T.K. is basically the ability of the mind to influence a physical object. Thus, there seems to be some speculation that an entity's energy can manipulate the investigator's recording device, thereby producing audible voices or sounds. EVP can be classified into three main categories: Class A, Class B and Class C. The following is a detailed explanation of the three different modules.

Class A: An identifiable word or phrase loud enough to be heard without the aid of headphones. Everyone agrees on what is said.

Class B: A word or phrase that may not be recognizable by every investigator, but can be heard without the use of headphones.

Class C: A word or phrase that is not identifiable and needs to be perceived with the use of headphones; very soft and faint

Class R: R stands for Reversible. Occasionally, if you reverse the audio or segment an identifiable word or phrase is understood in reverse.

It is very important that investigators are knowledgeable of the various theories of EVP, as well as being able to differentiate between the three categories of EVP. Researchers are studying this phenomenon in hopes to better comprehend why and how it exists. In my opinion, knowledge leads to a greater understanding of and appreciation for the cosmic world of the paranormal.

The Electronic Voice Phenomena Session

Paranormal investigators should be mandated to have a well-rounded understanding of EVP, as well as the techniques for conducting a successful session while investigating. It is highly imperative that researchers are in a positive frame of mind while carrying out an EVP session. Additionally, investigators should become familiar with the environment and location of where the session will take place. Furthermore, it is imperative to have good nutrition and adequate sleep before partaking in an investigation. It is a good idea to always allow a minimum of two seconds in between questions because it may take entities a little longer to generate a response. I commonly allow five to ten seconds or more in between questions. It is vital that investigators never whisper or never talk in a low voice while the EVP session is taking place. The following are techniques and suggestions for administering an EVP meeting. Note: The following more or less applies to active EVP sessions.

PRE-EVP SESSION

1. State investigator's name, location, date, time of day, atmospheric conditions, number of people present, lighting conditions, temperature conditions, etc.

2. Introduce person conducting EVP.

3. Ask permission to speak to entities and let them know that you are not harming them in any way. Your intention is to get to know them and to communicate with them.

4. Tell the entities that you will respect them and ask for respect from them as well. Follow the basic Golden Rule.

5. It is a good idea to document sounds that may originate from investigators present to differentiate between human and entity sounds.

- Document different levels of investigator voices, coughing and footprints, etc.

- NEVER whisper or talk in a low voice.

EVP SESSION=

1. Again, you can introduce person conducting EVP session. It is recommended to have ONE person conducting the session as many people conducting it may confuse entities.

2. Again, tell the entities that you will respect them and ask for respect in return.

3. Tell the entities that you have a recorder, which records sounds and voices.

Thus, let them know that they are free to talk and/or make noise into the device.

4. Start EVP session by asking some common YES/NO questions. The following are some questions that I commonly ask.

NOTE: Not all of the following questions have to be asked in the same session.

- Is there anyone here who would like to talk to me?

- If you would like to communicate, can you show me a sign of your presence?

- Can you tell me how old you are?

- Did you live or work here?

- Are there any children here that would like to talk to me?

- If you don't want to talk, can you make a loud noise for me? If you do want to make a noise, can you knock or bang or tap?

- Can you make loud footsteps for me?

- Can you please show yourself to me and/or other investigators?

- Are you afraid? Are you scared? Are you sad? Are you happy?

Are you angry? Are you shy? Are you bothered? Etc� any questions pertaining to emotions.

- Do you miss your family and/or friends?

- Do you like being here in this location?

- Would you like to leave? Thus, would you like help?

- Are you bothered or upset that I am asking you questions?

If so, can you please tell me so?

-Do you mind that I am talking to you and asking you questions?

-Is there anything else that I should know?

-Is there anything else that you would like to tell me?

If so, can you please tell me now?

Some questions might not include YES/NO questions. YES/NO questions are commonly asked because it may be easier for the ghost or spirit to answer in a YES/NO format. NON YES/NO questions might include: (not necessarily in this order)

1. What happened to you?

2. What is your name(s)?

3. Are you male or female?

4. What would you like me to do?

5. How would you like me to help you?

6. Where do you want to go?

7. Where are you from?

8. Where do you live?

9. When were you born?

10 What job do you have?

11. What do you like to do?

12. What year is it?

13. Who is the president of The United States?

14. What are you wearing?

15. Ask pertaining questions to entity you are trying to reach, if he/she is popularly known for doing something in particular (dancing, holding a teddy bear, swimming, singing, holding a high position, etc.)

For example: If I was trying to communicate to the little female ghost aboard the Queen Mary who is seen holding a teddy bear, then I would also include some questions, such as:

1. What is your teddy bear's name?

2. Where did you get your teddy bear?

3. Who gave you your teddy bear?

4. Do you like to cuddle with your teddy bear?

5. Do you have other stuffed animals?

6. Do you miss your mommy and daddy?

7. Did you travel with your mommy and daddy on the ship?

8. What grade are you in?

It is a good idea to ask questions that cater to the entity that you are trying to get in touch with. For example, if you are trying to communicate to the little female child ghost aboard the Queen Mary, who likes to sing "Ring around the Rosy," you can ask some questions about the song as well as the general questions.

1. Can you please sing for me?

2. What is your favorite song?

3. Can you sing Ring around the Rosy for me?

4. Would you like to sing it together?

5. Do you sing other songs?

6. Are you looking for your mommy and daddy?

POST EVP SESSION

1. Thank the entities for participating with you.

2. Let them know that you are going to listen to the recordings entirely.

3. Make sure you are rested and have good nutrition before reviewing data.

4. Set time aside for data review. I like to do thirty minute intervals with a five minute break in between.

5. Have note pad, pen and clock handy.

6. Document any unusual results.

7. Enhance or edit results if necessary. KNOW your software program and editing tools.

8. Share results among fellow investigators. Note: try to prevent investigator bias when reviewing data.

9. Share results with owner or manager of location investigated.

10 Send your audio clips to the EVP Specialist as well and to the Case Manager(s).

Audio Software Programs

Adobe Audition, Pro-Tools, Acoustica, Audacity, Wave Pad, etc. I use Adobe Audition and recommend it.

Allow for some creativity when doing EVP sessions or when investigating in general. For example, invite entities to join in a picture with you as you are simultaneously conducting the EVP meeting. After all, the majority of the ones you are trying to reach were people just like you and me. Thus, talking to them as you would a family member or friend might prove beneficial in your results. Spirits not only learn from investigators, but investigators can learn from the spirits as well. Always be respectful and courteous and follow The Golden Rule. Happy Ghosting!

There are many resources available for studying and learning about Electronic Voice Phenomena. The American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomena, or AA-EVP, website includes invaluable information and resources about this phenomenon. In addition, other common and reputable paranormal websites also detail information about EVP. In my opinion, it is important to also be well-read about the paranormal world. The following is a list of some of the respectable books about Electronic Voice Phenomena and the paranormal field, which can also be found on the AA-EVP website. You can find out more about these and other readings and resources on the AA-EVP website: http://www.aaevp.com

1. The Ghost of 29 Megacycles by John G. Fuller

2. The Scole Experiment: Scientific Evidence for Life After Death by Grant and Jane Solomon in conjunction with The Scole Experimental Group

3. ITC Journal 2004 Conference Proceedings

4. Voices From the Tapes: Recordings from the Other World by Peter Bander

5. Phone Calls From The Dead by D. Scott Rogo and Raymond Bayless

6. Surviving Death, Evidence of the Afterlife by Geoff Viney

7. Voices of The Dead�Radio Broadcast, Psychokinetic Power�Or Messages From Beyond the Grave�? by Susy Smith

8. Handbook of Psychic Discoveries by Sheila Ostrander and Lynn Schroeder

9. Talks with The Dead by William Addams Welch

10. After We Die, What Then? by George Meek

11. Breakthrough: An Amazing Experiment in Electronic Communication with the Dead by Konstantin Raudive

12. Every Place I go is Haunted by Richard L. Smith

13. The Dead Are Alive by Harold Sherman

14. Conversations Beyond the Light by Dr. Pat Kubis and Mark Macy in association with Continuing Life Research

15. Miracles in the Storm by Mark H. Macy

16. Contact the Other Side, Seven Methods for Afterlife Communications by Konstantinos

17. Voice Transmissions With The Deceased by Friedrich Jurgenson

18. True Experiences in Communicating With The Dead edited by Martin Ebon

19. True Hauntings, Spirits with a Purpose by Hazel M. Denning, Ph.D.

20. Evidence from Beyond, An Insider's Guide to the Wonders of Heaven�and life in the New Millennium by Ruth Taylor

21. Voices of Eternity by Sarah Estep

22. I'm Still Here by Martha Copeland

23. Roads to Eternity by Sarah Estep

24. There is No Death and There are No Dead by Tom and Lisa Butl