Windows comes with a sound recorder accessory. You must first make sure you have an sound card installed in your computer, and a built-in or add-on microphone.

To record, go to your Start button and select Programs-->Accessories-->Entertainment-->Sound Recorder. This will bring up a small console with controls similar to those on a tape recorder.

To begin recording, click on the button with a fat red "dot" on it. Recording begins immediately, so be ready to talk when you click. It is a great idea to have your "script" typed out and displayed on your computer screen when you open the sound recorder. Then both items are on your screen and you will be facing the microphone as you speak.

To stop, click on the button with the black rectangle on it. The Play button is the one with the black triangle on it. When you play your recording, note the counter on the sound recorder so your sound byte does not exceed 30 seconds.

Save your file with a short name— no spaces—(choose File-->Save from the menu) and give it a WAV extension.

Once you are satisfied with your sound byte, you must make sure that the file has been reduced to a manageable size. While still in Sound Recorder, select File-->Properties.

Within the resulting dialog box is a section titled Format Conversion. Choose Convert Now.

At the top left is a drop-down box entitled Name. From that drop-down box, choose Telephone Quality. This reduces the file to 11,025Hz, 8 Bit, Mono. This is the format you want. Your sound byte quality will be very good at these settings. Now the file is ready to be sent via email.