A useful voice note includes the idea and a little context: who it involves, what prompted it, or what you want to do next. You can add that context without planning the whole thing in the moment.

Say the words you’ll search for

Instead of “I should follow up on that,” try “Ask Rameez about the Friday client recap.” A name, project, place, or distinctive phrase gives you something concrete to search for later.

Transcripts are imperfect, especially with names. When a name matters, check the saved text or listen back to the audio. A voice note should help you recover an idea even when the transcript needs a correction.

Give each thought its own recording

One long recording can hold several unrelated ideas, which makes each one harder to find. When it’s practical, save the first thought and start a fresh recording for the next. That also makes it easier to share just the part someone needs.

Add a photo when the visual matters

A storefront, a sketch, or a page of handwritten notes can explain more than a long spoken description. After saving a thought, use Spitball’s photo and place controls to add the context you want to keep.

Location is optional. Use it when the place is part of the idea, and check what you include before sharing the thought with someone else.

End with what you want to happen

“Look into this,” “ask someone,” and “keep this for later” are different intentions. Say which one you mean if you already know. You can decide later if you don’t.

A simple example: “Idea for the team dinner: everyone brings one dish and one friend. Ask whether next Thursday works.” That captures both the idea and a possible next step.

Revisit a few thoughts at a time

When you return to your library, search for a project or replay a recent recording. Keep what is still useful. Share the thought when another person can help, including the recording if your delivery carries useful context.

You do not have to turn every thought into a task. Sometimes saving the idea is enough. Get Spitball when you’re ready to catch the next one.

About the Spitball team

We build Spitball, an iPhone app for capturing voice notes, with local storage by default and optional iCloud sync.

More about Spitball