5 Tips for Getting a Better Voice Over Faster

When you deliver your voice over script to the talent, you’re giving them the story you want them to tell. My responsibility as the voice actor, is to interpret that script in the most effective way possible to ensure your story is told in a way that keeps your audience engaged.

To help you succeed in your objective there are a few things you can do up front. These steps will make it possible for me to deliver your script as quickly as possible, and limit the need for back and forth or retakes, helping you meet or exceed your deadline.

The first thing I like to do when I receive a new script is give it a thorough reading. I’m looking for anything that can potentially trip me up in the performance. This could include grammatical errors, spelling errors, misplaced words, or words that I simply have no clue how to pronounce - it happens! I want to make sure I’ve got all of those things sorted out before I start recording. If I come across anything I’m unsure of, I’ll be checking in with you right away.

The last thing I want to do is deliver a finished recording that has mistakes that need to be corrected, costing you valuable time on your project.

I’d encourage you to have a fresh set up eyes read over the script before you send it to the talent, as well. You know that unexplainable phenomenon of reading what you mean for the script to say, even though that might not actually be what is written? It happens to us all! When we write it, we’re too close to it to proof it.

With all this in mind, here are a few things you can do to your voice over script that’ll help the talent deliver a perfect read the first time.

5 Ways To Help A Voice Talent Out

1) Sounds Like: When there’s a word in your script that isn’t common, perhaps it’s a business name or a product name, provide the talent with very clear instructions. My best suggestion is to use examples such as, “it sounds like [insert word]” or “it rhymes with [insert word]. Nine out of ten times, this will help me say the word correctly the first time.

2) Numbers and Dates: If the number is 555-1270 am I saying, “five five five twelve seventy?” Or did you want me to say “five five five one two seven zero?” What about 1-888 numbers. Is it “one tripe eight,” or “one eight eight eight?” Same goes with dates. How would you like me to say 2019? Did you want, “twenty nineteen” or “two thousand nineteen?” These things are easy to overlook, but as a talent, I want to give you exactly what you want. If it’s clear in the script, I’ll get it right for you the first time.

3) Acronyms: This one is similar to phone numbers and dates. Do you want JSON pronounced “j-s-o-n?” Or “J-SON as in JAY-SON?” Having this clearly outlined, particularly on eLearning scripts or scripts containing multiple acronyms can be a huge timesaver. 

4) Pronunciation Guides: I work with clients in a number of different countries, and sometimes pronunciation guides can be lifesavers. For example, I have one particular client in Turkey who will send me an audio recording of names or certain words that may be in his native language and I would otherwise have no clue how to pronounce in English. This saves time for the client (and embarrassment for me!) I have clients in Italy, Germany and Dubai who do the same.

5) Audio Specs: What would you like your audio delivered as? Knowing this up front can help talent use the right settings in their software before recording even takes place. For example, do you just need an MP3 at 192kbps? Or do you need a 24bit, 48,000Hz WAV file? There’s a big difference. And converting audio files after the fact can sometimes degrade the quality of the audio. I’d rather get my settings right up front and know I’m going to be delivering you the best possible audio.

Help Me Help You

My goal is simple… to deliver your professional voice over recording as quickly as possible. I want you to be able to take the audio file, drop it into your project and carry on with your next task or the rest of your day. 

The more clear your instructions in the script from the get-go, the more likely I’ll be able to deliver perfect audio out of the gate… saving you valuable time in the process.

Oh, and when all else fails, or to really make sure everyone is on the same page, ask for a quick phone call before the session or enquire about being on the line with the talent during the session so you can direct live.

To request a custom audition for your next project in need of narration, please reach out direct to [email protected]. Looking for a specific voice or talent who speak a different language? I may be able to help with that as well.

To listen to samples of my voice over work, visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com.

About Marc Scott

In addition to being a full-time professional voice actor, I also have certification in Teaching and Training Adults.

I bring this expertise to every project I work on, understanding both the importance of the content, while also knowing how to deliver the narration is the most effective and engaging way possible.

Voice Over clients include Google, Microsoft, PetSmart, Nikon, Canadian Government, Emirates National Bank of Dubai, Pepsi Co, Home Depot, N.C.I.S., and many more...