How to Write Effective Audio Descriptions

Audio description (AD) provides spoken narration of key visual elements in media, making it accessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision. AD enhances media consumption by providing detailed descriptions of visual information, such as actions, facial expressions, and scene changes, that are otherwise inaccessible through sound alone.

In this article, I'll cover the technical steps involved in writing audio descriptions, focusing on the structure, timing, and content selection to ensure seamless integration with the media.

What Is Audio Description?

Audio description (AD) involves the creation of verbal explanations of visual content for use in media like films, television, and live performances. It’s carefully synchronized with the media’s dialogue, sound effects, and music, occupying gaps in the audio to describe non-verbal elements. These descriptions must convey critical visual details without interrupting or conflicting with existing audio, allowing users to build a mental image of what’s happening on-screen.

For example, in a scene where a character silently looks out of a window, an AD might say, "She gazes out the window, watching the leaves sway in the wind."

How to Write Audio Descriptions: A Step-by-Step Guide

Analyze Visual Content Without Audio

Begin by analyzing the media without sound to identify visual details that contribute to the story or context. Focus on significant movements, body language, scene changes, and expressions that are essential to understanding the plot or character emotions.

Example: If a character is silently typing on a computer before a power outage, the typing and the sudden black screen are critical moments that must be described.

Prioritize Key Visual Information

Not every visual element needs to be described. The challenge is to determine which visuals are most critical to understanding the scene. Focus on actions, character interactions, and objects that drive the plot forward or convey important information.

Example: "He grabs a briefcase and rushes out the door" conveys action and urgency, whereas minor background details, like the color of the carpet, are often irrelevant unless they serve a purpose in the plot.

Use Precise and Economical Language

Audio descriptions must be concise to fit within natural pauses in the media’s audio. Clear, direct language is essential for relaying necessary information without clutter. Avoid adding unnecessary adjectives or embellishments unless they enhance the understanding of the scene.

Example: Instead of, "She cautiously and slowly steps through the door, her eyes darting around the room," a more streamlined description would be, "She steps through the door, scanning the room."

Anticipate Actions When Possible

Wherever possible, describe actions before they occur. This helps listeners keep pace with the unfolding visuals, ensuring that they are aware of critical events before they happen, rather than after the fact.

Example: Instead of saying, "He turns and throws the ball," it’s better to describe it preemptively: "He winds up and throws the ball."

Synchronize Descriptions with Pauses in Dialogue

One of the most technical aspects of audio description is timing. You need to place descriptions in gaps between spoken dialogue, sound effects, or musical cues. This ensures the description does not overlap with key audio content. The timing should be seamless and feel natural.

Example: In a conversation-heavy scene, a brief pause may only allow for a quick description such as, "She frowns," while in quieter moments, longer actions can be described in detail.

Maintain Objectivity

Audio description should remain objective, focusing on what is seen rather than interpreting or adding subjective views about what characters are feeling or thinking. It’s up to the audience to infer emotions or motivations based on the provided visual details.

Example: Rather than, "She looks furious," describe what conveys that: "Her eyebrows lower, and she clenches her fists."

Incorporate On-Screen Text and Symbols

On-screen text, symbols, or other visual cues need to be described clearly and efficiently. This could include anything from signs and subtitles to interface elements that appear in software or video games.

Example: "The screen displays: 'Unauthorized Access' in red text."

Adapt to the Tone and Style of the Media

The tone of the audio description should match the overall style of the media. For fast-paced, action-heavy content, the descriptions should be quick and energetic, while slower, dramatic scenes may allow for more detailed and thoughtful descriptions.

Example: For a comedy scene: "She slips on a banana peel and crashes to the ground," uses light language, while for a suspense scene: "She steps carefully through the dark hallway, her breath quickening," sets a tense mood.

Review, Refine, and Time the Description

After writing the descriptions, review them with the media’s audio to fine-tune the timing. Make sure each description fits within the available audio gaps and aligns smoothly with the narrative flow.

Audio Description Examples

Example 1: Action Scene

Visual: A car speeds down a winding road, skidding around tight corners as rain pours.

Audio Description: "The car speeds around sharp turns, tires screeching on the wet road."

Example 2: Text On-Screen

Visual: A character types a message on a computer that reads: 'Meet me at midnight.'

Audio Description: "The screen shows: 'Meet me at midnight.'"

Example 3: Facial Expressions

Visual: A man frowns slightly as he reads a letter, his brows furrowing.

Audio Description: "He frowns, his eyebrows furrowing as he reads the letter."

Example 4: Full Scene

Visual: A woman, Sarah, sitting alone at a dimly lit table in a small coffee shop. She fidgets with her coffee cup, glancing around nervously. Through the large window, we see a man, John, approach the entrance with an umbrella, shaking off the rain before entering. He steps inside, scans the room, and spots Sarah. They exchange a brief smile. John walks over, sits across from her, and they sit in awkward silence for a few seconds before John speaks.

Audio Description:

[Background noise: soft café ambiance, light rain falling outside]

Visual: A dimly lit coffee shop. Sarah, a woman in her mid-thirties with shoulder-length brown hair, sits alone at a small table by the window. She fidgets with a coffee cup, glancing around nervously.

Audio Description: "Sarah sits at a small table by the window, fidgeting with her coffee cup. She glances around, her eyes darting nervously."

Visual: Outside the window, rain falls steadily. A man, John, approaches the café entrance, holding an umbrella.

Audio Description: "Outside, rain falls. John, a tall man with dark hair, walks toward the café, holding an umbrella."

Visual: John shakes off the rain from the umbrella and steps inside the café. He pauses, scanning the room, and notices Sarah. They share a brief smile.

Audio Description: "John shakes off the rain and steps inside. He spots Sarah. They exchange a brief smile."

Visual: John walks over to Sarah’s table and sits down across from her. They both sit in silence, looking at each other for a moment.

Audio Description: "John walks to her table and sits down across from her. They sit in silence, eyes meeting briefly."

Conclusion

Writing audio descriptions involves not only capturing visual content but doing so in a way that maintains the pace and flow of the original media. By focusing on critical visual elements, using clear and concise language, and timing descriptions effectively, you can create accessible media that enhances the viewing experience for individuals who rely on audio cues. Audio description is a technical yet creative process, ensuring that all audiences can engage with visual media equally and meaningfully.