Ways To Improve Your YouTube Channel Narration

If you track any topic at all on YouTube, you’ll find a broad array of quality of content – from re-posted pre-produced slick network shows to fare that’s most typical of that channel; someone “smithing” together a montage of film clips and still photos using a consumer-level editing program, and then adding the narration track themselves, with whatever audio interface is available to them (typically recording it on their phone.)

Personally (despite being a pro voice talent myself) – I have no objection to amateur filmmakers or narrators engaging in a pet project of producing a short on a topic they care about and voicing it themselves. And I turn to these videos a lot: my knitting game has improved because there’s no shortage of homemade how-to videos, guiding you through complex moves which used to involve a trip to the knitting store for one-on-one instruction. The dark science of how to merge Spotify playlists has been quickly hacked with the watching of a YouTube tutorial, and the number of times I’ve turned to amateur YouTube videos while encountering a cooking snag or a recipe clarification – countless.

The problem for me – and where I disengage pretty fast from a video – is when it’s voiced by someone who is just reading. Reading the words off the page. Trying to say everything correctly – but just going through the mechanical act of getting the written words into spoken form and giving little thought as to the actual content of what’s being said. Without really comprehending what they’re saying, and certainly not conveying their passion or interest in the topic.

You’re producing videos on – for example -- urban legends, Hollywood homicide mysteries, extra-terrestrials, or what ever happened to the original Sinclair Dino World sculptures because you’re interested in that topic, correct?

Then why don’t you sound like it?

It’s the mechanical, lifeless, and inflection-free narration on these videos that absolutely kills me. They would be so much more engaging for the audience if you, too, were engaged with the topic. So here’s my checklist for producers of YouTube content to make the most compelling, interesting video you can.

Remember Why You’re There.

You have a passion and an interest in this topic, otherwise, you wouldn’t have gone to the measures of producing content to educate others on it. Yes, it’s important that your topic is well researched. It’s also important to have everything mapped out and structured to give it some form and flow. And yes, it’s critical to follow a script rather than free—form it. But in my estimation, it’s most important to convey your personal interest and passion. If you’re engaged, we will be too. If you’re not – and you’re merely reading words – we’ll drop off.

Comprehend What You’re Reading.

It sounds obvious, but it’s essential that you understand the impact of what you’re saying. This is something that even seasoned voiceover talent are guilty of: just reading the words skillfully and on time – but not giving the words the “weight” they deserve. In conversation, we know – on the fly – which words need to be emphasized and “set forward” – either by slowing down before you say the significant word in order to highlight it, slowing down as you say it, or even slightly boosting the volume on that word. Sometimes when we have a script in front of us, we lose the meaning and comprehension of the words. Really think about the words you’re saying and give them the appropriate depth they need. Deliberately look for words you can “exploit” – words that are juicy, filled with significance, and which propel your narrative forwards.

Don’t Be Afraid to Render an Opinion or be Transparent About Your Views.

Out of neutrality and a desire to have your videos garner the biggest audience possible, some users are hesitant to attach an opinion or a viewpoint to their content. To my ear, nothing is more sympathetic or engaging than hearing someone say -- from the heart – how personally moved or attached they are to the topic of the video. Make your perspective known. Don’t be afraid to convey how you personally are impacted by the topic. And don’t ever shy away from projecting a strong viewpoint or personality.

What will set your videos apart from others in the same genre is if you take the time to remember why you’re covering that material, ensure that you are connecting with and honoring the words, and that you are not afraid or hesitant to convey you own personal connection with the material.

Allison Smith is a professional voice talent specializing in voicing telephone platforms. theivrvoice.com, Voicegal Inc.