Modifying Voiceover Scripts for Better Flow

A solid voiceover script is the key to success for your podcast or your radio and television commercials. Writing voiceover scripts that are compelling and persuasive is very different from writing print ads and small blurbs that appear on online advertisements.

Peter Drew, a veteran voiceover artist who is involved in Internet and radio productions, emphasizes the idea of 'writing for the ear, not the eye.' This idea requires one to write brief and straight to the point messages, the kind that we use in conversations. This style may seem very strange for anyone who has written ad copies but developing this style will allow one to create effective and convincing voiceovers.

Listed here are some techniques you can immediately apply to improve your voiceover copies and get results out of them.

1. Make sure everything is in the active voice. Voiceovers need to take place in the present time, as if they were a real conversation. Make sure the whole script is written in the active voice so that the audience can identify with the messages easily.

2. Use a windscreen to protect the mic. If your voiceover script contains a lot of words that begin with the letters 'P', 'B' and 'T', the talent may have difficulty reading the sentence without distorting it. A windscreen can help eliminate this problem and help them deliver a more smooth-sounding sentence.

3. Highlight inflections or nuances in your copy. Marking up significant words or phrases in your script will help an artist understand and convey the subtleties of your message. You need to read out aloud the script first then identify significant words or phrases that needs to be stressed. Then you can either underline, italicize, or mark those important words and phrases in your script.

4. Write down phone numbers in word form. Numbers are also words that would need to be read. Spell each number so that you can detect if there are any blockages to your script's overall impact. Be prepare to edit your script if any part sounds inappropriate.

5. Get the listener's attention in the first line. Make sure your headline is an attention-grabbing intro to your voiceover script. Ideally, this introduction is under 10 words in length and contains at least one unique statement or key point.

Since a narrator will be delivering the copy, the writer of the script will need to account for breathing and the overall tone and personality of the voiceover artists. Once you have selected your voice over talent for an upcoming promotion, you may need to tweak the script slightly so that it flows with the talent's strongest skills and abilities. Make sure you're developing a strong and persuasive script using these guidelines, and give the voiceover talent plenty of time to practice so that you can modify your script as needed.

Author Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Actor from Minneapolis, Minnesota and Has Been Providing the Voice Talent for Hundreds of Projects and Advertisements Since'91.

Recording Professional Voiceovers

6 Reasons Marketers Should Consider Professional Voice Over Talent

Those working in the realm of marketing are more than likely aware that a multimedia elements can prove valuable additions to just about any campaign. Though the audio/visual approach to marketing was honed on more traditional media such as television, the advent of the Internet has left us with even greater opportunities, including but certainly not limited to webinars, podcasts, and YouTube videos.

With all of these avenues for the creation of memorable campaigns, savvy marketers will quickly realize that, although compelling visuals are certainly important, you will also want to put some thought into other crucial ways of reaching your audience, including powerful slogans and audio components.

Hiring a voice over artist will help you create a compelling and high-impact segment for your target market. No matter what type of advertising method you choose, any audio segments need to be developed with voice over talent; here are six reasons why:

1. Voice overs can enhance your brand. Voice overs help to enhance your company's brand image and set your message apart from the rest. Consumers today are bombarded with advertising messages in print and online, and voice overs help to deliver your message in a unique way.

2. A high-quality voice over shows professionalism. When you're speaking to a large potential audience, you're going to want to ensure that you're expressing your message in a manner that makes you look good. The right voice over talent will make your marketing seem polished and professional, and this will reflect on your organization as a whole.

3. To set you apart from others in your field. In the competitive markets of today, a new brand must innovate in order to reach the right audience, and you as a marketer must come up with memorable strategies to increase the brand's visibility - a high-quality voice over is a great start.

4. Voice overs help to create a high-impact message. While print and web-based media are some of the most sought-after advertising mediums available, voice overs can complement and enhance your marketing strategy. Podcasting, audio presentations, and even online commercials all require some form of narration; you can deliver your slogan or marketing message with voice overs strategically designed for high impact.

5. Voice over talent can increase website traffic. As more people turn to podcasts, webinars, and even television for entertainment and business, you can boost traffic to your website with strategically-placed messages. Audio files on websites are becoming easier to implement, and people can simply tune in as soon as they visit your page.

6. Voice overs can cost less than other forms of advertising. Both radio and podcasts can cost much less than other advertising mediums such as television and online video production. If you're working with a tight marketing budget, you can invest in quality voice overs to create the biggest impact with your marketing dollars.

Author Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Actor from Minneapolis, MN and Has Provided the Voice Talent for Dozens of Projects and Advertisements Since 1991.

Understanding Voice Over Jargon

Voice overs are quickly becoming one of the most important elements of any marketing strategy and advertising campaign, and are a valuable way to persuade your target market consistently, and effectively. By adding a human element to your marketing messages, you can encourage people to pay attention, boost sales, and most importantly, create a positive brand connection with all customers.

Those who are considering using voice actors in their marketing projects would do well to learn a few key terms and definitions  that are commonly used to talk about the voice over field. 

Audition Tapes:  Prospective voice actors and actresses will submit their audition tapes as they apply for the job.  In addition to allowing you to judge the abilities of each actor, these tapes also can be kept on hand to help you keep track of the numerous applicants you will be interviewing.

Demo Tapes:  Demo tapes are also part of the interview and audition process, and can be recorded in your own studio, or completed by the voice over talent. These tapes will be a recording of the sample scripts you provide as part of the interview. 

Recording Studio:  This is where all recording of audition tapes, demo tapes, and other related material takes place. You can rent a recording studio for your project, or request your voice over talent to make their own tapes at their recording studio and submit them accordingly.

ISDN Voiceover:  Professional voice over talent will record most of their work in a home studio that makes use of ISDN technology. These recordings are sharper and more fine-tuned than the average recording studio.

Commercial Voice Overs:  Intended to push a service or product, commercial voice over scripts take a direct sales approach. With the right actor or actress, a commercial voice over can make your campaign much more effective and memorable.

Narrative Voice Overs:  These often accompany a film, video, or story and are scripted to entertain and inform, rather than sell. However, you may require a narrative voice for a portion of a commercial or sales segment.

Impressions:  A voice actor or actress who can impersonate a famous voice can add an extra layer of humor to your ad campaign, and advertisements including impressions never fail to capture the attention of an audience. This is an easy way to make your product or service stand out from the pack.

Performers' Unions:  Unions such as the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and the Screen Artists Guild, in addition to advocating for the rights of their members and dealing with pay rate issues, provide voice actors and actresses valuable  opportunities to grow and develop their skills.

Actors:  The voice industry is full of actors and actresses with a knack for drama, who entered the field because of its unique nature and potential profitability.  The voices provided by professional talent can help give your marketing a human flavor.

Familiarity with these key concepts and the associated terminology will help you immensely in your dealing with professionals in the voice over business.  If you approach interviewing talent from an organized, educated perspective, you are sure to find a voice over professional who will boost the appeal of your advertising campaign.

About the Author: Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Actor from Minneapolis, MN and Has Been Providing the Voice Talent for Hundreds of Projects and Advertisements Since 1991.

Key Traits Of Great Voice Over Talent

If you're reading this article, it's likely that you have already made the decision to hire a professional voice actor or actress for your marketing project - congratulations!  A voice over professional can add a lot to just about any project. After this decision, however, comes perhaps the most difficult yet essential part of the process: interviewing. Those who have not done extensive work involving voice over may be wondering what exactly it is that sets truly great voice actors and actresses apart from the rest of the pack.

1.He or she has  a believable voice.  Though there is certainly a place for exaggerated narration in the style of an announcer or newscaster, you're generally going to want an actor or actress who can perform naturally in a wide range of vocal styles.

2.A good sense of pitch.  Beautiful voices don't happen by accident - they are cultivated with much practice. Many of the best voice actors are also accomplished singers, and this is because both disciplines require a studied grasp of pitch and tone.

3.He or she is willing to provide you with high quality examples of his or her work. When interviewing voice over talent, it's essential that you obtain a demo tape from each of your prospects.  In addition to granting you insight into the quality of a candidate's work, this will help you keep your prospects straight after you're done interviewing.

4.Versatility.  This is fairly self-explanatory; a truly skilled voice over professional will have the skill and talent necessary to perform well in a wide variety of dissimilar projects.  Whether authoritatively reading off facts and figures, or attempting to make listeners laugh, a true professional will shine.

5.A good sense of tempo.  Another 'musical' element of voice over work is that of tempo, or pacing; you should look for a voice actor or actress whose speech flows naturally, and who has an intuitive grasp of the the rhythm with which he or she must speak in order to get your message across.

6.The voice over artist has solid references.  Take the time to review references or testimonials to determine if you're working with an amateur or professional. Voice over artists who have a history of quality projects, working with a diverse set of clients, and providing consistency with their work are strong candidates for your project.

7.He or she exhibits enthusiasm and vocal stamina.  At times, recording a voice is no picnic; lines will likely need to be repeated over and over to get the exact right take.  Be sure to pick a candidate that will maintain a good attitude and a strong voice under these conditions.

Interviewing potential voice talent may, at times, feel tedious, but in reality it is a key factor in the success of your project.  If you can find a voice actor or actress with all of the aforementioned traits during the interview process, you will save yourself a lot of time and trouble down the road.

Author Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Artist from Minneapolis, MN and Has Provided the Voice Talent for Hundreds of Companies and Agencies Since 1991.