Tips for Voice Over Artists
Do voice over artists have to stick to the script? Lisa B. Marshall, The Public Speaker, explains when to stick to the script, and when it’s OK to edit.
Lisa B. Marshall
I recently received a voice message from John Raymond, a professional voice over artist with a terrific voice.
To paraphrase, John asked me:
I started my career in broadcasting and as such, worked very hard to gain a conversational tone and lose the announcer elements. Do you have tips for voice over talent who encounter very poorly written scripts? Are we allowed to take license, shorten sentences, use contractions, etc.?
This is a great question, John!
From my experience, each individual client will dictate whether the script should be read as is or whether editing is welcomed or expected.
Here are 3 tips to help when dealing with clients:
Tip #1:
Consider creating a document for your clients that explains how writing for voice is different from writing for reading. Provide general tips that make reading easier, and give this to each client you work with.
Hint, hint…I wrote something like that.
It was a podcast called How to Sound Conversational. You can steer your clients there!
Tip #2:
Decide whether you will offer script editing as part of your standard services or as an additional service. While having the permission to edit sounds great, it could end up being more time consuming than you expect.
Tip #3:
Make this a standard question you ask each potential client. Be specific in your request. For example: Will I be reading the script exactly as is, or are edits allowed? What types of changes are allowed? Can I shorten a sentence? Use contractions? Change the wording?
Even if you are asked to read the script exactly as is, I recommend bringing typos and glaring errors to your client’s attention. Examples that come to mind might be a missing word or misuse of a word in a sentence.
For anyone who does voice overs for a living, you might also be interested in The Public Speaker podcast episode, “Do You Have a Radio Voice?”
Let me know what you’ve decided to do in the comments below, or let me know via Facebook or email.
Woman Reading a Script image via Shutterstock.
About the Author
Lisa B. Marshall Lisa holds masters with duel degrees in interpersonal/intercultural communication and organizational communication. She’s the author of Smart Talk: The Public Speaker’s Guide to Success in Every Situation, as well as Ace Your Interview, Powerful Presenter, and Expert Presenter. Her work has been featured in CBS Money Watch, Ragan.com, Woman’s Day, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and many others. Her institutional clients include Johns Hopkins Medicine, Harvard University, NY Academy of Science, University of Pennsylvania, Genentech, and Roche.