voiceover instruction
f.a.q.
There are lots
of factors that go into guiding your voiceover talent to get the delivery
you want. The best thing to do is usually to let him or her "go
for it." Chances are, they've read something very similar to your
track before, since they do
hundreds of spots and shows every month.
There are, however,
several basic things your VO talent will need to know,
in order to do the track properly.
1.
Pronunciation
Probably the most important item is pronunciation. Take a GOOD look
at your copy...there are many words and phrases that may be very familiar
to you in your part of the country, but will not be apparent to the
talent. For instance, did you know that Natchitoches is pronounced "KNACK
a-dish?" Me, neither! Check for names, places, anything that might
be misconstrued, and be sure to include CAP-i-tal letters to denote
syllable EMphasis.
2.
Word Count
The next thing to think about is word count. A calm, understandable
read will have no more than about 2.5 words per second. Hard sell, pedal-to-the-metal
reads could have as many as 3.5 words per second, but that's pushing
it. You can't pack 115 words into 30 seconds and expect a warm, relaxed
read. When you time the copy to see if it reads in 30 seconds, actually
read it aloud. Reading in your head will make you think it can be read
faster than it actually can. For long-form reads, figure 150 words per
minute for a basic, instructional read.
3.
Style of Read
Chances are, "regular guy" is what you're looking for,
or you wouldn't have come this far. But if you want a character voice
(old guy, farmer, NYC construction worker, etc.), soft-sell (warm, friendly,
compassionate, understanding), corporate (authoritative, strong, confident)
or hard-sell (SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY), let me know, and I'll give you
what you need. Don't be afraid to be specific...the more specific you
are, the better chance that you'll have exactly what you need when you
play back the file!
4.
Telephone Consultation
Because I'm almost always in the studio or on location, I generally
am not available for telephone consultation. I've found that in almost
all cases, if you'll write what you want in the boxes provided, I'll
give you what you want and need. My clients love this about me, and
this helps keep my prices among the lowest on the Web.
Thanks for understanding.
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