1. Jan Anderson
Voice Talent
Pamela Lorence
AudioProducer/Voice Talent
World-Voices Organization
world-voices.org
Voice-Over Recording and Technique: How to Get Professional-Sounding Voice-Overs for Your Programs

2. Learning objectives
Why sound matters
Scripting for the EAR
How to determine the voice you want
How to find/cast your narrator
What to expect from a pro
How to team up for maximum results

5. Just Reads

7. Not Engaged With The Learner Bad Sound
Potential Problems
Monotone
Too Sing-song
Too Robotic
Not Telling A Story
Not Engaged With The Learner
Bad Sound
It Can Detract From The Visuals Content, And Learning!

8. Voice Elements
TONE
PITCH
TEMPO
VOLUME
Tone
Pitch
Tempo
Volume

9. Choices
No Voice
Text-to-Speech
Train in-house narrator
Hire a pro

10. Before

11. After

12. Scripting for the ear

13. Scripting
Every script is a conversation…
With whom?
Who can connect with your learners?

14. Script Accompanies Visuals – It Doesn’t Repeat It

15. Degree Of Formality
1 ….to …..10

16. In the Past…

17. Now…

18. Client/Potential client/Engineer there in person
Self-directed (and edited) auditions and sessions
Client there virtually – Skype, ISDN, etc.

19. What Kind Of Voice/Delivery Do You Want?
Language
Gender
Age
Personality/Tone
Expertise
Experience
Delivery:
Pace
Emotional Tone
Formality/Smile
Technical Req.
Match Your Branding

20. Checklist Experience in VO performance Knowledge of VO Industry
Experience in e-Learning VO
Experience in YOUR eLearning area (tech? medical? Etc.)
Professional Studio (if self-directed session)
Trained Actor
Trained Editor
Available
Professional
Nice to Work With

21. Help With Casting
ROSTERS
AGENTS/CASTING PROS
RECORDING STUDIOS

22. Where Else To Find Voice Talents – Pros And Cons

23. VOICEOVER.BIZ “Better Than a Voice Over Casting Site”
Connecting Voice Actors & Talent Seekers
All Proven Pros – e-learning savvy

24. TUTORIAL VOICEOVER.BIZ

26. Portion Of Your Script
Some “Specs”
Record Date Or Deadline
Not Sure? Trust The Talent

27. Directing in Real Time

28. Some Directions: Smooth it out Smile more Smile less Sound more casual
More authority
Slow down/speed up
Hit this word instead of that one
Give me 3 in a row
Pause when words fly in
Lower/raise pitch of voice

29. Teaming Up For Self-directed Sessions

30. What to Expect from a Pro Voice Talent
Review/Prep the text    
Confirm the desired tone Set up the audio files  Record, doing multiple Edit for best takes, flow and consistency   
Clean up unwanted sounds  Final output preparation  Review recording and name files  Convert files to format of your choice and send to you 

31. What A Pro Vo Needs From You For Best Results
When do you need it?
What type of files?
File: Raw? Cleaned up with options? Or Final?
Separated or one file (separation extra)
Will there be music?
Idea of visuals
How to Name Files
How to deliver?

32. What A Pro Vo Needs From You For Best Results
Agree on Rate/how determined
Where/how used? (group vs. personal)
Learners speak native English?
Tone Desired
Timing needs?

33. Emotional Tone?
Describe
Refer to a previous job
Refer to a cut on demo or audition
Send a reference file voiced by someone else
Send a scratch track for timing, pace
Test read

34. DEMO

35. Industry speak: “station-2” i.e., e.g. Numbers -246 Contractions
Script tips
Acronyms – e.g. “TRAC”
Years preference – e.g
Slashes – incentives/programs
Website – www? Forward slash?
Po- TAY-To, Po-TAH-to
Industry speak: “station-2”
i.e., e.g.
Numbers -246
Contractions
Grammar Proofing
Emphasis

36. Script format Introduction Screen # VO Copy on screen
Comments - Suggestions 05
In this module, we will practice documenting Postpartum Notes through guided simulation training.
Narrated instructions will take you through the simulation, as you enter the notes provided on the Digital Profile Card on the upper right corner of your screen.
You must complete each step to receive instructions for the next step.
At any time, click on the “Hint” button to review the last set of instructions again.
Simulation Instructions
Narrated instructions will guide you through the simulation
A blue hand icon will indicate where to click
The “Digital Profile Card,” located in the upper right corner of the screen, displays the information you will need to type into the text box fields
Listen to each step’s instructions before performing the action
After taking each action, you may progress to the next step
Click on the HINT button to read the instructions
Click NEXT to begin
Graphics and notes to developer

37. Doing It Yourself Or In-house? Here are some TIPS
Use someone who can communicate, not just read
Make sure delivery changes, has “beats”, tells the story of the learning and brand
Record in QUIET area – no noise, echo-ey spaces,
Audio should enhance the copy, not detract from it
Make sure talent stays hydrated – mouth noise a turn-off
Edit out loud breaths, plosives, mouth clicks etc.

38. References
Other sites where you can find voice talent:  
eLearning Voice Actors
Join the eLearning Narrators, a community on Facebook of voice actors specifically interested in eLearning.

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