You have a corporate video, an ad or a training course that needs a voice-over. You have your script. But what else should you send the narrator? (Because yes, you’re dealing directly with me, since I have my own home studio. That means you get to work directly with me, with no one else in between.) 😉

It’s fairly simple: the project context, your target audience, the tone you’re looking for, any specific pronunciations, your deadline and the files you need.

You don’t need to put together a twenty-page production brief. The idea is to give me what I need to understand your project and how you want to speak to your listener.

Here’s what can help us get off to a good start.

First, the script to be recorded

Ideally, send me the final version of your script. That means a version approved by everyone on your team who needs to sign off on it.

Because if the script changes after the recording, the affected passages will need to be recorded again. It’s worth avoiding that back-and-forth when we can.

If your document includes stage directions, descriptions of visuals or editing notes, make sure they’re clearly separated from the text to be read. I need to be able to identify easily what belongs in the narration.

And if your script isn’t finished yet, you can still contact me to discuss the project or request a quote. Just let me know it’s a working draft.

Do you have a specific running time to meet? Mention that too. For a 30-second ad, for example, the script needs to fit that time while remaining clear and pleasant to listen to.

There’s only so much you can do by reading faster. Sometimes, a few fewer words can make the message much easier to communicate.

Who are we speaking to?

This may seem obvious to you because you know your project. But I need to know it too.

Are we speaking to your employees? Potential customers? Specialists who already know your industry? People discovering your product for the first time?

The way the message is delivered will adapt to the person listening.

The same goes for the goal. Do you want to explain a procedure, introduce a service, reassure someone or make them want to try something?

Here’s an example:

“This video introduces our software to human resources managers. We want to show them how it can simplify their day-to-day work, without getting into the technical details.”

Those few lines already give me a much better idea of who I’m speaking to and what we want them to understand.

What tone are you looking for?

You can tell me you’d like a warm, professional, energetic or reassuring voice. That’s a good start.

But what helps even more is explaining what that means for your project.

For example:

“We want it to sound like an experienced colleague explaining something simply. Someone friendly, someone we trust.”

You can also send me a reference video or choose a clip from my demos. Tell me what you like about it: the pace, the energy, the natural delivery, the connection with the listener.

You don’t need to know the industry terminology. Tell me what you’re looking for in your own words.

Pronunciations worth clarifying

Your company’s name may seem obvious to you. But someone seeing it for the first time might pronounce it differently.

The same applies to product names, acronyms, technical terms or words borrowed from another language.

If a word could cause confusion, flag it. You can even send me a short recording made on your phone so I can hear the correct pronunciation.

For an acronym, let me know whether it should be read as a word or spelled out letter by letter.

These small details are easy to clarify before recording. And that saves us from having to correct them afterwards.

When do you need the recording?

Let me know your deadline and, if it matters, what time you’d like to receive the files. If we’re in different time zones, specify that as well.

Think about the time your team will need after delivery.

If your video is going live on Friday, your editor will probably need the narration before Friday to add it to the video, adjust the edit and get the result approved.

So it’s the date when you need to receive the voice-over that helps us plan the work properly.

What does your team need to receive?

A single audio file? One file per slide? Separate segments for each module of your training course?

Mention it from the outset.

If your editor needs a specific format or a particular way of naming the files, send me those instructions. That way, the delivery can be prepared to fit your workflow.

And if the voice-over needs to follow a video that’s already been edited, send me that video with useful timing cues so I know where the passages need to start and end.

Not sure which format to ask for? Just tell me. We can work that out together.

A short template to help you prepare your request

You can copy the following items into your email and fill in the ones that apply to your project:

  • The project:
  • Who the message is for:
  • What we want the listener to understand or do:
  • Is the attached script final:
  • The tone you’re looking for:
  • A reference or demo you like:
  • Pronunciations to clarify:
  • Required running time, if applicable:
  • When you’d like to receive the recording:
  • The files you need:
  • Where and how the voice-over will be used:

This isn’t a mandatory questionnaire. It’s a checklist to make preparation easier for you.

Don’t have all the answers yet?

You can still tell me about your project.

You know your business, your product and your customers. On my side, I can help you work out how to get your message across through voice.

A conversation, a reference or, if needed, a short sample recording can help us find the right direction.

And since you’re working directly with me, your instructions reach the person who will interpret your script, record it and prepare your files.

Send me your script or tell me about your project.

I look forward to working with you!

Yves Amyot
StudioYvesAmyot.com — Your voice at your service.