If you have never done a voiceover/narration before or even if you have, you will find this useful.

I have worked in Voice Over work for the past 4 years as an engineer and as a voice director and even the professionals can find certain scripts difficult. I am going to share with you how I have helped artists in the passed, both professionals and new artists, how to get that VO nailed.

planning

Write a script. You don’t necessarily have to stick to it word for word but the better the script the easier it will be. You don’t want to be having to think about what to say and how you are saying it at the same time. This will take away from the performance. This is crucial. If you don’t do this you WILL cause yourself more work later on. Once you have he script read it several times to familiarise yourself with the content then read it aloud to get your lips accustomed to the shape of the words. This may sound silly but it does help.

Think of the style and discourse of the script. We have all watched documentaries and narrated stories before so take stock of what people are doing and have done in the past.

Break it down. If your script is a minute long don’t try and do the whole minute in one go. Break it down into manageable sections. Paragraphs are usually the benchmark but if you have a particularly long paragraph then find a point where you can take a breath.

Execution - recording it

Breathe, Learn how to breathe. If you have read your script you will have found the obvious places to take a breath. At these points take your time in breathing, take a few breaths if necessary. Remember you can cut out long pauses. There are 3 parts to a breath. Inhale, hold for half a second then continue with the VO. The pause is so that you don’t have to deal with sharp inhale sounds when you cut the VO together.

Water, make sure you have a glass of water with you. Your mouth can get very dry especially if you are having to do lots of takes.

Skip and come back, If you find you are having to retake a section for the 4th time stop. Skip the section and come back to it later. If you haven't got it in the 3rd take your brain starts to fumble it. So skip it and come back later.

Emotions, If you are doing an upbeat VO - SMILE! If you physically smile you will change the sound of your voice dramatically. Smiling changes the shape of your mouth thus changing the sound emitted. It will sound 10 times better. Remember keep smiling. This only really applies to upbeat VO's.

MIC, If you are using a good mic then get really close to it. The closer you get the warmer the sound you will get. Use a pop shield. If you don’tspan lang="en-gb"> have one you can make one by pulling a pair of lady's stockings over a wire coat hanger or wrap a sheet of toilet paper over the head of the mic.

Now go make that killer VO.

About Mark: Mark's been editing for for as long as he can remember (well, since 2000). He's set up and run Another Showreel for Another Group, a small well connected London company. He's currently their in-house editor and tech guru! As a freelance, he's had the opportunity to work with many diverse clients and is currently collaborating with his brother to launch an independany company Mediachill.

	Raj - November 25, 05 Good simple advice, written in a clear and informative style, easy to read and digest and not too heavy. Nice job
	paragliding - November 27, 05 Excellent advice. I will try to follow it.
	Mihai - February 23, 06 Well done! All the basic tips put in an easy to digest article. I'm sure readers love it. Use more of your expertise and these efficient writing skills.

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