A script can look simple on the page.
But before I record it, I want to understand what’s happening underneath the words.
Look at the Big Picture
What is happening in the scene?
Who is in it?
What is the intention behind the words?
A commercial, documentary, training video, and video-game character can all use completely different approaches even if the sentences are similar.
Check out my character and video games page to hear how differently those approaches can sound.
Know What Matters
Not every word deserves equal emphasis.
I look for the ideas the listener actually needs to understand.
If everything is emphasized, nothing is.
Punctuation Isn’t the Whole Story
Commas and periods can help, but conversational speech doesn’t always follow punctuation literally.
Follow the thought and read through the punctuation.
Where would a person naturally pause? What word carries the meaning? What would change if the sentence were spoken to one specific person?
Find the Conversation
Even when I’m recording narration, I try to imagine that I’m talking to someone.
My wife, my parents, my best friend, a random stranger. The way I talk to each of them are different. Pick a person, and talk to them using the script.
That keeps the read from becoming a recitation.
Check out my blog on how to take direction as a voice actor for more on adjusting your interpretation based on notes.
Read Ahead
Knowing what’s coming can affect how I deliver what’s happening now.
A line may carry more weight because of what follows it.
Understanding the full passage helps make better choices.
Let the Words Disappear
The best take doesn’t sound like someone reading.
It sounds like someone just…talking.
That’s what I’m aiming for every time I step up to the microphone.
Try this exercise
Don’t read ahead. Go line by line.
Record yourself saying this line. You’re excited about this new product and can’t wait to tell your friends about it.
“And try new Butterfinger Ice Cream Bars”
Now, for this next take, pick something you’re passionate about and describe what it is or how it works. Do this like you would with your best friend.
Just do a couple of sentences.
After you do that, immediately go into “And try new Butterfinger Ice Cream Bars”.
Listen back to both takes.
Do you hear the difference?
Try it again like you’re talking to your partner because the director wants a more intimate, sultry read (for variety). So maybe you’re lying next to each other and you’re inches away.
These differences can change the intention and the entire feel of the commercial.
Practice this exercise and let it become one of the tools you can pull out to your toolbox to crush the audition and book the gig!
