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question:  Articulation...do I need to speak perfectly?

answer:

Mumbling. It's common in natural conversation. In fact, some words only sound natural WHEN slurred, such as, "Ya' know." Therefore, slurring is sometimes preferred in voice-over copy. In this article, you'll learn when to mumble, where not to mumble, and how to control it.

Every natural conversation has a differently accepted, colloquial way of speaking - and because of it, we sound credible. In other words, depending upon the type of natural conversational, we adjust our colloquial way of speaking - sometimes we speak formally (enunciate words clearly) - and other times we speak informally (mumble).

The voice-over artist's job is to determine how formally or informally the script should be pronounced, and then deliver the script accordingly. If any words are over-enunciated or too mumbled, the listener will find the recording unlikable.

So pronounce words as they are spoken in genuine conversation, and then tailor the sound to match the formality of the script.

For example, the word "mountain" is pronounced without the "t" in most forms of standard English. Certain regionalisms, however, pronounce the "t," such as in Midwest and British English. Therefore, both pronunciations of "mountain" are colloquially correct.

So how do you know when, or which way to pronounce it? Well, if you're reading an informal commercial, such as:

"Up here in the mountains, we love Coors Beer." the "t" should not be pronounced.

Yet if reading a formal documentary, such as:

"The Clifford Mountain range stands over 4,700 feet high." then the "t' should be pronounced.


So now comes the difficult part - controlling your voice. And the most difficult part is finding the 'fine-line' between mumbling and over-articulating without sounding affected.

In other words, when people concentrate on articulation more than they do in natural speech, they often sound affected, constricted, and too deliberate - and that is a turn-off to producers.

It's easy to learn how to control your articulation correctly for voice over. To begin, listen carefully to professional voice-overs - take note when they're mumbling (it's difficult to notice, as this sounds natural and therefore doesn't stand out). Also take note when they're articulating clearly, without sounding affected.

Then, practice articulation exercises. Practice reading aloud, while simultaneously feeling your mouth form the sounds that you're speaking. In other words, physically feel your mouth make the different sounds of each word. At first, you'll sound affected - but given a little practice, you'll be able to do this reflexively - and then it will sound conversational.

Begin with formal scripts, such as:

In this AT&T new employee training video, we'll discuss the Technical Service Center, and how advanced technology provides quality service. Our patented, highly sophisticated EXPERT System is an application of artificial intelligence that can diagnose troubles and recommend solutions, based on historical maintenance data. This set of software programs can identify a problem and, whenever possible, remotely clear the alarm. If dispatch of a technician is required, all the information from the EXPERT System is available, so that the right technician with the right training and the right parts is dispatched. The trouble can then be repaired on the first visit, minimizing any disruption to your system.

Then move to difficult tongue twisters:

Which wrist watches are Swiss wrist watches.

In summary, your goal is to be able to read colloquially or formally on command without sounding affected.

Good luck!

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