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question:  Script-reading...how can I impress producer?

answer:

Read a script professional and you will. To determine what professional is, consider what type of delivery the audience will desire.

Following are various recording situations, and suitable ways to read for them. The objective is to raise your awareness of what producers, as well as the listener, will require.

PLEASE NOTE - there are many, MANY ways each and every script can be delivered...and it is up to the producer (not you) to inform you. What follows are ONLY some thoughts and ideas... DO NOT rely on these. Instead follow the producer's direction.

* * * VOICE-PROMPT SYSTEM

("press 1 for this, press 2 for that", etc)

When choosing a tempo for a voice-prompt system, the pace should be conversational - even though the natural instinct is to use a slow and drawn-out pace. This is because the users want to navigate themselves through the system as quickly as possible - as opposed to hearing a long set of tedious voice-prompts. Make sure not to read too quickly, or the users will not be able to understand the prompts.

Another tempo consideration is whether the client (the company paying for the recording) or the user will pay for the service. And if it is the user, another consideration is whether they pay one set fee, or a fee based upon the amount of time that they use the system.

For example, if the client is paying for the system (such as "obtaining a bank balance" from a bank, or "purchasing a product" from a catalogue company), then the client is paying for each minute of that telephone call. Therefore, the quicker the information is delivered, the less they pay.

Conversely, if the user is paying for the system (such as "software technical help" services), then it may be advantageous for the pace to be slower, so that the client receives greater income. This will not be the case if the user pays one set fee for the service (such as a user who has paid for a year's worth of "software technical help").

Next, to figure out how articulated the recording should be, consider what percentage of users are not fluent in the recorded language. For example, if many international users will use the system, the delivery must be articulated more clearly, so that the information is clear. However, users which speak the recorded language will typically be turned of by a voice which is over-articulated.

Then, when establishing the amount of enthusiasm to employ, take into account how long the user will hear the recording. A rule of thumb is: the longer the user will listen, the more enthusiasm there must be. For example, if recording a short prompt, such as, "For sales, press one...for an operator, press two...etc" the delivery can be somewhat plain. Yet if recording a long prompt, such as, "While you're on hold, we'd like to tell you about...", then the delivery should be more enthusiastic.

Also, for deciding on an enthusiasm level, consider how often the user will use the system. If the user will use it frequently (such as a "voice-mail retrieval" system, or a "stock quote update" system), a somewhat plain delivery is appropriate. This is because the user will eventually become bored of hearing the same "sing-songy" recording repeatedly. However, if the user will use it infrequently, a more animated recording may be appropriate to keep their attention.

When deciding how formal to make the delivery, a somewhat informal style is preferred, although the natural instinct is to read formally. The reason for this is that users are generally turned off by non-conversational tones, as they do not appear credible.

Finally, when considering how formal to deliver the script, take into account if the system will be used primarily for entertainment (as in "daily horoscope" or "movie reviews"), or simply for informational purposes (such as "obtaining a banking balance" or "purchasing an airline seat"). When recording for entertainment, the delivery should be more relaxed and casual - with a bit of smile in your voice. Yet for an informative recording, the delivery should be more formal.

* * * AIRLINE VIDEO

("Thank you for flying American Airlines.", "Exits are located...", "Your seat acts as a flotation device...", "Movies can be heard on channel...", etc).

When recording the narration for an airline video, a conversational, friendly, comforting, and informative tone is required. Basically, use a tone as if you were speaking to an passenger face-to-face.

To demonstrate this point, pretend that you are an airline passenger - and now think what type of voice would you prefer to listen to. In this situation, you probably would prefer a friendly and conversational one...not an announcement being lectured at you in a strong tone of voice.

And while the many international passengers will require a clearly articulated delivery, an overly articulated voice will turn off all the passengers, since it is unnatural.

Also, while a non-animated delivery seems logical, it will only bore the passengers. Instead, a more enthusiastic voice is required, to hold the attention of the passengers. However, too much enthusiasm will turn off the passengers, as it may be viewed as over-the-top (and unnatural). This is especially true for passengers who fly often, and hear the recordings on a regular basis.

An educative approach also seems necessary, seeing that the passengers need to learn a lot of information. Yet, most people respond and retain information better when given in a friendly and natural tone (as they may tune out a lecturing tone).

Finally, while a confident tone is necessary for passengers, if it is too confident, it will turn off passengers. Instead, use a soft, reassuring, and comforting tone, as some passengers may be nervous when flying.

* * * CHILDREN'S SCRIPTS

If recording a children's audio-book (where there are no pictures), the pace must be fairly quick, so that the child's interest is kept. Also, the delivery needs to be more animated for an audio-book, as the delivery is the only thing conveying the story's character and emotion.

When reading a picture book , use a slower pace. These books are designed to help children read - they are accompanied with an audio recording of the word and will "beep" to signal the child to turn to the next page. A slower pace will allow the child has time to see the pictures, while still following along with the words.

Finally, if recording a cartoon, the emotion must be delivered in such a way that it matches the cartoon, so that the voice-over and graphics are in sync.

Good luck!

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