Well, not necessarily. In reality it’s all too easy to fall into automatic speech patterns that make us sound like text to speech apps.
I recently worked on an e-learning project with an accomplished male voice talent. He sent me his voice files so I could match mine to his. His files were flawless: perfect dynamics compression, normalization, a super quiet noise bed, no audible breaths. The only trouble was he sounded like an automaton.
While it’s true that copy can be dry and uninspiring, let’s remember that some poor person – probably squashed into a cubicle, working a soul destroying 9-5 job (can anyone relate?) has to listen to us. Surely they deserve to hear a real person, and not a robot on the other end of their e-learning program.
If you suspect you’re starting to sound like a bad GPS system, consider these tips:
1. Listen Honestly
Rehearse and record a portion of your script, then listen back. Assess whether it feels like you’re pushing the information on to the listener or genuinely connecting with them and sharing. Does the listener have space to come towards your voice, or are you ramming it down their ears?
2. Set the Tone
Before you start a read, set a casual tone by conjuring up a close friend to talk to and then saying: “Hey, I think this information might help make your life a little easier or better, do you wanna hear about it?”…Then begin.
3. Ask and Answer Questions
Imagine the listener needs the information you’re sharing and asks you a question that your copy then answers. For instance: “What’s so great about the Perspectives software system? Your read then becomes their answer: “One advantage of Perspectives software is the incredible flexibility it offers…”
You can even ad lib (and later edit out) before you begin reading the copy “Well, you know…” to help keep it casual. And if you notice those automatic speech patterns start to creep in again, stop and find a new question to ask and answer.
4. Emphasize Action Words
Instead of using that random emphasis/inflexion that old school newsreaders were taught (to supposedly keep the listener’s interest), emphasize only what really matters in each sentence. If you’re not sure what needs emphasis, a great clue is: THE VERBS (along with the product or company name, of course.)
5. Throw it Away
DON’T EMPHASIZE EVERYTHING – it’s exhausting to listen to someone accentuating every syllable as if it’s earth shatteringly important. Throw away the unimportant stuff.
6. Don’t Try Too Hard
One voice coach gave me feedback on an audition I did that made me laugh out loud. She described my read as “bug-eyed” with enthusiasm. Ever since, I keep a keen note of when I start to feel my eyes bulging.
7. Center In
Finally, and this is personal, before beginning a recording I like to take a few centering breaths and relax. (Relaxation is always a good place to start, even if you’re going for a hyped read.) I then imagine aligning myself with the people who will be listening to the project, as well as the company that is being represented. I set the intention that my read will serve the highest good of all, and then dive in.
