Comments on: On Bad eLearning Narration

By: Melanie Haynes

Melanie Haynes — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:21:16 +0000

“And of course there’s no reason you can’t (or shouldn’t) pay for voice talent if you have the resources to do so (and lack the time to do it yourself). There are plenty of talented and experienced professionals that can provide a high quality narration that doesn’t sound unnatural (read: “too Hollywood”) or disingenuous. You simply need to tell these folks what you’re looking for – and provide a script that reflects the style you’re after.”

Amen! As a professional female voice talent who has narrated hundreds (if not thousands) of e-learning projects I welcome a good script and client direction!

By: Jeff Bailey

Jeff Bailey — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:19:14 +0000

I really enjoyed this post.

It never ceases to amaze me just how easy it is to write something that is impossible to read aloud. I use the “red pen” quite often while making recordings.

I am happy that I have found your blog.

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:37:25 +0000

Great additions, Jim. I too keep a red pen handy for adjusting the script during recording.

I love your suggestions about the imaginary friend and the hand gestures. I’ll give those a try during my next recording session.

By: Jim Dickeson

Jim Dickeson — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:17:47 +0000

Chris,

Good points. If I may, I would add a couple.

I often rewrite parts of my script on the fly. What’s great written sometimes doesn’t flow well when spoken. In conversation friends, I don’t talk like I read.

Second, when I narrate, I imagine myself talking to someone sitting across the desk from me. It helps to sit forward in my chair, as if I am engaged with my imaginary friend. And I use facial and hand gestures to emphasize points. My learners will never actually see this, but it adds that little extra to the sound of my voice.

Thanks.