Voiceover narration is an art form filled with misconceptions and myths. Let’s debunk a few to provide a clearer understanding of this massive field:
1. Narrations Are Boring.
Narrations aren’t inherently boring! The perceived dullness depends on the delivery and enthusiasm of the narrator. Skilled voiceover artists can make any topic engaging and interesting. If you think the material is boring that sentiment will be heard in your voice and you’re doomed before you start.
2. Voice Over Narrations Don’t Sell Anything.
Au contraire! Long-form narration can be a powerful tool for sales, even when it doesn’t seem like a direct advertisement. By building trust, providing valuable information, and telling compelling stories, these narrations can influence the audience’s opinions and drive them to take action, whether it’s making a purchase, donating to a cause, or adopting a particular viewpoint.
Here are some examples:
Subtle Sales:
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Documentaries with Corporate Sponsorship: A nature documentary might have beautiful narration about a specific ecosystem, but the narration subtly mentions how a certain company’s sustainable practices help protect that environment. The sales aspect isn’t the main focus, but it’s there.
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Museum Audio Guides with Donor Recognition: A lengthy museum audio guide educating visitors about an exhibit might include a section thanking a specific donor or corporation for their contribution, framing the donation as enabling this valuable educational experience.
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Extended “Brand Story” Videos: A long-form video on a company’s website might narrate the history of the company,
its values, and its commitment to quality. While seemingly informational, the goal is to build trust and positive brand association, which can lead to increased sales. -
Educational Content with Product Placement: A lengthy online course about photography might subtly feature a particular brand of camera or lens in the narration, not as a hard sell, but as the tool the narrator uses and recommends.
Overt Sales:
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Infomercials: These are the classic example of long-form narration with a sales focus. They often involve detailed demonstrations, testimonials, and explanations of a product’s benefits, with a clear call to action to purchase.
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Fundraising Videos: A long video for a non-profit might narrate the organization’s work, the problems they address, and the impact of donations. The narration aims to persuade viewers to contribute financially.
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Medical Device Demonstrations/Training: A lengthy video explaining how to use a complex medical device will often highlight its advantages over other products, subtly encouraging hospitals or clinics to purchase it.
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Real Estate Walkthroughs with Sales Emphasis: A long video showcasing a property might go beyond a simple tour, with the narrator emphasizing its unique selling points, investment potential, and desirable location to encourage a purchase.
3. Narrations Are Long and Slow.
Narrations come in various lengths, paces, and styles. They adapt to the audience, subject matter, and intended message. Narrations can be long and fast like Important Safety Information for example, which conveys a lot of information quickly within a limited timeframe. Narrations can be short and slow, like a segment of a Museum Audio Guide that describes a specific artwork allowing the listener to fully observe the subject.
4. Your Narration is the Star of the Show.
Oh no it isn’t! Narration is just one element in a broader production. Narrations support the onscreen visuals, and are often accompanied by a music bed and sound effects to create a cohesive experience.
5. Voice Over Narration and Commercials are Like Oil and Water.
Not true! They are often bedfellows! Ads tell a short story: Even a brief 30-second spot tells a concise story or creates a specific feeling, which is a vital element of narration. Sometimes the way a commercial script is written and/or performed gives it a story-telliing vibe. And sometimes narrations have a subtle (or not so subtle) intention to sell– think of Mechanism of Action animations which present a new drug or treatment for doctors and patients to adopt. (See above!)
6. You Must Have an Agent to Book Long-Form Narration work.
Not so! While agents can help, they aren’t the sole path to success. Voiceover artists, with or without agents, must actively market themselves and their skills. Reach out directly to eLearning companies, Corporate Training Departments, Educational Institutions and Content Creation Agencies, for example. These can be sources of repeat work.
7 . You Must Know the Topic You are Narrating.
Nice but not necessary! Voiceactors don’t need to be subject matter experts but should research and familiarize themselves with the topic they’re narrating! Also, understand the subtext of the material. This will help your read be more authentic. Over time, you’ll become comfortable with industry-specific terminology.
These debunked myths show how long-form narration is a versatile and multifaceted field. Achieving success in it depends on skills, adaptability, and effective communication. So don’t let these misconceptions fool you! Get out there and narrate!