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Audio: 10 Voiceover Tips (page 3)

9 - Let's Try That Again

The way you hear the copy in your head may or may not be the way the client intended. That's why it's good to record multiple versions of various phrases, using different vocal inflection. Don't get carried away with this idea - just concentrate on troublesome phrases, slogans and tag lines. This gives you options after the session and can save a great deal of grief if the client had something else in mind.

10 - A Second Set of Ears

Professional voiceovers usually involve a producer to keep things on track and insure a high-quality recording. If you're not using an independent producer for your session, a second opinion may be in order. Once you've edited the voiceover, have someone listen to the project with an objective ear. Does the copy make sense? Does the structure guide the listener cleanly through the recording? Are there any words or phrases that are difficult to understand? Answers to these questions will help you step back from the project, rethink your edits and tighten the performance.

And... Cut!

Recording a voiceover doesn't have to be a huge thing - in fact, it could be one of the easiest parts of your production. These ten tips should get you started in the right direction. With a little planning and preparation, your voiceover sessions will yield killer cuts guaranteed to enhance the finished product.

Contributing Editor Hal Robertson is a digital media producer and technology consultant.

Sidebar: Distance Approval

If you work from home, you may not want the client coming over to approve a voiceover. It's fair to assume your bedroom edit suite and closet vocal booth won't serve to impress. As an alternative, make an MP3 of the recording and e-mail it to the client for approval. If you're using lower bitrates, make sure the clients understand that the finished version is much higher quality. This allows them to preview and approve in their environment of choice - even pass it around the office for comments. They can reference changes to the media player timer and the script and forward them to you via e-mail.

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