Collecting audio to support the e-Leaning content that appears on a learner’s screen can be a frustrating task. If a professional voice over artist is in your budget that is great, but there are a few advantages of producing audio internally:
- You can save money and then allocate the found funds to other areas of your project or overall training budget.
- It is nice to features a SME or other employee, especially if your learners are accustomed to hearing this person speak on the topic.
- If it is a new topic, it is a great way to the person that learners will depend on for follow up information.
- This is a chance to grow a SME’s or contributor’s confidence as a presenter and development resource.
- Using internal resources may make re-recoding content (if there are errors or future content changes) easier.
Regardless of who may record the voiceover, there are a few things you can do to make this process easier.
BEFORE
1) Get a script approval:
Be sure all stakeholders have the opportunity to review the scripts.
2) Have you voiceover person practice reading the script:
After the script is approved, have the person who will be reading for the recording practice by reading the script aloud. If he/she/they stumble over any passage, you may want to consult with SMEs to revise the passage. When you can prevent auio errors, this can save editing and re-recording time
Also, you can adjust the narration and script for any timing requirements or limitations.
Be sure you practice and record at a pace slow enough for your learner to understand, clearly enunciating. This can save time when you are not required to record rushed passages and can help prevent mumbles and stumbles.
3) Get a release form:
This may be required by your HR, Legal, or Risk Department for using an employee’s likeness/voice. Be sure to consult with your Legal or Risk Department regarding any terms and conditions you may have with external voiceover talent.
DURING
1) Make sure you have quiet space to record:
Is there a quiet or office you can use for recording? You will want to find a space free of distraction, interruption, and ambient noise. Be sure to mute other devices (phones, computer alerts, etc) in the room.
A quick note on ambient sounds-
Sometimes, background noise may actually contribute to quality training audio. For example, when creating training for accident response I added the sounds of sirens and emergency vehicles. This sort of audio content may best best added as a separate file, sourced from a stock audio site.
2) Use a high quality microphone and windscreen:
Some computers and devices have great built in options, but I also like using my Snowball microphone. A windscreen will help reduce verbal “pops” in the final product.
3) Go slow to save time:
As mentioned earlier, speaking at a pace slow enough to create a well articulated narration helps prevent errors and creates a audio track easily understood by learners. It helps prevent the need to re-record audio.’
4) Keep going:
If your voiceover talent stumbles, take a deep breathe and then re-start the sentence where he/she/they stumble, moving forward with the recording. It will be easier to edit out a small error than manage starting over.
If your voiceover person becomes tired or frustrated, take a small break. Visit the restroom, take a sip of water, walk around or stretch, or step outside for some fresh air.
AFTER
The hard part is done! Now that you have the audio narration, you can make any edits, sync screen text and screen objects as necessary, and finalize your content and project.
A quality script can really elevate a topic. Whether you follow the process and ideas here, establishing a method and plan to capture audio can help streamline and make your course production process flow smoothly. Share any tips you have in the comments!
