How to Write a Voice Over Script & Measure Its Impact on Your Audience

Struggling with how to write a voice over script to give to your voice artist? If this is your first stab at script writing, then it’s not surprising you’re stuck staring at your keyboard, wondering where to start. But we can help you get over your writer’s block.

A voice over script really is the foundation of your final product, setting the tone and pacing for the entire project. Of course, the delivery from the voice artist is crucial, but without a well-written script, even the best voice over performance can sound a little ‘meh’.

So, how do you write a voice over script that captivates your audience and leaves a lasting impact?

We like to use the SPEAK formula…

For more on how to use SPEAK to script an effective voice over, keep reading.

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Why a Great Voice-Over Script Matters

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In your head, picture an advert that grabbed your attention and made you listen. (For us, it’s the M&S food adverts – a voice like velvet and food that looks like it will melt in your mouth!)

Now imagine the exact same message being read by your most monotone, unenthused acquaintance. Suddenly, it’s not so enticing.

That’s because a great script is more than just words on paper – it sets the tone, evokes emotion, and engages your audience. It’s essentially the directions for your voice artist, giving them the blueprint to deliver a compelling performance.

A poorly written script or one that doesn’t reflect your brand and target audience can result in a disconnect with your message, leaving your audience uninterested and unmoved. Whether you’re creating an advert, an IVR, an explainer video or a documentary, the script is the backbone of your project, and its effectiveness can make or break your final product.

Not all scripts will require the same approach, but there are some key elements to keep in mind when writing a voice over script.

Our Guide to Writing a Voice-Over Script

The process of writing your voice over script will differ depending on what type of content the script is for. Will you overlay it on a video? Is it a purely audio-only piece? Who is your audience, and what language are they likely to connect with?

But, to make it as easy as possible, a script should include the following core components:

• Introduction – Set the scene, introduce your topic or character, and grab your audience’s attention. Keep it concise but engaging. Often, a one-liner or an intriguing question can do the trick.
• Body – This is where you lay out your message, making sure to keep it relevant and interesting. Use a logical structure and keep your sentences simple.
• Call to Action – If applicable, provide a clear call to action for your audience. Make it easy for them to take the desired action, whether it’s visiting a website, making a purchase, or contacting you for more information.
• Closing – End your script with a strong and memorable statement or message. This is your last chance to leave an impact on your audience, so make it count.
• Time Codes – If your project requires precise timing, make sure to include time codes throughout the script for easy reference during recording and post-production.
• Pronunciation Guide – If there are any tricky words or phrases in your script, provide a pronunciation guide to ensure your voice artist delivers them correctly.

Voice Over Script Example

Below, we’ve created an example of a voice over script for the introduction of a fake e-learning course, so you can visually see how a script might look with annotations and instructions for the voice artist.

This is just an example, and your script may look different depending on the type of project you’re working on.

Time In	Time Out	Script
00:00:00:50	00:00:02:50	Welcome to the world of Customer Service Training.
00:00:03:10	00:00:08:00	Discover how to create exceptional customer experiences that will keep your customers coming back for more.
00:00:08:50	00:00:09:50	Because, let’s face it
00:00:11:00	00:00:12:55	Happy customers mean a successful business!
00:00:15:00	00:00:18:30	In this course, we’ll cover the key principles of customer service, including
00:00:19:30	00:00:25:00	Effective communication, building rapport [rah+paw], and handling challenging situations with ease.
00:00:26:00	00:00:31:15	By the end, you’ll be well and truly equipped to take your customer service skills to the next level.
00:00:32:00	00:00:36:55	So, let’s dive in and begin your journey towards customer service excellence!

How to Script a Voice Over Using SPEAK

Now that you know what a script looks like and how it should be structured, let’s circle back to our SPEAK formula and break down each element to help you with the actual writing process.

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Simplify

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When it comes to writing for the ear rather than the eye, simplicity is key. Avoid long, complex sentences that can be hard to follow or confuse the listener. Keep your language clear and easy to understand, using everyday vocabulary that your audience will relate to.

If you’re writing for a more technical audience, it’s okay to use industry-specific jargon, but ensure it’s necessary and not just for the sake of sounding smart. A confused audience leads to a disengaged audience.

This is a good time to refer back to your customer profiles (if you have them) to understand your audience’s language and tone preferences.

Pace

Pacing is vital in a voice over. You want your words to flow naturally, allowing for pauses and emphasis where needed. 

Even if you’re not the one doing the voice over, reading the script aloud can help you determine if the pacing feels comfortable and natural.

Time codes are a vital part of writing a voice over script where the audio needs to be synchronised to video content. This essentially means marking when specific lines or phrases should be spoken in relation to the video. See the example below of how this may look:

Time Code	Script
00:00:05:00 – 00:00:10:50	Welcome to our virtual tour of the city! In just a few minutes, we’ll take you through all the must-see spots and hidden gems.
00:00:17:25 – 00:00:25:00	Our first stop is the historic town square, where you can immerse yourself in centuries of culture and tradition.
00:00:35:10 – 00:00:40:00	The town hall dates back to the 18th century and is a must-see for any history buff.

By incorporating time codes into your script, you ensure that the voice over lines up perfectly with the visuals, creating a seamless experience for your audience.

Wild scripts – or scripts with no time codes – can be used for audio that won’t be overlaid on video. This allows for more flexibility in the final product, but may require more editing and fine-tuning. In which case, supplying an additional document with editing notes can be helpful.

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Engage

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As we mentioned earlier, engaging your audience is crucial. You want them to listen and pay attention, not tune out.

Engaging your audience will look different for each type of project. A corporate training video would have a different tone and approach than an animated explainer video.

For example, a documentary voice over may use storytelling techniques to hook the audience, while a commercial or e-learning course may use rhetorical questions to create interest.

Think about what will resonate with your audience and how you can make the script more engaging for them.

Annotate

Providing lots of additional notes and annotations on how you want the script to be delivered might seem like a good idea, but this can overcomplicate the script writing and delivery process.

If you want a higher level of control over the recording, live direction and feedback during the session is a more effective method – which we offer as part of our voice over packages.

If your script includes complex or technical jargon, a pronunciation guide can be an effective way to aid the voice artist in delivering the content accurately. This can be a separate document to your script, containing a list of the phrases or words, with phonetic spellings that the artist can refer to.

Additionally, you may also wish to include references or links to videos with similar styling to the voice over you are looking for, so that the artist can better understand your desired tone and delivery.

Avoid adding too many annotations, as this can limit the creativity of the voice artist and make the final product sound robotic. Instead, give them some general guidelines and trust in their expertise to bring your script to life. 

Remember, they are professionals and have likely worked on similar projects before.

Keep Testing

Finally, it’s essential to review and refine your script to ensure it aligns with your objectives and resonates with your target audience. Don’t be afraid to make changes or seek feedback from others before finalising the script.

You can also test the script by having someone else read it aloud to you and see if it achieves the desired effect. Keep refining until you feel confident that the script will effectively deliver your message and engage your audience.

Here’s an example of how a great voice script can translate into a fantastic recording:

Measuring the Impact of Your Voice-Over Script

So, you’ve written your script, the artist has recorded it, and the final product is complete. But now you need to know whether it’s done the job effectively.

There are a few ways to measure the impact of your voice over script, depending on the project’s objectives and audience. Here are a few suggestions:

• Viewership/Engagement: For videos or commercials, you can track how many views it receives and how long viewers stay engaged.
• Feedback Surveys: After a training or educational video, you can conduct feedback surveys to gather insights from the audience on their experience and understanding of the content.
• Sales/Conversions: For advertising or promotional videos, you can track sales or conversions before and after the video’s release to see if it has impacted customer behaviour.
• Social Media Engagement: For online videos posted on social media platforms, you can measure engagement through likes, comments, and shares.
• IVR (Interactive Voice Response) Analytics: For phone systems or IVR messages, you can track call duration, completion rate, and customer satisfaction ratings.

It’s essential to establish clear objectives and track them before and after using your voice over script to determine its effectiveness. This way, you can continually improve and refine your scripts for future projects. And remember, always be open to feedback and suggestions from others as well.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid in Voice-Over Scriptwriting

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While we’ve covered many tips and techniques for creating an effective voice over script, it’s also important to be aware of common mistakes that can hinder the success of your project. If you know what not to do, it can make it easier to know what you should do.

Here are a few mistakes to avoid in voice over scriptwriting:

• Not knowing your audience: Deeply understanding your target audience is key in creating a successful voice over script. Make sure to research and consider their demographics, interests, and preferences before writing.
• Being too wordy: Keep your script concise and to the point. Avoid using overly complicated language or filler words that may distract from the main message.
• Not defining the content purpose: Be clear and specific in your instructions to the voice artist or the voice over agency. The better you can explain the goal of your content and the tone you’re trying to convey, the better they can deliver it.
• Neglecting to proofread: Proofreading is essential in any type of writing, including scriptwriting. Grammatical errors or typos can take away from the overall impact of your message.
• Getting too complicated: Don’t overcomplicate your script. While annotations and instructions are useful, make sure they’re clear and concise. Too many notes or directions can confuse the voice artist and hinder their performance.

Summary: How to Write a Voice Over Script That Delivers

Spend time and effort creating a well-written voice over script, and you’ll see the benefits in the final product. Remember to:

Your voice over script, coupled with a talented and professional voice actor, will create a powerful and effective message that resonates with your audience. So keep writing, refining, and delivering great content!

At Matinée Multilingual, we can connect you with the perfect voice artist for your project. Visit our Voice Overs page to learn more about our services and how we can help bring your voice over script to life.

FAQs

How Do You Write a Documentary Voice Over Script? + –

Documentary voice over scripts typically follow a similar structure to other types of voice over scripts. However, they often require more research and storytelling elements to effectively convey information or tell a story.

Here are some words of advice:

• Research the topic thoroughly to ensure accuracy and credibility.
• Use storytelling techniques, such as anecdotes and emotional appeals, to engage the audience.
• Use pauses and tone variations to add depth and emotion to the narration.
• Keep the script concise and avoid unnecessary information.
• Consider where music or sound effects may enhance the overall impact.
• Add time codes to tell the voice artist when to speak or pause.

What Does a Voice Over Script Look Like? + –

A voice over script typically includes the following elements:

1. Video/audio cues or time codes: Indicate when certain actions or changes should happen in conjunction with the narration.
2. Narration/script: The actual spoken content, including dialogue and instructions for tone and delivery.
3. Pronunciation guide: If there are any difficult words or specific pronunciations required, include them in the script for reference.
4. Annotations/notes: These provide additional information to the voice artist, such as intended tone or emotion.
5. Visual descriptions: For videos or commercials, include descriptions of any visuals that will accompany the narration.

How Do You Write a Voice Over Brief? + –

A voice over brief is a document that outlines the project details and expectations for the voice artist. It should include information on your company and target audience, the purpose of the project, and specific instructions for tone and delivery.

How Long Should a Voiceover Script Be? + –

The length of a voice over script can vary depending on the project and its purpose. For example, a TV ad may only be 30 seconds, while a documentary could range from 15 minutes to an hour or more.

The key is to only say what you need to say and nothing more. Keep your script concise and avoid filler words or unnecessary information that may distract from the main message.