You can analyze a voiceover script in a number of ways, but the way that gives your read the most authenticity is to notice how the script makes YOU FEEL. What you ultimately bring to the read is that you’re not reading a script or making some announcement, but sharing how you feel about something. This is emoting. The only way we can truly emote is to feel, and honestly express that feeling. Yes, this is hard to do with a somewhat information-based voiceover script – but like we discussed 2 weeks ago, every writer comes from some place of truth. I believe the writer below comes from a place of confidence to confide and share knowledge, to speak comfortably and informally, and to indulge in humor every once in a while. Take a look:
The problem with a lot of shoes is that they don’t do the same things your feet do, like expand and contract when you take a step. Most shoes are rigid, which is why your feet hurt and get tired from walking around. Our Smart Comfort technology is a simple idea that comes right out of the way your foot works. It’s how we build our Park Trail shoe, so that it expands and flexes the way your foot does when it’s in motion. And that’s an especially good thing when you’re standing up for something you believe in. Timberland. Don’t wear it. Use it.
The confidence comes from the get-go, stating the opinion that there’s a problem to begin with, and ultimately offering a solution. The comfort level on how he confides this information is indicated by starting from a place of “problem” to begin with. He is speaking “frankly” to state it outright as such. We don’t often speak so frankly unless we know the person on the other end, so this can be a clue to guide you in your choice of tone and approach. The humor comes from the pun involved towards the end, with the obvious, “…standing up for something you believe in.” As long as you are taking the time to truly KNOW what you are saying, at least from the standpoint of how you feel, you’re one step closer. Knowing the points on each and every line and emphasizing takes this even further, but it thought I would give that a rest for once. Find the truth in the writer’s message and style and the underlining of points line by line can take a back seat – because if you emote properly, they won’t know what hit ‘em.
Hi! I’m Lesley Bailey. I’m an award-winning Casting Director, Voiceover Coach, Demo Producer, and Consultant with over 30 years “in the trenches”. I love helping voice actors bring scripts to life with authenticity and confidence.