Voiceover Script Tips
When writing voiceover parts:
> Start each line from the key point. Don’t lead up to the point, eg, XYZ is achieved by doing this, Not: Doing this will achieve XYZ. Don’t make the audience guess.
> Always use simple English. No big words – ever. Dumb down.
> Word count: Allow 100 wpm to calculate runtime. Eg a 5 min training video is 500 words, and a 10 minute video is 1,000 words.
> Always use a pro Voiceover artist. Amateurs never deliver like a professional, no matter how “nice-sounding” their voice.
Vox Pops are series of fast interview clips, a key element in training videos.
They’re usually an opportunity for the workforce to discuss a point, or training issue
Here are some pointers to ensure you get good interviewee responses for your vox pops.
> Start by producing a questionnaire that encourages individuals to discuss their training, or the new initiative.
> For any given question, offer 2 choices. Phrase it for both heart & mind, ie, What do you think of …? How do you feel about …?
> Most people will respond better to one choice, or type of approach, than another so always ask the question in the second way if the first way fails to get a good response.
> If a person rambles, yet still makes a good point, ask them to repeat the key point in a single sentence … say that again for me please
> If a manager starts describing his/her job/role/responsibilities, stop them. Ask them to focus on the question from the audience’s point of view.
> Don’t let interviewees practice on you prior to shoot. Keep it fresh & spontaneous for camera
> Get interviewees to look at you by saying “look at the tip of my nose, not at the camera”
> Get a demographic mix of ages, genders, accents, ethnic backgrounds. Don’t favour one particular group, or the other groups will tend to ignore you.
It helps to circulate the questions to interviewees in advance, so individuals have a chance to think about what they want to say in the training video, and generally feel comfortable about appearing on camera, which can be an unnerving experience for some.
Sample Guidance Notes for Interviewees
Here are some sample guidance notes which can be circulated in advance to individuals appearing in the training video.
Thank you for offering to help in the production of this training video. Your time is both valued and appreciated.
The programme is aimed at (insert objective here) on (insert location/places here). Your contribution will directly help towards this.
You should have been provided with a Questionnaire in advance, giving you time to think about what you might want to say while on camera.
You should feel free to answer honestly and in your own words. There are no right or wrong answers.
Similarly, you are not obliged to answer all the questions if you do not wish to.
You should also feel free to add more information if you think it’s useful and relevant to explaining what you mean.
Arrangements will be made so that you should only have to wait for a short while prior to being interviewed, and that you are made to feel welcome and comfortable.
Refreshments will be available.
Follow us on
