There are a few different ways of working on a video project. Sometimes, a client will simply provide the script and some guidance, and will then edit their video to fit.

More often, the video already exists and the voiceover needs to match fairly closely for time and pace.

This is a project I worked on recently for a stairlift company. The production company had already produced the video and had recorded their own guide track for the voiceover. This meant that they had a clear idea of pace and knew that their words would fit to time.

Having the video ready ahead of the voiceover can limit space for a creative read, but in this case, it all fitted together well, and the client’s care over their preparation made for an usually easy read.

This was self-recorded and produced from my studio and delivered as a single ready-to-use audio file.

A note on timing:

Do be aware that reading words in your head and timing them will give you a very different result to reading out loud with emphasis and punctuation. if you’re not recording a guide track and timing is important, always, always grab a stopwatch (there’s one on your phone) and read your script out loud a couple of times with the sort of emphasis you’re hoping to hear in your finished voiceover.

Here are 6 easy steps to create a voiceover for video.

1. Provide a clear, well-written script, ideally double-spaced.
2. Check for spelling mistakes and missed words.
3. If timing is important, read the words out loud and use a stopwatch.
4. Discuss direction with your voiceover, what style and tempo do you need?
5. Agree which audio format you need, this is usually wav or mp3.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for a short recorded sample, most voices will be happy to help.