How to Prepare Your Script Before Sending It to a Voice Actor

A well-written script is one of the best ways to ensure your voiceover project runs smoothly.

Whether you're creating a corporate video, eLearning course, audiobook, telephone system, meditation recording or commercial, taking a little time to prepare your script before recording can save time, reduce revision costs and help you achieve the best possible result.

Here are a few simple things to check before you send your script to your voice actor.

Make Sure It's the Final Version

This might sound obvious, but it's one of the most common causes of delays.

If you're still making significant changes to the wording, it's usually worth waiting until the script has been signed off before recording begins. If your script is from a client, let them know that any changes they want to make after the voice over artist has begun recording, will incurr revision costs.

Small tweaks are often manageable, but rewriting paragraphs after the recording has been completed usually means additional recording sessions.

A final script saves everyone time.

Read It Out Loud

A sentence that looks perfect on the page doesn't always sound natural when spoken.

Reading your script aloud is one of the simplest ways to spot:

• Long sentences

• Awkward wording

• Repeated phrases

• Tongue twisters

• Missing punctuation

  
  

If you find yourself running out of breath halfway through a sentence, there's a good chance your audience will too.

Remember, you're writing for listening, not reading.

Explain Any Unusual Pronunciations

Every script has something that isn't immediately obvious.

It might be:

• Company names

• Product names

• Technical terminology

• Medical terms

• Acronyms

• Foreign words

• Character names

• Place names

  
  

If there's a preferred pronunciation, include a note with your script .

Even better, record a quick voice note on your phone. Hearing the pronunciation directly often removes any uncertainty.

Tell Your Voice Actor Who the Audience Is

One of the most helpful pieces of information isn't in the script at all.

Tell your voice actor who they'll be speaking to.

For example:

• New employees

• Existing customers

• School children

• Healthcare professionals

• Business leaders

• Independent authors

• General consumers

  
  

Knowing the audience helps shape the tone, pace and style of the delivery.

Include a Little Background

You don't need to write pages of instructions.

A few sentences explaining the purpose of the recording can make a huge difference.

For example:

• Is this a promotional video?

• An internal training course?

• A bedtime meditation?

• An audiobook?

• A telephone greeting?

  
  

Understanding the bigger picture helps your voice actor deliver the script in the most appropriate way.

Think About File Delivery

Before recording starts, consider how you'll be using the audio.

Do you need:

• One continuous recording?

• Separate files for each slide?

• Individual prompts for a telephone system?

• Chapters for an audiobook?

• Separate lessons for an online course?

  
  

Planning this in advance makes editing and delivery much more straightforward.

Don't Worry About Technical Direction

Many clients worry that they need to include instructions such as:

"Sound happier."

"Smile more."

"Be more engaging."

In reality, that's part of a professional voice actor's job.

Instead, explain what you'd like your audience to feel.

For example:

• Confident.

• Reassured.

• Inspired.

• Relaxed.

• Motivated.

  
  

Those emotional cues are much more useful than trying to direct every sentence.

Leave Time for Questions

Even the clearest scripts sometimes raise questions.

Perhaps there's a pronunciation to confirm or a sentence that could flow more naturally.

A good voice actor will check these details before recording, helping avoid unnecessary revisions later.

Good communication is always part of the process.

Before You Hit Send...

Here's a quick checklist:

✔ Final version approved

✔ Read aloud

✔ Pronunciation notes included

✔ Audience explained

✔ Purpose of the recording shared

✔ File format confirmed

✔ Delivery deadline agreed

A few minutes spent preparing your script can make the recording process smoother for everyone involved.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your script isn't about making it perfect.

It's about giving your voice actor the information they need to deliver a confident, natural performance that reflects your message and your brand.

Whether you're producing a single advert or a complete audiobook, good preparation helps create a better recording and a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

If you're planning a voiceover project and have questions before recording begins, I'd be delighted to help. Sometimes a quick conversation at the start of a project can save a great deal of time later on. When you're ready, please get in touch!

🎙️ Top Tip from Nicky

Don't be afraid to include notes with your script.

If there's a word you're unsure about, a phrase that needs extra emphasis or a pronunciation that's unique to your business, tell your voice actor. We'd much rather know before recording than have to guess - and those little details often make all the difference.