How To Select The Perfect eLearning Voice Over Artist: 9 Criteria To Consider
Voice overs make your eLearning content more accessible for online learners with special needs and convey your brand image. Not to mention, they add a flair of personality to dry or dull subject matters. But how do you choose the right talent for the task? Which factors should you consider before hiring a pitch-perfect eLearning voice over professional? Here are 9 key criteria to find the best eLearning voice over artist for your upcoming eLearning course.
1. Target Audience
The eLearning voice over artist you choose for your eLearning course must be able to foster a connection with the audience. Online learners should relate to the eLearning narrator and feel at ease throughout the eLearning experience. For example, the eLearning voice over artist has a similar dialect or uses terminology they’re already familiar with. You may even need to hire different eLearning voice over artists to record different versions of the eLearning course based on the geographical location and background of your online learners.
2. Subject Matter
Ideally, the eLearning voice over artist should have some basic understanding of the subject matter. This allows them to add subtle vocal inflexions to emphasize certain words or phrases. For example, take a more serious tone when it’s time to highlight an important compliance policy or federal regulation. Ask your top candidates about their areas of expertise or topics they’ve covered in the past.
3. Professional Experience
Newer eLearning voice over artists may require lower fees. However, more experienced vocal talent can be less costly in the long run. This is due to the fact that there’s less of a learning curve and fewer revision rounds. Professional eLearning voice over artists who have experience in the eLearning industry are usually aware of your expectations and desired outcomes. For example, they know you are trying to convey the key takeaways, rather than promote a product or service, as is the case for eLearning voice over artists who specialize in the marketing niche.
4. eLearning Experience
Voice over artists may have years of experience in the industry. But are they knowledgeable about eLearning audio narrations ? Ask them to provide you with examples of past work. Better yet, request to see their portfolio. This gives you a good indication of their past projects and if they are good match for your current eLearning course material. If they don’t have any eLearning experience, consider hiring them for a mini-project. For example, creating an audio narration for a small portion of your simulation script.
5. Vocal Range/Abilities
Is the eLearning voice over artist able to speak with different accents naturally? Do they have a broad range, or are they known for a specific vocal quality or trait? For example, people will instantly recognize their voice because of their unique tone or accent. Listen to all the examples provided by the eLearning voice over artist to gauge their abilities. Pay attention to their inflexions, pace, and audibility. A professional eLearning voice over artist may have an interesting accent, but are online learners going to be able to understand every word?
6. Work Ethic
As is the case when hiring any eLearning collaborator, you need to evaluate their work ethic. eLearning voice over artists must be able to devote enough time and energy to the process. They aren’t involved in the actual creation of the online training materials, such as designing the eLearning course layout or researching the subject matter. However, they still play an important role. They are the voice of the eLearning experience you offer. That means that online learners will automatically associate the vocal talents with your eLearning course. High-quality voice overs that are relatable and have a touch of personality will add value to your eLearning content.
7. Brand Image
eLearning voice over artists must be able to accurately reflect your brand image and style. Their tone is one of the most important factors to consider. For a more casual feel, the eLearning voice over artist should have a conversational tone that resonates with online learners, while a more matter-of-fact tone may be required for brands that want to convey professionalism and prestige. Discuss your brand image and messaging with the eLearning voice artist during your interviews to make them aware of what you expect. In addition, provide them with site, social media, and blog links so that they can familiarize themselves with your brand.
8. Team Dynamic
In some cases, the eLearning voice over artist may work directly with your eLearning team for a longer duration. As an example, they must record various modules, simulations, serious games, and online presentations. This involves multiple recording sessions throughout the eLearning development process. The eLearning voice over artist has to interact with different members of your eLearning team to identify the requirements. For instance, briefly discuss the topic with your resident Subject Matter Expert to gain a basic understanding, or speak with your graphic designer to determine the time stamps and pacing. You might even consider a pre-launch meeting where they can introduce themselves and clarify their roles, including the eLearning voice over artist.
9. Revision Requests
Even the most experienced eLearning voice over artists may need to submit revisions from time to time. For example, they mispronounced a key term or a portion of their audio clip was distorted. As such, it’s wise to inquire about their revision policy. Are they willing to re-record the audio narration once as part of their fee? Or will you have to pay extra for audio touch-ups? How much time do you have to request revisions, and what is the usual turnaround time? Will they be able to record the new version themselves? Or will you have to book additional time at a recording studio?
eLearning voice over artists can enhance the quality of your eLearning course and make the eLearning content easier to consume. However, it takes the right vocal talent to make eLearning memorable and accurately reflect your brand image. Use this article as a guide to find the perfect eLearning voice over artist for your eLearning experiences.
Using the right audio in your eLearning course design can make it even more engaging, emotional, and memorable for your online learners, but are you sure you know how use it properly? Read the article Audio In eLearning: 7 Golden Rules For eLearning Professionals to discover everything you need to know about using audio in eLearning.