How To Choose The Best eLearning Voice Actors For Your Next eLearning Course
You should never underestimate the power of skilled audio. Just think of the last time an authority figure used a stern tone that struck fear into your heart. In terms of online training, voice selection can elevate or diminish the quality of your eLearning course. You want a voice that is engaging enough to hold attention, but not so entertaining that online learners lose grasp. The voice should not drone them to sleep, but it shouldn’t trivialize the eLearning course. Here are 6 tips to pick the pitch-perfect eLearning voice actors for your eLearning course.
1. Avoid Automated Voices
We’re all familiar with virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Cortana. They can answer questions and offer helpful information. However, their voices sound distinctly non-human. Using an automated voice bot may be cheaper than hiring an actual person. That said, you don’t want your eLearning course instructor sounding like a robot. It will distract your online learners.
While Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft vocals sound better than your average GPS, they’re still not ideal. Online learners need to have the same level of connection they would achieve in a traditional classroom. There are certain nuances of sound and expression that machines can never match. Raise the budget enough to get a human voice over. There simply is no substitute for the vocal inflexions and subtleties of a human being.
2. Pick Professional Voice Actors
You may be tempted to have the eLearning course voiced by your own staff. It might be your HR Manager, who knows the content inside and out. It might even be the accounting temp who works part time as a singer. The danger with these options is you won’t get the right vocal stress. eLearning Voice Actors are trained in all kinds of delivery, from serious to playful. Professionals can also interpret the text in a way that amateurs may not manage. They can read the eLearning script and bring their own creative flair, making the result better than you imagined. An actor can sometimes bring more life to the role. They can do this in ways that even the writer hadn’t considered. It’s what they’re paid to do.
3. Follow Your eLearning Course Content
While you’re sure you want a professional, you still want to get the right one. This choice may largely depend on the subject matter. A serious compliance online training course probably requires an authoritative voice. This kind of eLearning voice actor inspires obedience. You must also consider the cultural backgrounds of your audience and their societal norms. For example, a deep male voice may be best if online learners are more likely to heed a stern tone. If your eLearning course is teaching soft skills like emotional intelligence, a gentle female voice may be your best bet. Certain sections of the eLearning course may be gamified, and for those, a young, playful voice would work well. It introduces some fun to an otherwise intense eLearning course structure.
4. Select A Native For Translations
To save costs, you may seek translation software for your regional Learning Management System. This is as bad as changing the voice on your GPS. The words may be right, but the delivery is often asynchronous and clipped. This can make online instructions difficult to comprehend. If your eLearning course is to be consumed in different languages, invest in a native speaker. Someone who speaks at native levels will bring more life to the role. They will get the vocabulary and tone right. This is important because inflexions don’t always translate across vernaculars. Also, some languages are phonetic while others are driven by intonation. In such tongues, moving your stress or altering inflection changes the meaning of the word.
5. Get Someone That Follows Directions
As professional as your eLearning Voice Actors may be, they still need guidance. A good actor can take direction on what to say, how to say it, and how long to pause. Amateurs will hear the director, but they may be unable to execute instructions. For example, when asked to speak with more energy, they may simply speak louder. Others may tire after one or two takes while a typical recording can be re-done 50 times or more. While this isn’t crucial, it can be helpful to find someone familiar with the eLearning course material. If your eLearning voice actor has worked in your field, they will deliver content in a more natural manner. They understand the online training material, so they will speak with more confidence and articulation. They won’t sound like they’re just reading from a narration script.
6. Use An Online Directory
Online directories make it easy to find the ideal vocal talent for your eLearning course based on specific criteria. You can quickly view their credentials, samples, and past work experience. As such, you’re able to narrow down the list of choices to find the perfect eLearning voice actor for your eLearning project, as well as contact them directly to request more information or ask about their availability.
Choosing the right eLearning voice actors for your online training course can be challenging. Don’t use a machine-generated voice or pick the first volunteer that shows up. Find a professional eLearning voice actor whose voice matches the online training content. For translations, hire a native speaker rather than someone who learned the language as their second or third. Their accent needs to be easily understood by locals. Get someone who can be directed and has the patience to repeat a segment as many times as necessary. Trained eLearning voice actors can read a single line hundreds of times until you get it just right.
When it comes to eLearning voice overs, the script is what gives an eLearning course its strength. But how do you find the perfect eLearning voice actor to breathe life into your brilliant eLearning content? Read the article Pitch Perfect: How To Hire The Right eLearning Voice Actor and hire the perfect eLearning voice actor for the job.
