01Why a script for speaking is different
A listener cannot re-read. Long sentences with clauses lose them, and anything that looks fine on a page can be awkward in the mouth.
The simplest test is to read the script aloud at the pace you want. Wherever you run out of breath, stumble or want to re-read, rewrite.
02What to fix before recording
- Sentence lengthIf you run out of breath reading it aloud, split it.
- NumbersDecide whether each number is a year, a quantity or a code, and write long numbers as they should be spoken.
- AcronymsMark whether each is spelled letter by letter or read as a word, and write it that way in brackets.
- Names and brandsAdd a pronunciation note. Send an audio example if you have one.
- Symbols and unitsWrite out "percent", "euros" or "kilometres" if they should be said in full.
- PunctuationUse commas and full stops to show where to breathe. Avoid parentheses the voice must decide how to read.
03Write a pronunciation list
A short table with the word, how to say it and the language it belongs to saves a second session.
| Word | Say it as | Language |
|---|---|---|
| [brand name] | [syllables, stress] | [language] |
| [acronym] | [letters or word] | [language] |
| [place name] | [local pronunciation] | [language] |
04Timing against the picture
Spoken text takes longer than it looks on the page. Ask for a timed read, or a guide recording, before the edit is locked.
Written: "Open Mon–Fri, 9–17." Spoken: "Open Monday to Friday, from nine to five." Write the spoken form into the script, so the voice does not have to guess whether "9–17" is a range, a score or a date.
05If the script will be translated
Keep sentences short and avoid wordplay. Translated text often runs longer, so leave room in the timing and tell the translator where the picture limits the length.