Voiceover Direction

配音指导（Voiceover Direction）

Master the art of directing voice talent to deliver performances that match your brand vision, using Anne Ganguzza's storytelling approach and industry best practices.

运用Anne Ganguzza的叙事方法和行业最佳实践，掌握指导配音人才（Voice Talent）呈现符合品牌愿景的表演技巧。

When to Use This Skill

何时使用该技能

Hiring and briefing voiceover artists for a project
Giving direction during recording sessions
Writing scripts that are easy for talent to deliver
Matching voice characteristics to brand personality
Reviewing auditions and selecting the right talent
Improving the quality of existing voiceover work

为项目招聘并向配音艺术家（Voiceover Artists）介绍项目情况
在录音环节提供指导
撰写便于配音人才演绎的脚本
匹配声音特质与品牌个性
试听并筛选合适的配音人才
提升现有配音作品的质量

Methodology Foundation

方法基础

Source: Anne Ganguzza (VO Coach) + Industry Best Practices

Core Principle: "Voice actors aren't just readers; they're actors. Your job as director is to give them the emotional context and story to tell, not just words to read." Great voiceover direction focuses on intention, not inflection—tell the talent WHY they're saying something, not HOW to say it.

Why This Matters: The difference between amateur and professional content is often the voiceover. A skilled voice artist with poor direction sounds worse than a mediocre talent with excellent direction. Learning to direct voice talent transforms your video and audio content quality immediately.

来源：Anne Ganguzza（配音教练）+ 行业最佳实践

核心原则："配音演员不只是朗读者，他们是演员。作为导演，你的工作是为他们提供情感背景和要讲述的故事，而不只是要朗读的文字。"优秀的配音指导聚焦于意图，而非语调——告诉配音人才他们为什么要说这段话，而不是怎么说。

重要性：业余内容与专业内容的区别往往在于配音。一位技巧娴熟但指导不当的配音艺术家，表现反而不如一位资质平平但指导出色的配音人才。学会指导配音人才，能立即提升你的视频和音频内容质量。

What Claude Does vs What You Decide

Claude 负责的工作 vs 由你决定的事项

Claude Does	You Decide
Structures production workflow	Final creative direction
Suggests technical approaches	Equipment and tool choices
Creates templates and checklists	Quality standards
Identifies best practices	Brand/voice decisions
Generates script outlines	Final script approval

Claude 负责的工作	由你决定的事项
构建制作工作流程	最终创意方向
建议技术方法	设备与工具选择
创建模板和清单	质量标准
识别最佳实践	品牌/声音决策
生成脚本大纲	最终脚本审批

What This Skill Does

该技能能做什么

Creates effective VO briefs - Documents that give talent everything they need
Casts the right voice - Matching voice characteristics to brand and audience
Writes speakable scripts - Copy that sounds natural when spoken
Directs sessions effectively - Getting the performance you need
Gives actionable feedback - Direction that improves takes, not confuses

制作有效的VO简报 - 为配音人才提供所需全部信息的文档
挑选合适的声音 - 匹配声音特质与品牌及受众
撰写易演绎的脚本 - 口语化、自然流畅的文案
高效指导录音环节 - 获取你需要的表演效果
提供可落地的反馈 - 能提升表演而非造成困惑的指导

How to Use

使用方法

Create a VO Brief

创建VO简报

Help me create a voiceover brief for [project type].
Brand: [brand name/description]
Audience: [target audience]
Tone: [desired tone]
Length: [script length/duration]

Help me create a voiceover brief for [project type].
Brand: [brand name/description]
Audience: [target audience]
Tone: [desired tone]
Length: [script length/duration]

Review a Script for Speakability

审核脚本的易演绎性

Review this script for voiceover delivery:
[paste script]
Make it sound more natural and easier to perform.

Review this script for voiceover delivery:
[paste script]
Make it sound more natural and easier to perform.

Prepare Session Direction Notes

准备录音环节指导笔记

I have a VO session tomorrow. Help me prepare direction notes.
Script: [paste or describe]
Talent: [describe if known]
Key moments: [specific lines that need attention]

I have a VO session tomorrow. Help me prepare direction notes.
Script: [paste or describe]
Talent: [describe if known]
Key moments: [specific lines that need attention]

Instructions

操作指南

When directing voiceover, follow this methodology:

指导配音时，请遵循以下方法：

Step 1: Create the VO Brief

步骤1：创建VO简报

Before reaching out to talent, document everything they need to know.

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在联系配音人才前，整理好他们需要了解的所有信息。

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Voiceover Brief Template

Project Overview

Project name: Format: [Explainer video / Commercial / E-learning / Audiobook / etc.] Duration: [total runtime] Usage: [Where will this be used? Rights needed?]

Brand Context

Company: [Brief description] Brand personality: [3-5 adjectives] Existing voice references: [Links to previous VO work, if any] Competing brands to avoid sounding like: [if relevant]

Target Audience

Who: [Demographics, psychographics] Their relationship to brand: [New customer? Loyal fan? Skeptical?] Emotional state when watching: [Busy? Relaxed? Stressed?]

Voice Specifications

Gender preference: [Any / Male / Female / Non-binary] Age range: [Vocal age, not literal age] Accent: [Specific requirements] Tone: [Warm, authoritative, playful, urgent, etc.] Pace: [Conversational, quick, measured, etc.] Energy level: [1-10 scale]

Reference Examples

Sound-alike references: [Links to similar VO that captures desired tone] Anti-references: [What you DON'T want—examples of wrong direction]

Practical Details

Script attached: [Yes/No] Word count: Estimated read time: [Rule: ~150 words per minute] Deadline: Budget: [Range] Revisions included: [Number]


**Key consideration**: The more specific your brief, the faster you find the right talent.

---

Script attached: [Yes/No] Word count: Estimated read time: [Rule: ~150 words per minute] Deadline: Budget: [Range] Revisions included: [Number]


**关键注意事项**：你的简报越具体，就越快能找到合适的配音人才。

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Step 2: Write Speakable Copy

步骤2：撰写易演绎的文案

Scripts for voiceover must be written for the ear, not the eye.

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配音脚本必须为听觉而非视觉撰写。

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Script Preparation Checklist

Structure

□ Short sentences (15 words max) □ One idea per sentence □ Natural contractions (don't, won't, it's) □ Breathing room built in (punctuation, line breaks)

Readability

□ Read aloud 3x before finalizing □ No tongue twisters or awkward consonant clusters □ Complex words spelled phonetically in parentheses □ Numbers written as words (three million, not 3,000,000) □ Acronyms spelled out with pronunciation guide

Delivery Cues

□ Key emphasis words underlined or bolded □ [Pause] markers where needed □ (Tone shift notes in parentheses) □ Section breaks clearly marked

Timing

□ Word count noted per section □ Target duration calculated (÷ 150 WPM) □ 10-15% buffer for natural delivery


**Example Script Formatting**:

[OPENING - Warm, curious]

Ever wonder why some companies just... get it?

[PAUSE]

They know exactly what you need (beat) before you do.

[SHIFT TO - Confident, energetic]

That's the power of DataFlow. Our AI doesn't just analyze your customers— it anticipates them.

---

□ Word count noted per section □ Target duration calculated (÷ 150 WPM) □ 10-15% buffer for natural delivery


**脚本格式示例**：

[OPENING - Warm, curious]

Ever wonder why some companies just... get it?

[PAUSE]

They know exactly what you need (beat) before you do.

[SHIFT TO - Confident, energetic]

That's the power of DataFlow. Our AI doesn't just analyze your customers— it anticipates them.

---

Step 3: Cast the Right Voice

步骤3：挑选合适的声音

Matching voice to brand requires systematic evaluation.

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匹配声音与品牌需要系统性评估。

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Voice Casting Criteria

Acoustic Qualities

Pitch: Low, medium, high
Resonance: Chest voice, head voice, balanced
Texture: Smooth, gravelly, breathy, clear
Presence: Intimate/close, broadcast/distant

Pitch: Low, medium, high
Resonance: Chest voice, head voice, balanced
Texture: Smooth, gravelly, breathy, clear
Presence: Intimate/close, broadcast/distant

Performance Qualities

Warmth: Cold → Warm scale
Authority: Peer → Expert scale
Energy: Calm → Dynamic scale
Authenticity: Polished → Conversational scale

Warmth: Cold → Warm scale
Authority: Peer → Expert scale
Energy: Calm → Dynamic scale
Authenticity: Polished → Conversational scale

Brand Alignment Questions

Does this voice sound like our brand would sound?
Would our target audience trust this voice?
Does it stand out from competitors?
Can this voice grow with our brand?
Is there versatility for different content types?


**Audition Request Template**:

Does this voice sound like our brand would sound?
Would our target audience trust this voice?
Does it stand out from competitors?
Can this voice grow with our brand?
Is there versatility for different content types?


**试听请求模板**：

Audition Instructions

Please record the following selection in TWO different reads:

Read 1: [Primary direction, e.g., "warm and conversational, like explaining to a friend"]

Read 2: [Alternate direction, e.g., "slightly more authoritative, like a trusted advisor"]

Selected script excerpt: [30-60 seconds of representative copy]

Technical requirements:

WAV or AIFF format, 44.1kHz, 16-bit minimum
Dry recording (no effects)
Clean room tone at the end (3 seconds of silence)

---

Please record the following selection in TWO different reads:

Read 1: [Primary direction, e.g., "warm and conversational, like explaining to a friend"]

Read 2: [Alternate direction, e.g., "slightly more authoritative, like a trusted advisor"]

Selected script excerpt: [30-60 seconds of representative copy]

Technical requirements:

WAV or AIFF format, 44.1kHz, 16-bit minimum
Dry recording (no effects)
Clean room tone at the end (3 seconds of silence)

---

Step 4: Direct the Session

步骤4：指导录音环节

Live direction is about creating the conditions for great performance.

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现场指导的关键是为出色的表演创造条件。

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Session Direction Framework

Opening (5 minutes)

Thank them, build rapport
Share the context they need (not everything)
Describe the listener/viewer
Set the emotional intention

Thank them, build rapport
Share the context they need (not everything)
Describe the listener/viewer
Set the emotional intention

First Take

"Let's do a full take so I can hear your instincts"
Don't interrupt the first read
Note specific moments to address

"Let's do a full take so I can hear your instincts"
Don't interrupt the first read
Note specific moments to address

Direction Techniques

DO - Give intention, not inflection: ✓ "This person just solved a problem that's been bugging them for months" ✓ "You're sharing a secret with your best friend" ✓ "This is the moment they've been waiting to hear"

DON'T - Give line readings: ✗ "Make it go UP at the end" ✗ "Emphasize THIS word" ✗ "Slower on that part"

DO - Use emotional anchors: ✓ "Remember how you felt when..." ✓ "Imagine you're telling your kid about..." ✓ "This is the 'finally!' moment"

DO - Give intention, not inflection: ✓ "This person just solved a problem that's been bugging them for months" ✓ "You're sharing a secret with your best friend" ✓ "This is the moment they've been waiting to hear"

DON'T - Give line readings: ✗ "Make it go UP at the end" ✗ "Emphasize THIS word" ✗ "Slower on that part"

DO - Use emotional anchors: ✓ "Remember how you felt when..." ✓ "Imagine you're telling your kid about..." ✓ "This is the 'finally!' moment"

Common Adjustments

Too announcer-y: "Throw it away more. Like you're just telling me."
Too flat: "What's exciting about this for you?"
Too much: "Let the words do the work. You don't have to sell so hard."
Wrong pace: "Take your time. The viewer isn't going anywhere."
Missing emotion: "Before this line, take a breath and think about [emotional context]"

---

Too announcer-y: "Throw it away more. Like you're just telling me."
Too flat: "What's exciting about this for you?"
Too much: "Let the words do the work. You don't have to sell so hard."
Wrong pace: "Take your time. The viewer isn't going anywhere."
Missing emotion: "Before this line, take a breath and think about [emotional context]"

---

Step 5: Give Actionable Feedback

步骤5：提供可落地的反馈

For remote work with pickups and revisions.

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适用于远程补录和修改工作。

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Feedback Framework

Structure Your Notes

Timestamp: Line or timecode Current issue: What's happening now Desired change: What you want instead Why: The story reason (not just preference)

Examples of Good vs. Bad Feedback

❌ Bad: "Line 3 doesn't sound right" ✓ Good: "Line 3 ('We're different') - currently sounds defensive. Could we try it more confident, like stating a fact they already know?"

❌ Bad: "More energy" ✓ Good: "The middle section (0:45-1:15) feels like you're reading. Can you imagine you just discovered this and you're excited to share it?"

❌ Bad: "Make it warmer" ✓ Good: "On the opening line, I'm hearing 'CEO addressing shareholders.' Can we try 'friend giving advice over coffee?'"

❌ Bad: "Line 3 doesn't sound right" ✓ Good: "Line 3 ('We're different') - currently sounds defensive. Could we try it more confident, like stating a fact they already know?"

❌ Bad: "More energy" ✓ Good: "The middle section (0:45-1:15) feels like you're reading. Can you imagine you just discovered this and you're excited to share it?"

❌ Bad: "Make it warmer" ✓ Good: "On the opening line, I'm hearing 'CEO addressing shareholders.' Can we try 'friend giving advice over coffee?'"

Pickup Session Template

Hi [Talent name],

Thanks for the great session! A few pickups:

Line 5 ("Our platform integrates...") - Let's try this more conversational, like you're answering a question someone just asked.
Line 12 ("Get started today") - Currently a bit pushy. Can we try it as an invitation, not a command?
Wild line: Can you give me one natural, unscripted version of the closing? Just in your own words.

Please deliver by [date]. Let me know if any direction is unclear!

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Hi [Talent name],

Thanks for the great session! A few pickups:

Line 5 ("Our platform integrates...") - Let's try this more conversational, like you're answering a question someone just asked.
Line 12 ("Get started today") - Currently a bit pushy. Can we try it as an invitation, not a command?
Wild line: Can you give me one natural, unscripted version of the closing? Just in your own words.

Please deliver by [date]. Let me know if any direction is unclear!

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Examples

示例

Example 1: SaaS Explainer Video Brief

示例1：SaaS 讲解视频VO简报

Context: Creating a 90-second product explainer video.

Input:

Help me create a voiceover brief for a 90-second explainer video for our project management software. Target: busy marketing teams. We want to sound helpful, not salesy.

Output:

背景：制作一个90秒的产品讲解视频。

输入:

Help me create a voiceover brief for a 90-second explainer video for our project management software. Target: busy marketing teams. We want to sound helpful, not salesy.

输出:

Voiceover Brief: ProjectFlow Explainer

Project Overview

Project name: ProjectFlow Product Explainer Format: Animated explainer video Duration: 90 seconds (~225 words) Usage: Website homepage, YouTube ads, sales demos (1-year global digital rights)

Brand Context

Company: ProjectFlow - project management software for marketing teams Brand personality: Helpful, smart, calm, efficient, human Existing voice references: None (first professional VO) Avoid sounding like: Monday.com (too energetic), Microsoft (too corporate)

Target Audience

Who: Marketing managers, 28-45, overwhelmed by tools, skeptical of "another platform" Their relationship to brand: Evaluating, comparing options Emotional state: Slightly stressed, time-poor, need quick answers

Voice Specifications

Gender preference: Any (open to male, female, or non-binary voices that fit) Age range: 30-45 (experienced but not stuffy) Accent: Neutral American or British Tone: Warm, knowledgeable, calm confidence—like a smart colleague who has your back Pace: Measured but not slow. Conversational, not broadcast. Energy level: 5-6/10 (calm competence, not enthusiasm overload)

Reference Examples

Sound-alike references:

Notion's explainer videos (conversational warmth)
Calm app (measured pace)
Stripe's product videos (smart, understated)

Anti-references:

High-energy "WE'RE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE" reads
Overly smooth radio commercial voice
Monotone corporate training videos

Sound-alike references:

Notion's explainer videos (conversational warmth)
Calm app (measured pace)
Stripe's product videos (smart, understated)

Anti-references:

High-energy "WE'RE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE" reads
Overly smooth radio commercial voice
Monotone corporate training videos

Practical Details

Word count: 225 words Estimated read time: 90 seconds at 150 WPM Deadline: [Date] Budget: $250-400 (finished audio) Revisions: 2 rounds included

Example 2: Directing a Session

示例2：指导录音环节

Context: Live session with voice talent who's reading too "salesy."

Input:

My voice talent is reading our script like a commercial. It sounds fake. How do I redirect them without insulting their work?

Output:

背景：与配音人才进行现场录音，但他们的朗读过于“推销感”。

输入:

My voice talent is reading our script like a commercial. It sounds fake. How do I redirect them without insulting their work?

输出:

Session Redirection Approach

Step 1: Validate First

"That was great! You've got the energy and the words down. Now I want to try something a bit different."

Step 2: Reset the Context

"Forget this is a commercial for a second. Here's the situation: You're at a dinner party. A friend asks what you do. You love your job but you're also tired and relaxed. How would you tell them about this product?"

Step 3: Remove the Script

"Let's try something. Put the script down. Just tell me—in your own words—what this product does. Don't worry about the exact copy."

[Let them improvise for 30 seconds]

"That! That's the tone I'm looking for. Now let's bring that energy back to the script."

"Let's try something. Put the script down. Just tell me—in your own words—what this product does. Don't worry about the exact copy."

[Let them improvise for 30 seconds]

"That! That's the tone I'm looking for. Now let's bring that energy back to the script."

Step 4: Adjust the Script

For lines that still sound commercial:

"Get started today" → "You could try it like you're just mentioning it offhand. Like, 'oh by the way, you can get started today.' Not a big deal."

"Transform your workflow" → "Let's land on this like you're making a promise to a friend, not a claim to a stranger."

For lines that still sound commercial:

"Get started today" → "You could try it like you're just mentioning it offhand. Like, 'oh by the way, you can get started today.' Not a big deal."

"Transform your workflow" → "Let's land on this like you're making a promise to a friend, not a claim to a stranger."

Step 5: Give Them the 'Why'

"The people watching this have seen a hundred software videos. They can smell marketing. We want them to feel like they're talking to a real person who actually uses this thing."

Checklists & Templates

清单与模板

VO Brief Checklist

VO简报清单

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Before Sending to Talent

□ Project type and duration clearly stated □ Brand personality described (not just adjectives) □ Target audience emotional state explained □ Voice specifications are specific and realistic □ 2-3 sound-alike references included □ Anti-references provided (what NOT to sound like) □ Script formatted for speakability □ Budget and timeline clear □ Usage rights specified □ Revision policy stated

---

□ Project type and duration clearly stated □ Brand personality described (not just adjectives) □ Target audience emotional state explained □ Voice specifications are specific and realistic □ 2-3 sound-alike references included □ Anti-references provided (what NOT to sound like) □ Script formatted for speakability □ Budget and timeline clear □ Usage rights specified □ Revision policy stated

---

Script Speakability Checklist

脚本易演绎性清单

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Before Recording

□ Read aloud 3 times □ Sentences under 15 words □ Contractions used naturally □ Complex words have pronunciation guides □ Numbers written as words □ Breathing room marked □ Emphasis cues are minimal (trust the talent) □ Timing calculated with 15% buffer □ Client approval received

---

□ Read aloud 3 times □ Sentences under 15 words □ Contractions used naturally □ Complex words have pronunciation guides □ Numbers written as words □ Breathing room marked □ Emphasis cues are minimal (trust the talent) □ Timing calculated with 15% buffer □ Client approval received

---

Session Direction Cheat Sheet

录音环节指导速查表

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Quick Direction Phrases

To reduce energy:

"Throw it away"
"Just say it"
"Less is more here"

To add warmth:

"Like you're sharing a secret"
"Smile as you say it"
"Talk to one person, not an audience"

To build authority:

"State it as fact"
"You know this to be true"
"No need to convince, just inform"

To fix pacing:

"Land on that word before moving on"
"Take a breath there"
"Let that sink in"

To get natural delivery:

"Tell me in your own words"
"Forget the script for a second"
"What's exciting about this to you?"

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To reduce energy:

"Throw it away"
"Just say it"
"Less is more here"

To add warmth:

"Like you're sharing a secret"
"Smile as you say it"
"Talk to one person, not an audience"

To build authority:

"State it as fact"
"You know this to be true"
"No need to convince, just inform"

To fix pacing:

"Land on that word before moving on"
"Take a breath there"
"Let that sink in"

To get natural delivery:

"Tell me in your own words"
"Forget the script for a second"
"What's exciting about this to you?"

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Skill Boundaries

技能边界

What This Skill Does Well

该技能擅长的领域

Structuring audio production workflows
Providing technical guidance
Creating quality checklists
Suggesting creative approaches

构建音频制作工作流程
提供技术指导
创建质量清单
建议创意方法

What This Skill Cannot Do

该技能无法做到的事

Replace audio engineering expertise
Make subjective creative decisions
Access or edit audio files directly
Guarantee commercial success

替代音频工程专业知识
做出主观创意决策
直接访问或编辑音频文件
保证商业成功

References

参考资料

Anne Ganguzza. "VO Boss Podcast" - Corporate narration and direction techniques
iZotope. "Tips to Record Professional Quality Voice Over at Home" - Technical standards
ACX Audio Submission Requirements - Industry technical specifications
TechSmith. "Voice Over Like a Pro" - Practical direction guidance

Anne Ganguzza. "VO Boss Podcast" - 企业旁白与指导技巧
iZotope. "Tips to Record Professional Quality Voice Over at Home" - 技术标准
ACX Audio Submission Requirements - 行业技术规范
TechSmith. "Voice Over Like a Pro" - 实用指导技巧

Related Skills

Skill Metadata (Internal Use)

技能元数据（内部使用）

yaml

name: voiceover-direction
category: audio
subcategory: voiceover
version: 1.0
author: MKTG Skills
source_expert: Anne Ganguzza, Industry Best Practices
source_work: VO Boss Podcast, Industry Standards
difficulty: intermediate
estimated_value: $200-500 per session (equivalent coaching)
tags: [voiceover, direction, talent, casting, video-production]
created: 2026-01-26
updated: 2026-01-26

yaml

name: voiceover-direction
category: audio
subcategory: voiceover
version: 1.0
author: MKTG Skills
source_expert: Anne Ganguzza, Industry Best Practices
source_work: VO Boss Podcast, Industry Standards
difficulty: intermediate
estimated_value: $200-500 per session (equivalent coaching)
tags: [voiceover, direction, talent, casting, video-production]
created: 2026-01-26
updated: 2026-01-26

voiceover-direction

Original

Translation

Voiceover Direction

配音指导（Voiceover Direction）

When to Use This Skill

何时使用该技能

Methodology Foundation

方法基础

What Claude Does vs What You Decide

Claude 负责的工作 vs 由你决定的事项

What This Skill Does

该技能能做什么

How to Use

使用方法

Create a VO Brief

创建VO简报

Review a Script for Speakability

审核脚本的易演绎性

Prepare Session Direction Notes

准备录音环节指导笔记

Instructions

操作指南

Step 1: Create the VO Brief

步骤1：创建VO简报

Voiceover Brief Template

Voiceover Brief Template

Project Overview

Project Overview

Brand Context

Brand Context

Target Audience

Target Audience

Voice Specifications

Voice Specifications

Reference Examples

Reference Examples

Practical Details

Practical Details

Step 2: Write Speakable Copy

步骤2：撰写易演绎的文案

Script Preparation Checklist

Script Preparation Checklist

Structure

Structure

Readability

Readability

Delivery Cues

Delivery Cues

Timing

Timing

Step 3: Cast the Right Voice

步骤3：挑选合适的声音

Voice Casting Criteria

Voice Casting Criteria

Acoustic Qualities

Acoustic Qualities

Performance Qualities

Performance Qualities

Brand Alignment Questions

Brand Alignment Questions

Audition Instructions

Audition Instructions

Step 4: Direct the Session

步骤4：指导录音环节

Session Direction Framework

Session Direction Framework

Opening (5 minutes)

Opening (5 minutes)

First Take

First Take

Direction Techniques

Direction Techniques

Common Adjustments

Common Adjustments

Step 5: Give Actionable Feedback

步骤5：提供可落地的反馈

Feedback Framework

Feedback Framework

Structure Your Notes