When interpreting a voice-over script, I always need to take into consideration any direction I am given.  Before uttering a word, I scan the script for direction details.

For example, a client might simply write “happy, upbeat”, or “with a smile”, or “testimonial style”.  These are all very easy to fulfill.  I welcome the opportunity to interpret the direction to the best of my ability.

Sometimes, I am given no direction at all, but am simply forwarded a script.  I quite love that.  I am given the freedom to decipher it myself.  I always look at the advertiser, take into consideration the product, how the script is written – the words and punctuation used, and anything else that might give a signal as to the point of the commercial or video. While one could potentially perceive a script several ways (occasionally I will give 2 or 3 very diverse choices), I tend to simply give it my best interpretation.

However, occasionally direction is quite elaborate.  Example…

The audience are golfers (from 15 – 65) women and men. For the artistic direction – express the right emotions while reading the texts and keep the timing (30 secs);  For the Introduction part, use a friendly tone; For the Problem part, use a concerned tone; For the Solution part, use a higher tone (maybe more amusing and happy); Special Requests – Keep the timing as written in the sample script.

HAHAHA!! WOW!  I am far more apprehensive to voice a script offering a lot of seemingly helpful information, than none at all. The pressure to get the direction correct, remembering the changing instructions while I’m invested in reading the script, is actually a big distraction!

In a business all about words, sometimes you say it best, when you say nothing at all.