When you create e-learning courses, do you generally include on-screen text that’s identical to the audio narration? If so, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, virtually everyone has create...
Published 10 years ago
Version 1.0
Blog Post
The main reason I recommend NOT repeating text in the audio is that most of us read quicker than we speak. This means that for any text more than just a few words, the learner will be out of synch with the narrator - resulting in them neither understanding what they are reading nor listening to what they are hearing. Alternatively, the learner slows their natural reading speed to match the narration, which results in frustration.
While I like to use audio, I find it creates problems which I feel outweigh its value. Ideally, narration should to be professionally produced - in a studio with a voiceover actor. However, budget or other constraints may not allow for this. A reasonable quality can be obtained with modern equipment, but this cannot compensate for the quality of the narrator - just because the designer can narrate, doesn't mean they should. Quality of voice and intonation is important. Getting the right narrator is one thing, but getting them back again at the last minute to record some client changes is a headache I have endured too often.
While I like to use audio, I find it creates problems which I feel outweigh its value. Ideally, narration should to be professionally produced - in a studio with a voiceover actor. However, budget or other constraints may not allow for this. A reasonable quality can be obtained with modern equipment, but this cannot compensate for the quality of the narrator - just because the designer can narrate, doesn't mean they should. Quality of voice and intonation is important. Getting the right narrator is one thing, but getting them back again at the last minute to record some client changes is a headache I have endured too often.
I'm a voice over talent, and I completely agree with what you say about reading in sync with the narrator. Good voice over falls in the range of 130-150 words per minute. I just finished a project with 250 slides that opens with "This tutorial is approximately 30 minutes long." Not with voice over! There is also the question of whether the audience is international, and speaking English as a second language. Clarity of diction and easy-to-follow pacing is essential, while still sounding engaging. I come from a video production background, and I identify with what you say about script revisions. I'm always on call for pickups and the first ten sentences of revisions are no extra charge. It's hard to get talent back if they do lots of commercial/radio/tv work. Choose a talent that specializes in e-learning and corporate video, and they'll be easier to work with.