Send a Script and Voice Direction for Recording

Send a Script and Voice Direction for Recording

If you have a voice over script and specific ideas about how it should sound, you can send the script together with your voice direction directly to professional British male voice over artist Spencer Cork.

Voice direction can describe the tone, pace, energy, emotion, audience or overall style you want from the performance. It might be as simple as asking for a warm and conversational read, or it may form part of a detailed creative brief for a commercial, corporate video, explainer, eLearning programme or other professional production.

Providing both the script and voice direction gives the voice over artist important context about not only the words that need to be recorded, but the intended purpose and character of the performance.

I’m Spencer Cork, a professional British male voice over artist recording from a broadcast-quality studio in Kent, UK, for businesses, agencies, production companies and clients worldwide.

Send your script and voice direction through the Spencer Cork contact page.

What Is Voice Direction?

Voice direction is information that helps communicate how a script should be performed.

It can describe qualities such as:

• Tone

• Pace

• Energy

• Emotion

• Authority

• Warmth

• Formality

• Naturalness

• Audience relationship

• Overall delivery style

Good voice direction does not necessarily need to be long or highly technical.

A few clear words can sometimes provide more useful guidance than a lengthy description.

Can I Send Voice Direction With My Script?

Yes.

If you already have a clear idea of the performance style, include that information when you send the script.

For example, you might request a read that is:

• Warm and conversational

• Natural and relaxed

• Confident and authoritative

• Friendly and approachable

• Reassuring and calm

• Energetic and upbeat

• Professional without sounding formal

• Understated and believable

The direction should reflect the purpose of the project rather than simply provide a list of unrelated adjectives.

Why Should I Include Voice Direction?

The same words can be performed in many different ways.

A sentence could sound:

• Serious

• Friendly

• Urgent

• Reassuring

• Excited

• Informative

• Intimate

• Authoritative

Providing direction helps establish which interpretation is appropriate for the project.

It also provides context about the relationship between the voice and the listener.

How Much Voice Direction Should I Provide?

Provide enough information to communicate the intended result without making the direction unnecessarily complicated.

Useful information might include:

• Who is speaking

• Who they are speaking to

• Why they are speaking

• How the listener should feel

• The desired pace

• The overall tone

For many projects, these details can be more useful than simply requesting a voice that sounds "professional."

What Is the Best Way to Describe the Voice I Want?

Try to describe the communication rather than only the sound of the voice.

For example:

"Speak as if you are explaining this to one person."

"Sound knowledgeable but approachable."

"Keep the delivery confident without sounding like an advertisement."

"Make the information feel reassuring and easy to understand."

"Use a natural conversational pace."

These directions provide performance context.

Can I Use Words Like Warm, Friendly or Conversational?

Yes.

Common descriptive terms can be useful when they are supported by project context.

For example, "warm" could mean different things in a healthcare video, a luxury commercial or an internal company presentation.

Explain who the audience is and what the recording needs to achieve.

This helps give the direction practical meaning.

Can I Send a Creative Brief With My Voice Direction?

Yes.

If you have an existing creative brief, you can provide it alongside the script.

A brief might contain information about:

• Brand

• Audience

• Campaign

• Message

• Tone

• Creative concept

• Desired emotional response

The voice direction can then be considered within the wider context of the project.

Can I Send Reference Audio?

Yes.

Reference audio can sometimes help communicate the general style or tone you are considering.

This might include:

• A previous recording

• An earlier campaign

• Existing brand audio

• A temporary guide track

The purpose of a reference should be to communicate useful performance qualities rather than request an exact imitation of another voice artist.

Can I Send a Reference Video?

Yes.

A reference video can provide useful context about:

• Visual style

• Editing pace

• Audience

• Brand tone

• Emotional direction

If the new voice over needs to work with an existing video, provide the relevant material where possible.

Can I Send Several Voice Direction Options?

Yes.

If you are considering different creative approaches, explain the alternatives.

For example:

• More conversational or more authoritative

• Warm and reassuring or direct and informative

• Energetic or understated

If you are requesting multiple interpretations or separate recorded takes, make this clear when discussing the project.

What If I Am Not Sure How to Describe the Voice?

You do not need to use professional voice over terminology.

Explain the result you are trying to achieve in ordinary language.

Useful questions to consider include:

• Who is listening?

• What should they understand?

• How should they feel?

• What action should they take?

• What should the voice avoid sounding like?

For example, saying "I don't want this to sound like a hard sell" can provide useful creative direction.

Can I Ask for a Natural Voice Over?

Yes.

"Natural" is one of the most common voice over directions, but it can still mean different things depending on the project.

You can make the direction clearer by adding context, such as:

• Natural and conversational

• Natural but authoritative

• Natural and warm

• Natural with restrained energy

• Natural and informative

The script and audience also influence how a natural delivery is interpreted.

Can I Ask for a Conversational Voice Over?

Yes.

A conversational delivery generally aims to sound as though the speaker is communicating directly with the listener rather than formally reading written copy.

This style is commonly requested for:

• Commercials

• Explainer videos

• Corporate content

• Online videos

• Training

• Brand films

Providing information about the intended listener can help shape the performance.

Can I Ask for an Authoritative Voice Over?

Yes.

An authoritative voice does not necessarily need to sound overly formal or forceful.

Depending on the project, authority can come from:

• Confidence

• Clarity

• Experience

• Controlled pacing

• Certainty

Explain the type of authority you need and the audience being addressed.

Can I Ask for a Warm and Reassuring Voice?

Yes.

Warm and reassuring delivery may be appropriate for projects where the listener needs to feel comfortable, supported or confident in the information being communicated.

The appropriate performance will depend on the subject and audience.

Can I Ask for an Energetic Voice Over?

Yes.

If you want more energy, explain the context.

Energy can range from:

• Bright and positive

• Fast and enthusiastic

• Confident and upbeat

• Excited and promotional

The appropriate level should match the script and intended audience.

Can I Ask for a Specific Pace?

Yes.

You can request a general pace such as:

• Slow and considered

• Natural conversational pace

• Brisk and energetic

• Deliberate and authoritative

If the recording must fit a precise duration, provide the target timing as well.

A fixed-duration requirement is different from a general preference for pace and may affect how the script can be performed.

Can I Include Notes Inside the Script?

Yes.

Performance notes can be included within the script if they are clearly distinguished from the words that need to be spoken.

For example:

[Warm and conversational]

[Pause]

[More emphasis]

[Slower]

[Change of tone]

Make sure it is clear which text is direction and which text should actually be recorded.

Can I Highlight Words That Need Emphasis?

Yes.

If particular words or phrases need emphasis, identify them clearly.

You might use:

• Bold text

• Highlighting

• Underlining

• Written notes

Avoid marking too many words for emphasis, as this can make the intended priorities less clear.

Can I Provide Direction for Different Sections of the Script?

Yes.

Some scripts require changes in tone or pace.

For example, a corporate video might begin with an emotional introduction, move into an informative section and finish with a confident call to action.

Clearly mark where the direction changes.

Can I Send Voice Direction With a Draft Script?

Yes.

If the script is still being developed, you can send the draft together with the current creative direction.

This can provide useful context about the intended performance before the wording is finalised.

You can also send a draft script for voice over review.

Can I Request a Demo Using My Voice Direction?

You can send your script and direction when enquiring about a custom demo read.

This allows the requested performance style to be considered alongside the words.

You can also send a voice over script for a demo read.

Can Agencies Send Detailed Voice Direction?

Yes.

Agencies, producers and creative teams can provide detailed performance direction.

This may include:

• Creative brief

• Brand guidelines

• Client notes

• Storyboard

• Reference video

• Reference audio

If several stakeholders are involved, it can be helpful to consolidate the direction before recording.

Can I Direct the Voice Over Recording Live?

Yes.

If you want to provide direction in real time, you can enquire about a live directed recording session.

This can be particularly useful when:

• Several interpretations need to be explored

• Client approval is required during the session

• Timing is important

• The performance requires detailed direction

Mention your preferred date, time and relevant time zone when making the enquiry.

Can I Send Voice Direction for a Commercial?

Yes.

Commercial direction may include information about:

• Brand personality

• Target audience

• Campaign concept

• Desired emotional response

• Energy level

• Call to action

The intended media and usage should also be provided when discussing the wider project.

Can I Send Voice Direction for a Corporate Video?

Yes.

Corporate voice direction might focus on qualities such as:

• Professional

• Clear

• Confident

• Human

• Approachable

• Informative

Avoid assuming that all corporate voice overs need to sound formal.

The appropriate tone depends on the organisation and audience.

Can I Send Voice Direction for eLearning or Training?

Yes.

For educational content, direction may focus on:

• Clarity

• Consistency

• Engagement

• Natural pacing

• Authority

• Accessibility

For larger projects, maintaining a consistent style across modules may be particularly important.

What Happens After I Send My Script and Voice Direction?

The typical process is:

1. You send the script and available voice direction.

2. The project context and intended audience are considered.

3. Any unclear direction can be clarified.

4. Availability, quotation and recording requirements are discussed.

5. The final script and creative direction are confirmed.

6. The script is professionally recorded according to the agreed approach.

7. The completed audio is prepared and delivered.

The exact process depends on the project.

Send Your Script and Voice Direction for Recording

If you already know how you want your voice over to sound, send the script together with your creative direction.

Tell me:

• What the project is

• Who the audience is

• How you want the voice to sound

• How you do not want it to sound

• Your preferred pace and energy

• Any words requiring emphasis

• Your required deadline

You can provide simple written direction, a detailed creative brief, reference material or a combination of these.

Send your script and voice direction through the Spencer Cork contact page.

You can also send a draft script for voice over review, send a voice over script for a demo read, send a voice over script and get a quote, send a script and book a voice over recording, or visit the Spencer Cork Voice Over homepage.