Learn Audiobook Narration with Helen Lloyd
"If you are a full Voiceover Kickstart member you can start a conversation with your fellow members in THE LOUNGE as you work through the programme. In MODULE 5 you'll see details on Helen's personal AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR COACHING programme." Guy Michaels - Director of Voiceover Kickstart
Topics include
- The Audiobook Industry
- Self Published Audiobooks
- Technical challenges
- Artistic challenges
- Developing your ear
- The Narrative Voice
- Developing Characters
- Keeping it real
- Changing gender
- Acting skills
- Vocal modulation
- Dynamics
- Microphone technique
- Studio discipline
It is recommended that you spread this work with Helen over a few days so that you have time to reflect upon the learning.
Module 1 - In this introduction, Helen covers:
- An introduction to Audiobook Narration
- Overview of the industry
- Ways in which audiobooks are produced
- How a narrator is paid
- Self-Publishing platforms
- The challenges an audiobook narrator faces
- Recording Task 1 (you can access the script below)
PERFORMANCE NOTES
Your aim is not only to interpret the story but bring it to life for the listener. There are multiple characters and each voice must be unique and absolutely believable. How will you engage the listener with the narrator's voice?
Module 2 - In this module, Helen covers:
- Types of Narrative Voice
- Staying in control
- Reviewing your recording
- Awareness of noises
- Interpretation
- Getting used to listening to yourself
- Recording Task 2 (you can access the script below)
Recording Task 2 - THE STAR Written by H G Wells.
PERFORMANCE NOTES
Your aim is to create an atmosphere. This a longer piece of text, so pace yourself as vocal stamina may be an issue if you are new to reading aloud continuously in this way.
Module 3 - In this module, Helen covers:
- Reviewing your recording
- The arc of the story
- Keeping it real
- Clarity
- Creating characters
- Changing gender
- Accents
- Acting skills
- Recording Task 3 (you can access the script below)
PERFORMANCE NOTES
An exercise in gender-switching. Also watch out for the class and age differences.
Module 4 - In this module, Helen covers:
- Pitch, pace and pause
- Preparing manuscripts
- Punctuation
- Vocal modulation
- Dynamics
- Technical requirements
- Microphone technique
- Studio discipline
- Breath
- Plosives
Module 5 - In this module, Helen covers:
- Things to do next
- Playing to your strengths
- Building a portfolio
- Sensible investments
- Developing your skills
Are you ready for the challenge?
Audiobook narration is not for the faint hearted! You have to put the time in, and if you're in VO to make money, then audiobooks is not the right place for you. My coaching course combines six hour long 1 to 1 sessions via Zoom and six sets of comprehensive course notes, each section including at least one text to be recorded and returned for review. I send detailed feedback on each assignment and occasionally, re-writes and pick ups to test technical skills. My feedback will be honest, detailed and constructive: I will help you to play to your strengths, I will hold your hand and guide you, I will encourage, I will support – and I promise that I will always be honest with you. No ego massages available! The course is designed for experienced voice actors, or trained actors wanting to expand into audiobooks, it is not suitable for beginners. There is an application process - and a waiting list. I also offer one to one director sessions to work on a specific text whether that be for an audition or an audiobook sample. More information and a contact is available on my website:
More on audiobook narration:
Here's my interview with Matthew Lloyd Davies - check out Episode 1 of The Recorded Voice Voiceover Podcast | Voiceover Kickstart
Also, here's an earlier piece written by Matthew: LEARNING AUDIOBOOK NARRATION
Enjoy!
Guy Michaels - Director of Voiceover Kickstart
