Conveying Correct Pronunciation to a Voice Talent - Top 3 Ways

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Conveying correct pronunciation of names, terms, or any other specific words to your voice talent is crucial for ensuring high-quality IVR recordings. Mispronunciations can lead to confusion, unprofessional results, and costly re-recordings. Here are the top three ways to effectively convey pronunciation to any voice talent:

1. Phonetic Spellings

Phonetic spellings provide a clear, standardized way to convey pronunciation. They use symbols from the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) or simpler phonetic approximations to show how a word should sound. Here’s how to use phonetic spellings effectively:

Steps:

• Identify Key Sounds: Break down the word into its individual sounds. For example, the name “Nguyen” can be challenging, so break it into parts like “nuh-goo-yen.”
• Use IPA or Simple Phonetics: If the voice talent is familiar with IPA, use it. Otherwise, use simple phonetic spellings. For instance, “rendezvous” can be spelled out as “rahn-day-voo.”
• Provide Context: Sometimes, providing the word in a sentence helps. For example, “Nguyen is pronounced ‘nuh-goo-yen’ as in ‘Nguyen, the project manager, will join the meeting.’”

Example:
Word: “Schedule”
Phonetic Spelling: “SKEH-jool” (for American English) or “SHED-yool” (for British English).

2. Audio Pronunciation Guides

Audio pronunciation guides are one of the most effective ways to ensure accurate pronunciation. They offer an audible example, leaving little room for misinterpretation.

Steps:

• Record the Pronunciation: Use a clear, native speaker’s pronunciation. Ensure there is no background noise.
• Provide Multiple Takes: Offer a couple of variations if there are acceptable alternatives. This helps the voice talent to hear slight nuances.
• Include a Sentence: Providing the word in a sentence can help clarify its usage and context, making it easier for the voice talent to grasp.

Tools:
Online Dictionaries: Websites like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary often have audio pronunciations.

Custom Recordings: Use apps like Voice Memos (iOS) or Easy Voice Recorder (Android) to create your own recordings.

Example:
Word: “Entrepreneur”
Audio Pronunciation Guide: Record the word “entrepreneur” and say, “An entrepreneur is someone who starts a new business.”

3. Written Descriptions and Notes

Written descriptions and notes can be incredibly helpful, especially when paired with phonetic spellings or audio guides. They provide additional context that can aid in correct pronunciation.

Steps:

• Break Down Syllables: Show where the stress falls and break the word into syllables. For example, “pronunciation” can be broken down as “pro-nun-see-A-shun.”
• Stress and Intonation Notes: Indicate which syllable should be stressed or if there are any specific intonation patterns.
• Comparisons: Compare the pronunciation to similar-sounding words that the voice talent might be more familiar with.

Example:
Word: “Banana”
Written Description: “The word ‘banana’ is pronounced ‘buh-NAH-nuh’ with the stress on the second syllable. Similar to how you would say ‘anna’ but with ‘buh’ at the beginning and ‘nuh’ at the end.”

Conclusion

Ensuring accurate pronunciation and conveying correct pronunciation is vital for professional voice recordings. By using phonetic spellings, audio pronunciation guides, and written descriptions, you can effectively communicate the desired pronunciation to voice talent. These methods not only enhance the quality of the recording but also save time and resources by reducing the need for re-recordings. Clear communication leads to flawless execution, making your project sound polished and professional.

Ready to talk to us about assuring pronouncer and voice talent accuracy? Contact us and we’ll walk you through the process.