Zaryo - Narration

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On the radio, in advertisements, on the news; the narrator or announcer sends the audience messages using a clear voice and with good diction.

Narration

Posted by Katriona on 01-11-2011

Usually, as an audience, we pay attention to the message and the words, without paying too much attention to the speaker himself. But, narration is hard work that not everyone can cope with.

The narrator reads prepared texts, on the radio and for television, in advertising and even in the movies. Sports and news presenters can be announcers as well; they need to be able to give their own take on the news, to interview, or to comment on live broadcasts - in short, they need to have a broad general knowledge of the subjects they are speaking of.

Not everyone can become a narrator. Narration requires a pleasant voice (usually authoritative), definitely not wheezy or shrill. Usually a narrator's voice is what is known as radio-phonic, that is, a voice that passes well through the airwaves. This is not always the same as the sound of a voice heard directly. In addition, the announcer needs to pronounce the language as a native speaker would.

The narrator should know the language absolutely perfectly, speak clearly, with the proper diction and intonation, while using the basic principles of a broadcasting voice. A good narrator should be experienced both on camera and with a microphone: both in voice control and also in facial expressions and body language. Part of the profession of narration is physical and requires skills and training just as in singing and athletics. The ability to produce the voice from deep in the diaphragm, and not from the throat and the knack of knowing where to breathe throughout texts without making a deep exhalation and inhalation sound, are also extremely important. It is extremely advisable for potential narrators to learn how to improve their vocal qualities.

Other expertise required for professional narration is working with texts: knowing how to analyse and divide the text and how to present it. Narration requires fluidity of reading, since usually narrators are handed the text only a few moments before it's time to record them. Also, the ability to express emotions and to control the style at a moment's notice in the recording studio should be at the narrator's fingertips, using both facial expression and body movements to help express the text.

Narration is not a profession that comes easily to everyone; it is worth studying by attending a course or two. Some courses can be taken just on the basis of a voice test and anyone can attend. The narration classes take place in a recording studio and you will be given a demo tape at the conclusion of the course. During the course, you'll be taught microphone technique. These may not be private lessons and so, you'll be sharing the time with classmates. Another option is to take private narration lessons if you can afford it.

Narration - Job Hunting
In the first stage of job hunting, the narrator must provide a demo disc, just like any singer. The demo disc is the narrator's calling-card. It includes samples of his work and potential employees can listen to it and decide whether this is the appropriate voice for the job. The disc should have samples from several different genres, each one about 60 seconds in length.

Narration - Important Tips
And of course, don't forget - the narrator must above all take care of his voice, the most important work tool. Try not to shout, do warm up exercises before recording, drink water and don't let your throat go dry, and speak from the diaphragm.

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