Conversational scriptwriting, or writing a conversational script – is a big thing these days. In online forums as well as voice acting discussion groups, ‘announcery’ voice overs (and what they are) get hotly debated because of it. The fact is, however, that times have changed and consumers want to be spoken to — not talked at. It’s an important distinction.
‘Announcery’ and why you should avoid it
So, do you need to write, record, and produce a voice over project? Are you currently staring at your computer screen while your fingers hover over the keyboard? Are you wondering how to start writing a conversational script that won’t sound ‘announcery’ once it’s recorded?
Let’s first define exactly what ‘announcery’ is.
‘Announcery’ is a style of staid presentation. It still gets practiced on the radio. Live reads — when the radio DJ or announcer reads a short ad or sponsor script at the start or end of a show — often devolve into this type of vocal delivery. Essentially, an ‘announcery’ read sounds condescending. It sounds patronizing. Or pretentious. Or it just sounds fake. Why? Because it sounds ‘announced’. Here are some excellent examples of what you wouldn’t want your script to sound like today. It’ll kill what you’re selling stone-dead. Seriously.
Of course, a voice actor with a proclivity for a condescending tone can ruin a script no matter how well you write it. But by and large, you can avoid an announcery delivery if you write your script conversationally and direct your chosen voice actor well.
What is ‘conversational scriptwriting’?
When you’re writing a voice-over script, you don’t want the product or service you’re advertising to sound like an announcement — even if it is one.
A conversational script is exactly that: a script in the form of a conversation with the listener. Consequently, it sounds natural. Most of us write differently when compared to the way we speak. On a page or onscreen, you’re likely to use more formal words that wouldn’t be part of your casual vocabulary. In short, therefore, write your script the way your target audience speaks, not the way you usually write!
Being conversational
By now we’ve probably got you thinking and having a conversation with yourself. If so, that’s great! Here’s what to do:
1. Keep your vibe and voice consistent
When you’re writing your script, don’t leap between First, Second, or Third Person. If you’re not consistent, you may lose your listener because they get confused. By the same token keep your style consistent. If you’re writing for a specific audience, keep their vocabulary in mind and don’t use words they wouldn’t.
2. Conversational scriptwriting: Write the way you speak
As mentioned in passing above, when we write, we often use bigger words, have fewer contractions, and compose more convoluted sentences. When you’re writing a conversational script, simplify everything.
Example:
- “I am asking for assistance!”
- “I need help!”
- “In a timely manner.”
- “Quickly!”
See the difference?
3. Use Short Sentences
Keep your sentences concise and to the point. Get your message across as succinctly as possible. Imagine yourself sitting opposite a person who falls into your target market. Chat with them directly.
4. Read your conversational script out loud
This is a wonderfully foolproof way of determining whether anything in your script jars, sounds clumsy, or comes over awkwardly. You can read out loud to yourself or to someone else but do it. Even if you feel silly because you’re not a voice actor and you reckon you sound like a throttled pigeon. You’ll be able to pick out the words and sentences that just don’t cut it. Anything that you feel you have to force or sounds off, probably is. Go for rhythm and words that roll off the tongue as part of a conversation.
In Conclusion
Conversational scriptwriting isn’t hard to master — and having a conversation with yourself isn’t either. Sometimes, we all need is good company. Will it be worth the effort? Well, audiences around the world want something they can relate to, something that matters to them on a personal level. So the more conversational your script, the better the odds of creating a script that resonates with your audience. Happy conversational scriptwriting!
