Mastering Corporate Video Narration Techniques

Hello everyone, today we're going to discuss corporate narration, the bread and butter of many full-time VO's careers, and an industry that seems determined to hire an AI voice, only to eventually need it to be replaced by a human!

So let's get into it...

When it comes to creating compelling corporate videos, the narration can make or break the entire project. You might have stunning visuals, a powerful script, and a clear message, but without the right voice to bring it all together, the impact falls flat. I’ve spent years honing my craft as a voice-over artist, and today, I want to share some practical insights and tips to help you master the art of corporate video narration. Whether you’re a producer, content creator, or part of a global brand’s marketing team, these pointers will elevate your next project.

Why Voice Matters in Corporate Videos

Have you ever watched a corporate video that felt... well, boring? Chances are, the voiceover was part of the problem. The voice is the emotional bridge between your message and your audience. It sets the tone, builds trust, and keeps viewers engaged. A warm, confident narration can turn a simple product demo into a story that resonates.

Think about it: when you hear a voice that sounds authentic and clear, you’re more likely to pay attention and absorb the information. On the other hand, a monotone or rushed narration can make even the most exciting content feel dull. That’s why investing time and effort into the narration process is crucial.

Essential Corporate Video Narration Tips for Success

Let’s dive into some actionable tips that will help you nail your next corporate video narration:

1. Understand Your Audience and Purpose

Before approaching the mic, ask yourself: Who am I talking to? What do they care about? What action do I want them to take after watching this video? The answers will shape your tone, pace, and style.

For example, a video aimed at investors might require a more formal and authoritative voice, while an internal training video could be friendlier and more conversational. Tailoring your narration to the audience ensures your message lands just right.

2. Script with the Voice in Mind

A great script is the foundation of effective narration. Write in a natural, conversational style. Avoid jargon unless essential, and break up long sentences to make them easier to read aloud.

Reading your script out loud during the writing process helps catch awkward phrasing or tongue twisters. Remember, the goal is to sound like a real person talking, not a robot reciting text.

3. Control Your Pace and Breathing

Pacing is everything. Speaking too fast can confuse listeners, while going too slow might bore them. Aim for a steady, moderate pace that allows your audience to absorb the information comfortably.

Don’t forget to breathe! Pausing at the right moments adds emphasis and gives your listeners time to process key points. It also makes your narration sound more natural and less rushed.

4. Use Vocal Variety

Monotony is the enemy of engagement. Vary your pitch, tone, and volume to keep things interesting. Emphasise important words or phrases to highlight key messages.

Imagine you’re telling a story to a friend. You wouldn’t speak in the same tone the entire time, right? The same principle applies here.

5. Practice Makes Perfect

Even seasoned voice-over artists rehearse before recording. Practice your script multiple times to get comfortable with the flow and pronunciation. This reduces mistakes and helps you deliver a confident performance.

If possible, record a few test takes and listen back. You might notice areas where you can improve or add more emotion.

How much to charge for a corporate voiceover?

Pricing voiceover work can feel tricky, especially when you’re just starting or negotiating with clients. For a corporate voiceover, rates vary widely depending on experience, usage rights, and project complexity.

Here’s an idea of what your Basic Studio Fee might be to record the corporate work:

• Beginner voice artists: £150

• Experienced professionals: £200 - £250

• Top-tier or celebrity voices: £300 and up

  
  

Keep in mind, these figures represent the BSF of an artist, the Basic Studio / Session Fee. If a corporate video is going online, going to have a large audience, is being featured on a company's website or social media, or is even going to be shown on broadcast or paid networks, then the fees will increase with a usage fee.

When it comes to rates, always be clear in your communication, and ensure that usage rates and any other fees are spoken about up front. And be realistic! None of us wants to undervalue our industry or our fellow talented voices, but the reality is, some projects are always going to be able to meet professional budgets, and some aren't.

Tips for Setting Your Rates

• Know your worth: Don’t undervalue your skills, but be realistic about your experience level.

• Consider the client’s budget: Larger companies often have bigger budgets but expect high-quality work.

• Offer packages: Bundling multiple videos or services can make pricing simpler and more attractive.

• Be transparent: Clear communication about what’s included helps build trust.

Why Choosing the Right Voice Talent Matters

Selecting the right voice talent is more than just picking a pleasant voice. It’s about finding someone who can embody your brand’s personality and connect with your audience authentically.

That’s why I always recommend working with experienced professionals who understand the nuances of corporate video narration. If you want to explore options, check out corporate video narration services that specialise in delivering tailored voiceovers for global brands.

Bringing It All Together: Your Next Steps

Mastering corporate video narration is a journey, but with the right approach, you can create videos that truly resonate. Here’s a quick checklist to keep handy:

• Define your audience and message clearly

• Write conversational, easy-to-read scripts

• Practice pacing, breathing, and vocal variety

• Invest in a quiet space and quality equipment

• Edit carefully to polish your final audio

• Choose voice talent that fits your brand’s tone

  
  

Remember, corporate narration is all about speaking on someone else's behalf, embodying the words and wisdom of the brand you are speaking for, and drawing listeners in to make sure they retain the information.

Keep those things in mind, and your corporate narrative work will shine!

Happy voicing everyone

Signing Out

SBVO