technical narration

Marilyn Taylor · **Voice Talent** Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 400

Hi everyone, I recently was hired to do a technical narration,hurray for me...it''s an instructional read for surgeons..haven't seen the script yet. I've never done this type of read before and I want to start studying. Can anybody recommend someone or something I can listen to that they think is an excellent example of a technical narration? I'd sure apppreciate any and all help. Thanks in advance

Kevin Miller · **Voice Talent** Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 142

not to be modest but....

Kathleen Keesling · **Voice Talent** Joined: 15 Jul 2006 Posts: 746

Great job on landing the narration!

Technical Narration is at least a 50% bulk of the work I get. Its almost completely kept off my reels due to Non Disclosure Agreements...Kevin's read is a perfect example of the style read you describe though.

Great Work, Kevin!

I have a strong background in medical terminology as well as Latin language studies, so some of it comes naturally for me.

For my projects, pacing is VERY important. They are usually very sizable reads, so keeping your voice consistent is also very important....

I review the scripts first and notate the pronunciation of words I know would cause me trouble.

Make use of Merriam Websters Dictionary for pronunciations. Let me know if you need some other medical sites for germ pronunciations. I'll send them along.

buch lesen

Michael Murphy · **Voice Talent** Joined: 02 May 2007 Posts: 113

If you need pronunciation help etc.. I am a Registered Nurse and could help if needed. PM me if need be.

Mike

Marilyn Taylor · **Voice Talent** Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 400

Kevin...awesome read...thanks, that helps alot..Kathleen, thanks for the input from someone whose 'been there done that' and Michael, how cool you are a registered nurse, my son just entered the nursing program at our community college...
All of your responses motivate me .... thanks! Very Happy

Michael Strah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Jun 2005 Posts: 29

Try to get the script marked up "phonetically" that is to say have them expand the words so you can read them by sound.
If you can, talk to the producer and do a run through, they will correct you.
If you have local help (for example you happen to live beside a doctor, engineer, etc...depending on the script) take advantage of it.
You will find that it is not as difficult as might think, and after a couple of medical or foreign or engineering reads, you will get the hang of it.

Medical GP reads are much easier than medical specialist reads, be sure to negotiate your fees, accordingly.

Marilyn Taylor · **Voice Talent** Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 400

Thanks Michael, very useful info. It turns out that I got the job and they loved it...in fact they want me to appear in the DVD doing the intro and outro...I've learned so much from helpful people like yourself in this forum Smile

Michael Strah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Jun 2005 Posts: 29

Good for you! You are going to find it really interesting when you now make the jump to a physical appearance, as opposed to only appearing as a voice, on the product.
And the extra money will make it even more interesting.
No spinach in the teeth, 'kay! LOL

By the way, I forgot to mention the best advice I ever got regarding medical reads is that you should be able to speak the word as if you have been using it in conversation for years. The paradox is trying to apply the old expression "Easier said than done" to such a job!

Marilyn Taylor · **Voice Talent** Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 400

I'll try to remember about the spinach in teeth Laughing

Actually, having a background in news reporting, video work comes so much more naturally for me...though I'm working feverishly to change that.
I actually memorized most of the medical read so it read like I knew what the heck I was talking about.....seemed to work but can't imagine doing that everyday for every job....yikes!

Debbie Deutsch · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Posts: 1338

Congrats Marilyn! Sounds like a great gig and I know you'll do an astounding job! Cool