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There is a story in every script. Understanding and being able to deliver the story to the listener will make your voice acting stand out. In this video, Anne defines the 5 key elements of a story to help you nail your read every time.
Hi everyone,
Today I want to talk to you about how to find the story in your copy and why it's important to find that story so it can help you to deliver a more believable performance. Every single piece of copy there is a story. I promise you there's a story. Even if it's a piece of medical narration or a dry corporate copy there is a story. There are usually five key elements in that story that you can look for that will help you to understand it. Because if you're just reading copy it's very difficult to tell the story because you don't really know what that story is so you have to do just a little bit of investigation first so that you can tell that story in a more meaningful way.
Five things to a story.
The first is characters. Typically you are going to be the main character in the story, and your second character is going to be who you're talking to in the story. I like to think that when it says a straight script that you're only talking between yourself and one other listener. Because that makes it more personal and makes it more engaging.
After that, we have the setting. This is always a place where the story takes place that's logical. So try to make it you know somewhere other than your living room or your kitchen where it can be a logical place where you might be selling this product or talking about this product. Maybe you were at the office, maybe you're on a client visit, especially if you're doing something like corporate narration or even a commercial. It can take place at home but it can also be at a store or any other suitable location. Make sure it's logical because that'll help you to again tell that story in a more engaging way.
The third thing is that there's conflict. There's almost always conflict in every story. So if it's a commercial there might be a problem that somebody's having in which case they need the product to solve that problem or that service to solve the problem. If it's a corporation maybe other solutions are not helping you and therefore this company has the grand mission statement that do you align with and therefore you want to work with them to help solve your problem.
There's also an action that takes place in every story and that action is a call to action. What do you want that listener to do after you have told that story, or is it right before you finish wrapping up the story. What is it that they should be doing in order to be a part of that story? Usually, it is looking into this product, or to buy this product. Maybe you're on board with the mission statement of the company. Whatever that call to action is it needs to be clear to the listeners so that they can then act upon it
Then finally you're gonna wrap that all with a nice little bow, you're gonna have the resolution. Again you're going to summarize what's happening. Or tell them this again is why you need to come to us or why you need to buy this product.
Look at those five elements in every single piece of copy and it will help you to understand who you're talking to you what the purpose of it is and then be able to tell that story in a more realistic and meaningful manner. OK so to wrap this up, always take the time to find those key elements, find that story, that will help you to speak to the listener in a more authentic, engaging, and conversational way.
Much love and Keep on rockin' your biz!
XOXO,
Anne
About the Author: Anne Ganguzza is a full-time voice talent and award-winning director and producer who works with students to develop their voice over and business skills - including VO demo training and production. She specializes in Conversational Commercial and Narration styles, including Corporate, E-Learning, Technology, Healthcare - Medical, Telephony, and On-Hold. Located in Orange County, CA, Anne offers private coaching and mentoring services to students in person and via Skype, ipDTL or Zoom.