A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others. - Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Throughout my time in education, I’ve had one mission: to inspire and motivate others to learn and excel.
eLearning has always been one of my favorite voiceover genres to perform. As long as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for both learning and teaching. As a child, I would spend hours teaching my dolls with flashcards, eagerly awaiting the start of a new school year with fresh notebooks and pencils. My career path first took me into the corporate world as a biomedical design engineer, but I soon found myself drawn to education. I transitioned into a full-time role in high school education for over 18 years while also teaching college and adult continuing education at night. Now, working in voiceover, I bring that same passion for education into my eLearning narration—helping learners engage with content in a meaningful and effective way.
Elearning Voiceover Tips Inspired by My Favorite Teachers
The Power of Passion
One of the most important aspects of eLearning narration is connecting with the content—understanding the teaching moments and delivering them with authenticity. My high school choir teacher, Mrs. Deisenroth, exemplified this skill perfectly. She taught with a passion so infectious that we couldn’t help but love music just as much as she did. Her enthusiasm transformed the learning experience, making it exciting and engaging.
As an eLearning narrator, it’s crucial to bring that same passion to the script. Even if a topic seems dry at first, find joy in the discovery of new information. Your performance should reflect a sense of curiosity and engagement, allowing the learner to feel just as invested. Acting skills can be particularly valuable here—channeling the enthusiasm that comes from helping someone grasp a complex concept can transform the way you deliver an eLearning script.
Mrs. Deisenroth had a profound impact on me as a student. I strive to bring that same level of energy and engagement to the students who hear my voice in eLearning courses, making their learning experience as impactful as possible.
The Value of Tough Love
Sometimes, tough love is the best way to encourage growth. My high school honors English teacher, Mrs. Consler, was a master of this. As a student, I was confident—maybe a little too confident—and assumed I’d breeze through her class with an easy A+. I quickly learned otherwise. She recognized that I wasn’t performing at my full potential and held me accountable, challenging me to do better.
In eLearning narration, tough love can be a powerful tool for emphasizing key teaching moments. Learners are often multitasking—checking emails, responding to texts—so your job is to command their attention. The right tone, pacing, and emphasis can transform an ordinary script into an engaging learning experience. Sometimes, a firm, authoritative approach is just what’s needed to drive home an important concept.
Thanks to Ms. Consler, I learned the value of pushing myself beyond what was comfortable. That same principle applies to eLearning narration—delivering the content in a way that ensures the learner absorbs and retains the information.
Encouragement and Support Matter
A great educator not only teaches but also inspires confidence. My college machine shop instructor, Mr. Wiser, was a perfect example of this. He saw my passion for engineering and did everything he could to support and encourage me. While others might have questioned whether a young woman belonged in the shop, he never did. Instead, he opened doors—literally—by keeping the machine shop open late so I could work on special projects. His belief in me gave me the confidence to push forward.
Encouragement plays a huge role in eLearning narration as well. Think about the learners on the other side of your voice. Are they struggling to grasp a difficult concept? Are they nervous about applying new skills? Your tone can provide reassurance and motivation, making the learning process feel more approachable and achievable. Rather than simply reading the words on a screen, embody the role of a supportive guide—someone who truly wants the learner to succeed.
Don’t Be the Substitute Teacher
We all remember what happened when a substitute teacher took over a classroom—chaos. Students tuned out, misbehaved, and dismissed the material because the substitute lacked the authority and connection that the regular teacher had.
The same thing happens in eLearning when a narrator simply “reads the slides” instead of engaging with the material. If you sound disconnected, learners will be too. Take the time to understand the content, even if you’re not an expert in the subject matter. A little research can go a long way in helping you deliver the information with confidence and credibility.
Think about how you can bring authenticity to each script. Avoid monotone reads and “pretty” performances. Instead, focus on teaching. When learners hear an engaging, knowledgeable voice, they’re far more likely to stay focused and retain the information.
Don't Forget to Be Human
The best educators are more than just presenters of information—they connect, inspire, and motivate. The same is true for eLearning voiceover, and the best tips I can give are wrapped around those points. Bringing humanity to your narration will set you apart from AI-generated voices and make a real impact on learners.
Who were the educators that made a difference in your life? What qualities made them so memorable? Channel those traits into your voiceover work. If you can bring warmth, passion, and authenticity to your eLearning narration, you’ll not only enhance the learner’s experience but also cement your place in a competitive market.
AI might be advancing, but it can’t replicate the human connection that a great teacher—or a great voice—brings to the learning process. So step into the role of educator in your next eLearning project, and make a difference in someone’s learning journey.
And if you ever need guidance in refining your eLearning reads, my virtual “classroom” is always open...
Thanks for reading! - Anne
Work with Anne
Anne Ganguzza is California-based Voice Actor, Voiceover Coach, and award-winning Director & Producer specializing in target-marketed Voiceover Demo Production.
