Mastering Emotion in Corporate Narration
Corporate narration is tricky—like walking a tightrope. One of the biggest challenges voice actors face is knowing how much emotion to inject into a read. Too much sounds overly dramatic and insincere. Too little? Boring, lifeless, and robotic. So how do you find the sweet spot? The key is understanding the why behind the script and adjusting your delivery accordingly.
Getting the Right Feedback
Start with a solid script analysis. (If you need a refresher, check out our previous blog.) Unlike commercial or animation work, corporate narration is often self-directed, meaning you don’t get real-time feedback from a director. This can make it difficult to know if your read is hitting the right tone.
To improve your corporate reads:
Work with a coach who specializes in corporate narration.
Attend Group Workouts for regular feedback on your delivery.
Record and listen critically to your reads—does it sound natural and engaging?
The more feedback you get, the easier it will be to gauge when you’ve found the right emotional balance.
A Different Kind of EQ
Most people are familiar with IQ—the intelligence quotient that measures analytical skills. But in the corporate world, there’s another crucial factor: EQ, or emotional quotient.
EQ refers to emotional intelligence—the ability to empathize, understand different perspectives, and connect with an audience. In corporate narration, EQ helps you step into the shoes of the listener and communicate the message in a way that resonates.
To develop your EQ in voice over:
Listen to your read from the audience’s perspective—does it feel relatable?
Ask yourself, “What problem is this script solving for the listener?”
Adjust your tone to match the audience’s needs—are they excited? Stressed? Curious?
The better you understand the audience, the more naturally you’ll deliver the right emotional balance.
Beyond the Brand
It’s easy to think of corporate scripts as cold and impersonal, but at their core, companies are made up of people—and they sell to people.
Instead of focusing on the brand, focus on the humans behind it. Ask yourself:
Who is listening? Employees? Customers? Investors?
What are their frustrations or goals?
How will this information help them?
Your job isn’t just to read words—it’s to connect with the listener and deliver the message in a way that feels relevant and engaging.
Just the Facts, Ma’am
Not all parts of a script require the same level of emotion. When dealing with bullet points, statistics, or technical information, the emotional dial should be turned down.
For example:
Neutral, factual read:
“The new model features a 2.3-microbit tolerance in standard mode and 2.1 microbits in high-definition mode.”
More emotion when the facts support a story:
“After years of research, our new model delivers an industry-leading 2.1 microbit tolerance—setting a new standard for precision.”
When numbers or data are the story, let your delivery reflect that excitement. When they’re just informational, keep it straight and professional.
Why You Should Care
So how do you know when to adjust your inflection? How do you strike the perfect balance of emotion? The answer lies in genuine connection. The goal isn’t to sound empathetic—it’s to be empathetic. Just like you can tell when someone’s smile is forced, audiences can sense when a read is fake.
If you’re relying on technique alone to sound engaged, it won’t work. You have to care about the listener and the message. That’s when your delivery becomes authentic.
The "Goldilocks Zone" of Corporate Narration
Finding the right emotional balance in corporate voice over isn’t about guessing—it’s about:
Understanding the audience and their needs
Adjusting your tone based on the script’s purpose
Practicing self-awareness and emotional intelligence in your reads
When you stop thinking of corporate scripts as “just business” and start seeing them as opportunities to communicate and connect, your reads will feel natural, engaging, and exactly what the client is looking for. That’s the sweet spot—the corporate Goldilocks zone.
Thanks for reading - Anne
Work with Anne
Anne Ganguzza is a Voice Actor, Coach, Influencer, and award-winning Podcaster & Demo Producer. based in Southern California.
