Writing voice-over scripts that work.
A script that reads well on paper may not work in audio. Learn the differences and write scripts your voice artist will love.
Write for the ear, not the eye
Voice-over scripts are different from written copy. They're spoken aloud, listened to once, and processed in real-time. A great voice-over script uses short sentences, natural rhythm, and conversational vocabulary — even for technical content.
Key script-writing principles
1. Keep sentences short (under 20 words)
Long sentences are hard to follow when listened to. Break them up. Use periods generously. Your voice artist will thank you for natural breath points.
2. Read it aloud before sending
If you stumble reading it, your voice artist will too. If a phrase sounds awkward when spoken, rewrite it.
3. Spell out numbers and abbreviations
Write "twenty-twenty-six" not "2026". Write "United Arab Emirates" not "UAE" (unless you specifically want it as initials). Phone numbers should be formatted exactly as you want them read.
4. Indicate pronunciation for unusual words
Company names, place names, technical terms — give phonetic guides in brackets. Example: "Ghadan [ga-DAN]". This prevents costly re-recordings.
5. Mark emphasis explicitly
BOLD the words you want stressed. Italicize for softer emphasis. This gives the voice artist clear direction without micromanaging every line.
6. Specify pauses
Use [PAUSE] for short breaks, [LONG PAUSE] for dramatic stops. Use ellipses... sparingly for hesitation.
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