Here are several tips from the Pitch Avatar team that will help make the popular format of audio materials as effective as possible.
Conversational audio content, which originated with radio, has retained its relevance over the years. In fact, it can be said that its popularity has only increased with the advent of the Internet. This is largely due to the simple reason that we often find ourselves in situations where we cannot read text or watch videos such as when doing housework, walking or exercising. Additionally, with the proliferation of computer technology, many of us experience eye fatigue. It’s also important to note that there are auditory learners who find it easier to absorb information through listening.
The problem is that authors often pay much less attention to producing spoken audio content than they do to writing texts, filming videos, and editing presentations. Just compare the average podcast or audio article with a professionally narrated audiobook. Some hold the view that we shouldn’t need to create special audio versions of content at all; filming a clip or recording a broadcast on YouTube is sufficient, allowing everyone to choose whether to watch or just listen.
This approach is a mistake. First and foremost, even in the “talking head” format, speakers convey information not only through their voices but also through facial expressions and gestures, which play an equally important role. Without visual cues, it can be challenging to determine whether the speaker is angry, joking, or being ironic. Additionally, videos are often illustrated. Listening to a recording where part of the information is conveyed through various images can be quite inconvenient, much like listening to a movie or a sports match. Therefore, if time and resources permit, spoken audio content should be created as independent material, adhering to its own rules and principles. We hope our advice will be helpful in this regard.
Decide what kind of content you want to create
Spoken audio content is primarily divided into three major categories based on duration:
Blog posts: Up to 2 minutes
Podcasts: 20-60 minutes
Audio articles: 5-20 minutes
- Write a structured text. Many audio content creators record in a “stream of consciousness” mode, resulting in mistakes, slips of the tongue, inconsistencies, prolixity, repetition, and other forms of “verbal clutter” that hinder listeners’ understanding. The correct approach is different. You should write and then voice a thoughtful text that is organized into an introduction, chapters, and a conclusion. Note that text divided into sections is easier to listen to and voice over.
- Speak clearly and intelligibly. Diction issues are among the most common drawbacks of spoken audio content. Speakers often rush and end up “swallowing” words and the pauses between them. This can occur due to emotions or the desire to fit within a set time. It’s clear that this is not the right approach. Enunciate each word clearly and completely. If your written text, when calmly and clearly voiced, does not fit into the required time, it’s better to consider how to condense the text.
- Work on your intonations. The opposite of “word-eaters” are speakers who become so focused on reading the text accurately that they completely neglect emotions. However, a monotonous delivery does not engage listeners and can lead to boredom. When working with a text, it’s essential to consider the intonation and emotion you should use for each section. A good practice is to make corresponding notes directly in the text.
- Ensure there are no extraneous sounds in the recording. Given that most conversational audio content is recorded using amateur equipment in home or office settings, it’s unlikely you will completely eliminate background noise. However, it can and should be minimized. Turn off all household appliances, such as air conditioners, ask colleagues or family members to keep the noise down, and record in a location as far from windows as possible. Additionally, make sure the windows are closed during the recording.
- Rehearse. Before making a final recording, take the time to rehearse. Record these rehearsals as well. This practice will help you identify and correct any flaws in the text and your delivery, allowing you to select the optimal intonations and pacing.
We’ve saved the best advice for last
Thanks to modern technology, you can focus solely on writing the text for your audio content – everything else can be handled by the AI assistant Pitch Avatar. This tool can skillfully voice any text in any language, with the emotions and intonations set according to your preferences. Users can either create a clone of their own voice or select from a library of available voices. Additionally, Pitch Avatar comes equipped with an automatic translator. As a result, most of the work involved in creating and editing spoken audio content can be accomplished with just a few clicks, saving you both time and effort.
Give it a try and see the difference for yourself.
Good luck, and here’s to your success and higher earnings!
