Podcast: Ten Voiceover Techniques (PodcampSLC)

by Tom Johnson on Apr 11, 2010
categories: podcasts • screencasting

A couple of weeks ago I presented on voiceover techniques to an audience of about 35 people at PodcampSLC. I should have researched my audience a little more before the presentation because, from what I could tell, most people were there to learn how to start a podcast rather than learn voiceover techniques for professional screencasts. Hence, I received no questions at all (okay, one person asked one question). It was still a good warm-up practice for the voiceover presentation I'm giving at the STC Summit next month.

After the presentation I kept thinking about a tweet Nancy Duarte, author of Slide:ology, posted a while ago. She said something like,

Inexperienced presenters worry about their presentations. Experienced presenters worry about their audience.

Sound advice, indeed. One technique I've seen some presenters do is start by asking the audience what questions they have or what they want to learn. Then for the bulk of the presentation, you just answer those questions. Usually all the questions are covered in the presentation you prepared previously, but it still gives the audience a more direct impression of addressing their unique needs and concerns.

I would have gladly abandoned my presentation on voiceover techniques if I knew the audience was full of people curious about how to break into podcasting, or people curious about social media tactics to market their podcasts. But alas, once I dived into the presentation, I heard nothing but silence in terms of feedback. Perhaps by then it was too late. No one wanted to ask a question so off topic. That or they were all hungry for lunch.

Next: 2.5 The Perfect Voice -- Professional or Authentic?