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How to enhance your online training delivery using a professional voice actor

How to enhance your online training delivery using a professional voice actor

In this strange new world of global pandemics and remote working, the importance of online training is increasing exponentially. In fact, Data Bridge predicts the Massive Open Online Course market is going to grow by over 40% by 2027. For businesses, this is great news. Online training is more convenient, more accessible and cheaper. It eliminates the need to bring in expensive external training agencies and allows in-house training to be simplified. Yet there is a catch. How do you ensure that trainees are truly engaged with your online training strategy? That’s where a voice actor can help.

Learning and the contiguity principle

We all know that everyone learns differently. So how can an online training program effectively impart information to all types of learner?

The contiguity principle means aligning text, graphics and audio. So, a graphic that relates to some text should be aligned with that text. Then to add another layer of learning reinforcement, audio relating to that information needs to play at the same time.

This basic concept allows trainers to develop e-learning delivery that engages multiple parts of the trainee’s brain. So, not only does adding voice to your course make it more personal and interesting, but it also helps learners to take in the information faster.

 

5 tips for using voice overs to enhance e-learning packages

 

1 – Keep it light! A monotonous or automated narrator is enough to drive anybody to distraction. You’re looking for a voice actor with an inviting, conversational tone that makes people want to listen. This voice will boost engagement and motivation by holding their attention.

2 – Align the script to the text and graphics. Adding voice to a training program is a delicate process. If too much is going on at the same time, the learner won’t take any of it in. Follow the contiguity principle to ensure that the actor’s words are in sync with what’s on the screen.

3 – Work with music and sound effects if they are relevant. Sound effects and music can add to the atmosphere and assist with attention span. However, this requires further alignment. The mood and subject must match with voice, text and graphics. Remember to make sure you have the right license to use any sound effects or music you’re uploading too.

4 – Don’t go overboard. Audio is there to serve a purpose whether it be speech, music or sound effects. Too much can be as bad as too little if it distracts from the project at hand. If you are looking into voiceover for e-learning, you probably know that you’ll likely need to outsource professional editing and voice recording. Audio specialists will also be able to help you to determine the right amount of audio for your online course.

5 – Speak to your target audience. Identifying your target audience is the first rule of business. E-learning is no different. Young professionals, board directors, students and new employees will all need something different from your online course. Knowing your audience allows you to tailor it to them.

The true value of training

While designing and developing online training can involve a significant financial outlay, it is an effective and cost-productive way of ensuring employees remain up to date with business trends, learning and technology. Learning can lead to improved staff retention, improved morale and ultimately an increase in bottom-line performance. So, investing in effective online training using voice actors can enhance your business more than you might imagine.

Contact me any time for a no-obligation quote and custom audition for your next eLearning voiceover project!