How many words per minute does a voice actor typically speak in a course?

In a learning context, the speaking pace is typically around 120 to 130 words per minute. This is slightly slower than an average radio advertisement, as learners need time to process the information.

What is the cost difference between a course module and an advertising spot?

For non-commercial work, such as an internal company course, pricing is typically calculated per word or on a total project basis. This is because there are no broadcast rights or national buy-outs involved, which are standard considerations for a commercial advertising spot.

Can a recording be adjusted afterwards?

Yes. If a minor text alteration is required later, the voice actor can make a re-recording. It's advisable to establish clear agreements beforehand regarding how re-records are handled. [FAQ_BLOCK]

How do I order a phone message?

Pick a voice you like for your phone system. Enter your texts. You can also use our simple text generator. Add hold music if you want. Within 3 days at most, you receive the finished audio files.

How does ordering work?

Here is how it works: 1. Listen to the demos and pick a voice for your phone system. 2. Enter your texts. You can also use our simple text generator. 3. Add hold music if you want. 4. Pay securely with Bancontact, iDEAL or credit card. Within 3 days at most, you receive the finished audio files by email.

What does a professional phone message cost?

The price depends on how long your text is and which message you need (welcome, menu or hold). As soon as you pick a voice, you see what it costs. Hold music is optional.

What does a professional telephone message cost?

A welcome message or phone menu from a professional voice is surprisingly affordable. The price depends on the length of your text and the type of message (welcome message, phone menu, on-hold message). At Voices, you can see the price instantly for your chosen voice. On-hold music from our library can be added separately. Most clients receive their audio within 1 to 2 working days.

Can I provide my own music?

Yes, you can! You can add your own audio file using the upload button. Please ensure you have the correct broadcasting rights for any music you provide.

How much does it cost to add music on hold?

Adding a track from our library costs a one-off fee of €59. This gives you unlimited usage rights for your project.

Are the tracks optimised for telephony?

Absolutely. All our on-hold music is specially mixed and optimised for the frequency range of telephone systems (300Hz - 3400Hz), so it always sounds clear.

E-learning Voice-Over Guide: How to Keep Students Engaged

E-learning Voice-Over Guide: How to Keep Students Engaged | Voices

Step 2: Write Course Text Specifically for the Ear

Text that reads like a legal report rarely translates into smooth narration. Sentences that appear logical on paper can quickly cause a speaker to run out of breath and confuse the listener when spoken aloud.

Pay attention to these specific points when crafting your course material:

Use short, active sentences, ideally with only one idea per sentence.
Avoid complex jargon and opt for everyday language.
Write out abbreviations in full, such as 'for example' instead of 'e.g.'.
Incorporate natural pauses using commas and full stops where the speaker can breathe.

Director's Tip: Always read your script aloud to yourself before sending it off. If you stumble over your words, the voice actor will too.

Step 3: Match the Tone of Voice to the Content

Not every course requires precisely the same atmosphere. A safety training, for instance, demands a slightly more authoritative approach than an introductory module for new employees.

Match the type of voice to the module's objective:

Induction modules and onboarding: A warm, welcoming voice to greet new colleagues.
Technical instructions: A clear, structured voice that brings clarity to complex subject matter.
Compliance and safety: A clear yet empathetic voice that emphasises the importance of the rules without sounding patronising.

Director's Tip: If you're torn between two voices, have a short sample of the same paragraph recorded to hear which timbre sounds most natural within your digital learning environment.

Step 4: Provide Specific Instructions to the Voice Actor

It's common for a voice actor to receive a thirty-page script without any context. The result is often a polished, but monotonous recording.

Therefore, always provide the voice actor with a concrete role before recording begins. For example, instead of saying 'read this calmly,' instruct them: 'Imagine you're in the studio explaining this to a valued colleague over a cup of coffee.' This simple shift in perspective will alter the entire cadence, making the audio significantly more engaging.

Director's Tip: For jargon or specific brand names, always provide the correct pronunciation in brackets, including emphasis on the correct syllable.

Step 5: Review Recordings Within the Learning Environment

A voice that sounds perfectly fine as a standalone audio file might feel either too fast or too slow when combined with on-screen visuals.

Integrate the audio directly with the corresponding slides or visuals.
Verify that the pauses in the narration align with on-screen animations.
Ensure a consistent audio level across all chapters.

Director's Tip: Always listen to the recordings using both headphones and a laptop's built-in speakers, as your learners will use both.

Frequently asked questions

Short and to the point. Click to see the answer.

How do I order a phone message?: Pick a voice you like for your phone system. Enter your texts. You can also use our simple text generator. Add hold music if you want. Within 3 days at most, you receive the finished audio files.
How does ordering work?: Here is how it works: 1. Listen to the demos and pick a voice for your phone system. 2. Enter your texts. You can also use our simple text generator. 3. Add hold music if you want. 4. Pay securely with Bancontact, iDEAL or credit card. Within 3 days at most, you receive the finished audio files by email.
What does a professional phone message cost?: The price depends on how long your text is and which message you need (welcome, menu or hold). As soon as you pick a voice, you see what it costs. Hold music is optional.
What does a professional telephone message cost?: A welcome message or phone menu from a professional voice is surprisingly affordable. The price depends on the length of your text and the type of message (welcome message, phone menu, on-hold message).
At Voices, you can see the price instantly for your chosen voice. On-hold music from our library can be added separately. Most clients receive their audio within 1 to 2 working days.
Can I provide my own music?: Yes, you can! You can add your own audio file using the upload button. Please ensure you have the correct broadcasting rights for any music you provide.
How much does it cost to add music on hold?: Adding a track from our library costs a one-off fee of €59. This gives you unlimited usage rights for your project.
Are the tracks optimised for telephony?: Absolutely. All our on-hold music is specially mixed and optimised for the frequency range of telephone systems (300Hz - 3400Hz), so it always sounds clear.
Do you also record voice prompts for IVR and phone systems?: Yes, we can record complete phone menus (IVR) for your telephone system. You provide the options you need, and we will ensure that everything is recorded clearly and professionally. This is ideal for businesses with multiple departments.
How long should my telephone message be?: Keep it short and concise. A welcome message is ideally between 10 and 15 seconds. A phone menu should guide the caller to the correct department within 30 seconds. Think from the caller's perspective: they want to be helped as quickly as possible.