22 Jul 2026
4 min read
A practical example about conversational language, the power of direction, and how a voice agency makes a difference in the details.
The script for the IT video contained long, grammatically correct sentences with multiple subordinate clauses and commas. When the voice actor stepped into the booth, the result sounded stiff and rushed. Punctuation forces a voice to slow down in places where a speaker would naturally continue in a real conversation.
Spoken language follows the logic of breathing, not a grammar textbook. In a voice-over script, a written comma can sometimes act like a red traffic light on an empty country road. It takes the pace out of the story and makes listeners switch off before the core message is delivered.
To solve this, our voice director didn't look at the big picture, but very specifically at the rhythm of the sentences. Without affecting the content, we made a few small changes to the text:
Director's tip: Always read a recording script aloud with your eyes closed before you head to the studio. If the voice actor skips a pause instinctively, then feel free to remove that comma. A natural breathing pause works a thousand times better in audio than a forced pause for a punctuation mark.
After the text adjustments, the tone in the studio changed immediately. The voice actor no longer had to disguise the text or 'read it beautifully'. The message came across calmly and credibly, with the exact nuance the client had in mind.
An experienced voice actor knows how to place an accent or emphasis, but without a rhythmically flowing script, it still feels awkward. By carefully guiding that micro-intonation and natural speech pauses, the recording achieves the desired impression.
Guiding such a recording goes beyond simply choosing a name from our selection of 94 professional voices. It's about guarding the line between what reads well and what sounds good.
Whether it's a Dutch voice-over like Sven for a business e-learning, or a French voice like Thomas for a French-language corporate video: every language and every speech rhythm requires its own refinement.
For a non-commercial project, such as an internal corporate video or e-learning, the fee is calculated based on the word count or a fixed project price. For commercial work, such as a TV or online spot, the pricing consists of a fixed basic fee for the studio recording plus a fee for usage rights (the buy-out), depending on the channel and duration.
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When making your selection, pay particular attention to the speaking pace and the natural timbre of the voice. A technical or complex text benefits from a calm, clear vocal tone that gives the listener time to process the information.### How pricing works for business voiceovers For non-commercial projects like a corporate video or e-learning, we usually apply a per-word rate or a fixed project price. For commercial projects, the price includes a basic recording fee and a licence fee for distribution.
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?
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?
How much does it cost to add music on hold?
Are the tracks optimised for telephony?
Do you also record voice prompts for IVR and phone systems?
How long should my telephone message be?
Are you looking for the right voice over for your video, e-learning or commercial? Or do you need someone to check your script for speaking rhythm? We're happy to discuss the best approach for your recording, with no obligation. Feel free to contact us for personal advice.
“Request submitted and they review the text again, making some adjustments where necessary. If there's any detail the client finds a bit difficult in the produced audio, they resolve it very quickly and create a new audio on the same day. Highly recommended and very professional service now. Top! I was assisted and recorded by Johfrah.”
Kevin De Nil
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Listen to a selection of voice actors and find the right voice for your project.
“Voices.be is highly recommended for voice-overs in various languages. A professional company with pleasant communication, quick responses, and overall top-notch service. Look no further.”
Anastasia Van der Maas
“If you are looking for a reliable supplier, Voices.Be is definitely a recommendation! Our experience was top-notch - fast delivery, excellent quality, and it gives our company a professional appearance.”
Jelle Kerfs
