When it comes to narrating an audiobook, everyone wants to deliver a seamless performance. However, even the most experienced narrators can stumble over words or misinterpret a sentence or even add words that aren’t in the script!
The good news is that misreads are completely normal and can be minimized with practice and the right tools. Let’s explore some practical tips to help you reduce misreads, from preparation techniques to in-the-booth adjustments to tools like Pozotron.
Preparation is the first key to preventing misreads. Diving into a script cold without proper prep is a recipe for mistakes. When you invest the time to prepare, you’ll not only reduce misreads but also improve your overall performance.
How to Prepare:
Read the book cover to cover before recording. Knowing what's coming next makes it easier to anticipate how to deliver specific lines or phrases.
Make notes on difficult words, character names, or unusual phrasing. If the book includes complex vocabulary, foreign words, or invented terms (like in fantasy or sci-fi genres), you’ll want to research the proper pronunciation before recording. You may need to reach out to the author or rights holder for help.
Clarify any ambiguous text. If there’s a sentence structure that might be confusing or could be interpreted in multiple ways, figure out how you’re going to deliver it before recording. This saves time and reduces second-guessing during your session.
Pro Tip: With tools like Pozotron’s Script Prep Tools, you can automate pronunciation research, ensuring you are ready when it’s time to record. You can even collaborate with your right’s holder at no extra cost through Pozotron to ensure accuracy.
While you are prepping, consider highlighting and marking up your script. This can dramatically reduce misreads by visually guiding your narration. Marking key points in the text ensures you don’t miss important details, emotional cues, or dialogue shifts.
Best Practices for Highlighting:
Pro Tip: You can export a marked up script from Pozotron with your character and pronunciation highlights ready to go! But whatever you use, find a process that works for you, no one else will see the manuscript so mark it up however makes the most sense to you.
It sounds simple, but increasing the font size of your script on your screen can dramatically reduce misreads. Audiobook narration requires intense focus, and your eyes need to track line after line for extended periods. Small text forces your eyes to work harder, increasing the chance of skipping words or misreading sentences.
Why It Works:
Pro Tip: Experiment with different font sizes and styles to see what’s most comfortable for you. Some narrators even find that using a sans-serif font makes reading smoother than serif fonts like Times New Roman. You may even want to use something like Beeline Reader to help ‘read faster and easier’.
4. Slow Down Your Pacing
Misreads often happen when narrators rush through the text. Whether it’s due to nerves or trying to finish a session quickly, speeding up can lead to mistakes like skipping words or mispronouncing tricky passages. Slower, deliberate pacing is essential for clarity and precision.
Pro Tip: Record yourself reading at a slower pace, then listen back to gauge your pace. Get feedback from a trusted narrator or coach if you aren’t sure if your pacing is right. Need a coach? Check out the Narrator’s Roadmap for some great recommendations.
Narrating for long periods without a break leads to fatigue, both mentally and physically. When you’re tired, your concentration drops, and the likelihood of misreads increases. Taking regular breaks can help keep your energy levels high and your performance consistent.
Benefits of Taking Breaks:
Pro Tip: Consider using the Pomodoro Technique—25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. After four sessions, take a longer 15-20 minute break. This balance helps maintain your energy and focus throughout the day.
Despite your best efforts, misreads are going to happen. Pickups are part of the narration process, and that’s okay! The key is to minimize them as much as possible, but don’t get discouraged when they occur.
How to Stay Positive:
Pro Tip: When you stumble, just pause, take a breath, and re-record the line. Learning Punch and Roll will help this process go even smoother.
Even with thorough preparation and focus, small errors can slip through during recording. That’s where Pozotron can come in. By running your narration through the Pozotron Proofing Tool, you can quickly identify and correct any misreads, ensuring your final product is as polished as possible.
Why Pozotron Is a Game-Changer:
Pro Tip: Make using Pozotron part of your post-recording workflow. It’ll save you time, improve accuracy, and give you peace of mind that your narration is free of misreads.
Pickups are an inevitable part of audiobook narration, but with the right strategies, they can be minimized. From thorough manuscript prep, changing your font to using tools like Pozotron, staying proactive in your approach will reduce errors and enhance your performance. And when misreads do happen, remember they’re just part of the process!
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