Have you ever followed GPS directions and wondered where a particularly unusual pronunciation came from? It can be amusing when you’re listening to a navigation app, but incorrect pronunciation is less entertaining when it’s part of your company’s professional audio.
Whether you’re producing a telephone greeting, message on hold, commercial voiceover or corporate narration, getting the words right matters. A mispronounced name, product or place can distract listeners, create confusion and take away from an otherwise professional recording.
Clarity and Communication
The purpose of an audio recording is to communicate a message. If listeners can’t understand what they’re hearing, that message may not have the impact you intended.
This is especially important when recordings include product names, technical terms, locations, company names or instructions. A small pronunciation error could leave someone wondering what was said or whether they heard it correctly.
Clear pronunciation helps your audience follow the message without unnecessary distractions.
Making a Professional Impression
Your audio is part of your brand. A telephone greeting, promotional recording or video voiceover may be one of the first ways someone experiences your business.
When words are delivered naturally and correctly, the recording sounds more polished and considered. On the other hand, an obvious pronunciation mistake can interrupt the flow and make the message feel less professional.
Getting the details right helps create a consistent experience and gives listeners one less reason to question the message.
Watch Out for Unfamiliar Words and Heteronyms
Some pronunciation mistakes are easy to spot. Others are trickier, particularly when a script contains unfamiliar names, industry terminology or words with more than one pronunciation.
Heteronyms are words that are spelled the same but have different meanings and pronunciations. Here are a few common examples:
- Bow: Rhymes with cow when referring to bending forward or lowering your head. Rhymes with go when referring to a ribbon knot or an archery weapon.
- Read: Rhymes with mead when referring to the present tense. Rhymes with red when referring to the past tense.
- Wind: Rhymes with pinned when referring to moving air. Rhymes with find when referring to turning or twisting something.
Context usually makes the intended meaning clear, but a voice artist still needs to know which pronunciation is correct for the script.
How to Avoid Pronunciation Mistakes
A little preparation can prevent unnecessary retakes and help a recording session run smoothly.
Before recording, take time to identify any words that might be unfamiliar or open to interpretation. This could include:
- Company, brand and product names.
- Personal names and geographic locations.
- Industry-specific terminology and acronyms.
- Words with multiple possible pronunciations.
- Foreign-language words or phrases.
If a word has a less familiar pronunciation, provide a phonetic spelling or a short audio reference. Don’t assume the spelling alone will make the intended pronunciation obvious.
It’s also helpful to review the script with the voice talent or producer before recording begins. That gives everyone an opportunity to clarify anything that might be misread.
Get the Details Right with On Air
A professional audio recording involves more than reading the words on a page. Pronunciation, pacing, tone and delivery all contribute to how your message is received.
At On Air Audio Services, we pay attention to those details to help ensure your recording sounds clear, natural and consistent with your brand.
Whether you’re producing telephone messaging, a voiceover or another professional audio project, we’re here to help you get it right.
Have a script you’d like to record? Contact On Air Audio Services to talk about your project.
