How to Write Voiceover
Writing for video isn’t the same as writing for the page. And writing for voiceover is a craft all of its own.
Whether you’re making a promo, explainer, game trailer or corporate film, the voiceover often forms the narrative backbone. But all too often, it’s added last, squeezed or padded out to fit gaps in the audio.
And if you leave it to the end of the production process, the VO script can feel like an afterthought, lacking any sense of flow.
As a scriptwriter and producer, I’ve worked with VO across TV campaigns, social media content, and brand storytelling. Here are some tips for writing voiceover so it sounds natural, professional and purposeful.
Get the pace right
Time your script.
Standard VO pacing: 140-150 words per minute for a natural delivery
Fast-paced content: up to 180 wpm (but risks losing clarity)
Slow, emotive reads: 110-130 wpm (ideal for drama or gravitas)
Read your script aloud with a stopwatch - I use the one on my phone. Or record it in Voice Memos and listen back. If you’re running over, don’t just trim. Tighten your thinking as well.
Keep it lean, but not robotic
People don’t speak in bullet points. And they don’t want to hear five features packed into one breathless sentence.
Instead, use shorter sentences, varied in rhythm. Give the viewer space to absorb information: a wall of voiceover from beginning to end will make them switch off.
And cut what doesn’t add value. Every line should serve the message and its tone.
Write how people speak
Aim for spoken clarity, not written perfection.
Say “It’s quick. It’s simple. It works.”
Rather than “The process is streamlined, efficient, and user-friendly.”
Use contractions, conversational phrasing, and rhythm to bring the script to life.
Tone comes from intent
Your audience and message will determine the tone you choose.
Ask: is this informative or humorous? Are we friendly, bold, confident, enthusiastic, calm? Should the viewer feel inspired or reassured? Curious or concerned?
Once you’ve defined your tone, choose words that reinforce it.
Compare these intros:
“Let’s get started.” Sounds friendly, instructional
“It all began with an idea.” Cinematic, emotional
“Get ready, because this changes everything.” Bold, high stakes
Leave room for the pictures to work their magic
The VO shouldn’t describe what’s on screen. Use it to support or elevate what the viewer is seeing.
If the visuals are dense or cut really fast, pull back on narration. It’ll only fight for attention.
Give the voiceover artist room to perform
A good VO artist isn’t just reading lines. They’re interpreting tone, pacing, and intention.
Trust them to bring nuance to your script; you don’t need to write it all in.
Avoid tongue-twisters or overly long sentences. A professional VO has great breath control, but not the lungs of an Olympic rower.
If rhythm is important in your script, mark where the pauses need to go. I write [beat] in my scripts.
Finally
It’s not just what you say, it’s how it sounds.
A great script is designed to be heard, not just read. Writing for voiceover means thinking in sound, rhythm and breath. It’s about clarity and cadence. Not cramming every idea into your run time.
If you’re creating video content and want your voiceover to connect, not just narrate, start with the script. I can help.