NLS Other Writings

Art and Science of Audio Book Production

Issued September 1995

Job Description for Narrator

Purpose

The narrator translates the written word to the spoken word in a way that is as consistent as possible with the intent of the author.

Supervision Received

The narrator works under the supervision of the studio director who assigns tasks, sets priorities, and provides guidance on matters of studio policy.

Requirements

Good vision and hearing.
Ability to pass a narration audition.
Fluency in the language in which the text is printed.
Ability to work well with others and to accept critiques from the monitor, reviewer, and studio director.
Discipline to achieve and maintain consistent narration performance for all recording sessions.
Ability to use dictionaries and other reference sources.

Responsibilities

Achieving a presentation that conveys the artistic emotional, and intellectual range of the text.
Conveying the sense of the text by handling the narration in the manner most appropriate to the needs of the text.
Ensuring correct pronunciation, which requires research in applicable sources as well as judging when common usage should take precedence over correct dictionary pronunciation, especially in novels.
Handling characterization appropriately and consistently without underplaying or overplaying.
Narrating the text without commenting on attitudes and opinions expressed by the author.
Achieving and maintaining a presentation that is consistent throughout all recording sessions.
Writing accurate, concise descriptions for illustrations graphs, charts, and tables when such graphic elements appear in the text.

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Introduction

Art narration as art components skill enhancing factors accuracy evaluation

Science narration environment host environment ventilation original masters running masters quality assurance

Position Descriptions narrator monitor reviewer

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Posted on 2006-02-24