Voicewriting

Voicewriting is the craft of creating spoken-language texts intended for vocal delivery, including speeches, scripts for broadcasts, voiceovers, podcasts, and other formats where the writing will be performed aloud. It focuses on the rhythm, cadence, and natural flow of speech, and differs from traditional prose by privileging oral readability and audience-facing clarity. Writers may produce material for individual speakers or for performances by voice artists, announcers, or actors, and often work with researchers, editors, and media producers.

The typical process includes researching purpose and audience, outlining, drafting with attention to orality, revising for cadence, repetition, and rhetorical devices, and coaching delivery or timing if needed. Techniques include short sentences, concrete language, strong openings, parallel structure, anecdotes, and transitions that cue breath and emphasis. The final script is tested for pacing, fit within time constraints, and accessibility standards.

Contexts for voicewriting include politics, business, media, entertainment, and education. In corporate communications, voicewriting helps ensure a consistent tone across speeches, videos, and investor relations. In media, it is used for voiceover narration and broadcast scripts; in politics, for campaigns and policy speeches. It often requires collaboration with researchers, speech coaches, voice actors, and editors, and may involve adapting material for different formats and languages.

Ethics and accuracy considerations include transparent sourcing, avoiding misinformation, disclosing sponsorship, and respecting audiences’ sensitivities. Accessibility considerations involve plain language, avoidance of jargon, and captioning; scripts may be crafted to be understandable by non-native speakers and readers with disabilities.

History of voicewriting traces its roots to oratory and journalism, with professional practice expanding alongside radio, television, and multimedia, and continuing to evolve through digital podcasts and video production.