talkover

A talkover is a broadcast technique where a narrator or commentator speaks over a pre-recorded segment of audio or video. This is commonly used in television news, documentaries, and commercials to provide context, explanation, or emotional emphasis. The voiceover artist delivers their lines while the visual or sound elements of the original recording play simultaneously, often with the original audio mixed down to a lower volume to ensure the talkover is clearly audible.

The purpose of a talkover is to guide the viewer's understanding or perception of the content. In news reports, it might be used to add a reporter's analysis to footage of an event. In documentaries, it can introduce archival footage or provide background information. Commercials often use talkovers to highlight product features or benefits, with the spoken words reinforcing the visual message. The effectiveness of a talkover depends on the skill of the narrator and how well their voice and delivery match the mood and content of the underlying material. It is a pervasive element in modern media production.