How to Book a Voiceover in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide

Booking a voiceover is simple when you know the steps. Whether you need a radio ad, a TV commercial, an explainer video, or TV, corporate and eLearning narration, the process is the same: define the job, choose the voice, prepare the script, record and deliver. Here is how to book a voiceover with confidence.

Step 1: Define the Project and Audience

Start with the basics:

• What is it? Radio, TV, online video, TV, corporate and eLearning narration, phone messages or something else.
• Who is it for? Age, location and what the audience cares about.
• What tone? Warm, energetic, authoritative, conversational or calm.
• How long? The final length in seconds or minutes, and how many versions.
• When is it due? Your deadline, including time for review.

A short brief like this makes every later step faster. See our voiceover services for the kinds of projects we produce.

Step 2: Shortlist Voice Artists and Listen to Samples

Browse our Australian voice artists and filter by gender, age and style. Listen to demos that match your project type: a great radio voice is not always the best narration voice. Shortlist two or three, and listen to client samples to hear finished work. If you are unsure, ask us for a recommendation based on your brief.

Step 3: Prepare Your Script and Pronunciation Notes

• Write for the ear. Short sentences and everyday words read better aloud.
• Check timing. As a guide, around 150 words per minute for a relaxed read; less for ads with music and effects.
• Add pronunciation notes. Spell out brand names, place names, acronyms and technical terms phonetically.
• Mark emphasis. Highlight key words or phrases you want stressed.
• Lock it in. Get internal sign-off before recording to avoid re-records.

Step 4: Choose a Directed or Self-Directed Session

In a directed session, you or your producer listen in live by phone or online and guide the read in real time. This suits ads, character work and anything with tight timing. In a self-directed session, the voice artist records from your brief and notes, and you review the finished audio. This works well for straightforward narration and phone messages. Either way, sessions are recorded remotely in professional studios, so you do not need to travel.

Step 5: Understand Usage: Broadcast vs Non-Broadcast

Usage describes where and for how long the recording will be used.

• Broadcast covers radio, TV and cinema, usually for a set region and time period.
• Non-broadcast covers online video, social media, TV, corporate and eLearning narration, presentations and phone messages.

Tell us exactly where your voiceover will run when you request a quote, so the usage is correct from the start. If your plans change later, usage can usually be extended.

Step 6: Delivery and Revisions

Finished audio is delivered digitally in the formats you need, such as WAV or MP3, with same day turnaround. Review it against your script and brief. Small fixes, like a mispronounced word, are normally handled quickly. Script changes after recording may need a new session, which is why locking the script in Step 3 matters. Explore our voiceovers page for more on what is included.

How to Book a Voiceover FAQs

How do I book a voiceover in Australia?

Define your project, shortlist voice artists, prepare your script, choose a directed or self-directed session, confirm usage, then receive your finished audio. Media Group can manage each step for you.

Can I direct the voiceover session remotely?

Yes. You can listen in by phone or online and direct the voice artist live, wherever you are.

What is the difference between broadcast and non-broadcast usage?

Broadcast usage covers radio, TV and cinema. Non-broadcast covers online video, social media, TV, corporate and eLearning narration, presentations and phone messages.

How long does a voiceover take to deliver?

Voiceovers are delivered with same day turnaround once your script is approved.

What should I include in my voiceover script?

The final wording, timing targets, tone notes, emphasis and phonetic spellings for names, places and technical terms.

Book Your Voiceover Today

Call Media Group on 1800 086 183 or request a quote and we will help you find the right Australian voice for your project.