Voice Actor Script Writing Tips

Professional voice actor scripts prioritize speakability. The difference between amateur and professional scripts isn't just storytelling—it's how naturally the words flow when spoken aloud. Voice actors immediately recognize scripts written by someone who understands vocal performance.

Essential Voice Actor Script Principles

Write for the Ear, Not the Eye

Speakability first: Audio scripts must sound natural when spoken.

Use contractions ("don't" not "do not"), favor simple words ("use" not "utilize"), and break up long sentences into natural breath points.

Mark Strategic Breath Points

Comfortable delivery: Keep sentences to roughly 15-20 words maximum.

One sentence = approximately one breath. Use periods and em-dashes as natural pause points. Mark extended passages with [BREATH] when needed.

Avoid Phonetic Clash

Common problems:

S-clustering: "She sells six statistics" (too many S sounds)
Hard consonants: "Asked to extract exact facts" (difficult to pronounce)
Vowel collision: "I ought to often..." (awkward transitions)

Clear Emotional Direction

Format:

SARAH
(Quietly determined)
I'll try.

Provide one clear emotional note. Avoid over-direction that kills creativity. Trust your voice actors.

Natural Speech Patterns

Real people use contractions, sentence fragments, interruptions, and incomplete thoughts. Characters should too.

Professional Formatting Best Practices

Character names: ALL CAPS for easy scanning
Directions: (In parentheses, concise)
Sound effects: [IN BRACKETS] or SFX: format
White space: Double-space between speakers
Punctuation: Ellipses (...) for trailing off, em-dash (—) for interruption

The Read-Aloud Test

Before finalizing any script:

Record yourself reading all dialogue
Listen for stumbles, awkward phrasing, breath problems
Revise problem areas until speech flows naturally
Test again until smooth

Golden Rule: If it's difficult for you to read, it's difficult for voice actors to perform.

EpicScribe Voice Actor Tools

EpicScribe analyzes your scripts for voice actor performance:

Speakability detection for awkward phrasing
Phonetic clash identification
Breath break analysis
Character voice consistency tracking
Professional audio drama formatting

Write professional voice actor scripts →

Complete Voice Actor Script Guide

For comprehensive tips on natural delivery, pacing, character voice, and professional examples, read our full guide:

Voice Actor Script Tips for Natural Delivery: Complete Guide →