Audiobook Performance Masterclass

Summary

In this ACX University episode, Scott Brick, a veteran audiobook narrator, coaches Holly Palance on enhancing her narration skills. They discuss the importance of performance coaching, the three types of third-person narration, and how to effectively convey character and tone changes in audiobook narration.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ Narration is a dance with the text, where the narrator partners with the written material to bring the story to life.
• 📚 The primary job in narration is to ensure the listener can understand who is speaking, with additional nuances being secondary.
• 🔍 Narrators should focus on the basics, such as narrative style, dialogue, and the balance between acting and narrating.
• 📈 Successful narrators often seek coaching throughout their careers to improve their skills and step out of their comfort zones.
• 👂 The voice is an instrument, and performance coaching is akin to working out at the gym, essential for maintaining and improving vocal abilities.
• 📚 The author's text guides the narrator's approach, determining how invested the narrator should be in the story and characters.
• 🌐 There are three types of third-person narrators: distant (eyeball of God), near the action, and deeply invested in the main character.
• 📖 Narrators can and should put character into the narrative, even in third-person stories, to enhance the listener's experience.
• 🎭 Embracing personal style in narration helps bring scenes to life and makes the characters more real and relatable.
• 🌟 Recognizing and illustrating tonal shifts in the narrative is crucial for engaging the listener and conveying the emotional depth of the story.
• 💡 Continuous learning and being open to feedback are essential for growth as a narrator, even for those with extensive experience.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the ACX University session in the script?

The main focus of the ACX University session is to teach audiobook narrators how to improve their performance through coaching, focusing on different types of third-person narration and how to embody character and tone changes in their narration.

Who are the main speakers in the session?

The main speakers in the session are Scott Jacobi, Scott Brick, and Holly Palance.

What is Scott Brick's experience in audiobook narration?

Scott Brick is an experienced narrator who has narrated over 850 audiobooks and has been coaching for about a decade.

What does Holly Palance bring to the session as an up-and-coming narrator?

Holly Palance brings her experience as an actress, voice-over artist, and audiobook narrator. She is eager to learn and improve her skills, particularly in third-person narration.

What is the 'dance' analogy used to describe the relationship between the narrator and the text?

The 'dance' analogy describes the partnership between the narrator and the text, suggesting that if the text (partner) is strong, the narrator can relax and let the performance flow naturally.

What are the three general categories of third-person narrators described in the script?

The three categories are: a very distant narrator (the 'eyeball of God'), a narrator that gets closer to the action (akin to the action), and a narrator who is right in the weeds with the main character (mirroring the character's feelings).

How does Scott Brick suggest determining the type of narrator for a third-person narration?

Scott Brick suggests that the type of narrator is determined by the text itself. Narrators should look at what the author's narrator is telling them and adjust their performance accordingly.

What is the importance of recognizing and illustrating tonal shifts in an audiobook narration?

Recognizing and illustrating tonal shifts is crucial for engaging the listener and making the narrative more dynamic. It helps in conveying the emotional depth and changes in the story effectively.

How can narrators bring their personal style to their interpretation of the text?

Narrators can bring their personal style by adding themselves to the narrative, making the characters more realistic and relatable. This involves using their own voice, emotions, and storytelling instincts to connect with the text and the listener.

What advice does Scott Brick give for narrators who want to improve their skills?

Scott Brick advises narrators to continually learn and expose themselves to different styles, coaching, and choices. He emphasizes the importance of being open to feedback and not being afraid to make mistakes, as this is part of the growth process.

How does coaching benefit experienced narrators like Scott Brick?

Coaching benefits experienced narrators by providing a fresh perspective and allowing them to look at their natural instincts and choices from a different angle. It helps keep their performance fresh, confident, and interested.