In the digital age, the demand for voice-over work has expanded beyond traditional mediums like radio and television. Now, voice actors lend their talents to a myriad of projects, including eLearning modules and explainer videos. While both of these types of voice-over work share some similarities, they also have distinct characteristics that set them apart. This article aims to unravel the differences between eLearning and explainer voice-overs for those who might be new to these terms.
The Fundamentals of eLearning Voice Over
eLearning, or electronic learning, is the education method of the digital era. It is often used in online courses, training programs, or interactive lessons. In eLearning modules, a voice-over artist usually acts as the instructor, walking the audience through the educational content. The key elements here are clarity, pacing, and enunciation. The voice actor often needs to adhere strictly to the educational script, ensuring that complex ideas are conveyed clearly and precisely.
The audience for eLearning voice-overs is often a group of learners who are actively engaged in an educational setting. They may be students in a school, employees in corporate training, or individuals looking to acquire a new skill. The delivery style is instructional, aiming to educate, inform, and sometimes assess the learner’s understanding.
Key Features of eLearning Voice Over:
- Instructional Tone
- Strict adherence to the script
- Clear enunciation and pacing
- Longer duration content
- Specific target audience (learners, employees)
The Intricacies of Explainer Voice Over
Explainer videos, on the other hand, are short videos that explain a product, service, or concept. The goal is often to take a complex idea and make it easily understandable in a brief period—usually under 5 minutes. The tone can be more flexible here, depending on the brand or message being conveyed. Whether it’s a casual tone for a startup app or a formal tone for a corporate service, the voice actor has room to adapt.
In explainer videos, the audience could be anyone from potential customers to interested viewers on a social media platform. The aim is usually to pitch, sell, or clarify, rather than to educate in a comprehensive manner. Consequently, the style is often persuasive or engaging rather than purely educational.
Key Features of Explainer Voice Over:
- Varied Tone (can be casual, formal, etc.)
- More room for creative interpretation
- Clear and engaging delivery
- Short-form content
- General audience (potential customers, social media viewers)
The Grey Area: When eLearning and Explainers Intersect
It’s worth mentioning that these categories are not mutually exclusive. There are times when eLearning modules might incorporate explainer-style videos to break down a complex topic. Similarly, an explainer video could be part of an eLearning course as supplementary material. However, the primary objectives and delivery styles generally differ, as outlined above.
Prioritizing the Right Type of Voice Actor?
Understanding the core differences between eLearning and explainer voice-overs can help in selecting the right voice actor for a project. For an eLearning module, you would likely prioritize a voice actor who can maintain an even tone, has excellent diction, and perhaps even has a background in educational narration. For an explainer video, you might look for a voice actor who can vary their tone to match your brand’s personality and who excels at persuasive or engaging delivery.
While both eLearning and explainer voice-overs aim to inform and clarify, they serve different primary purposes and, therefore, require distinct approaches. eLearning is long-form, instructional, and targeted at active learners. Explainers are short, can have varied tones, and aim to engage a broader audience. By understanding these nuances, you can make a more informed decision when it comes to your next voice-over project.
