Voice-over translation places a translated audio track over the original dialogue in videos. This type of translation solution is best suited to a factual production, such as a documentary, a news report, an interview, or the recordings of live events.
Importance of effective communication in today’s globalized world
Role of voice-over translation in bridging language barriers
As with all translations, it is another way of bridging language barriers which makes the world more accessible to all.
Benefits of Voice-Over Translation Service
1. It reaches a wider audience
As happens with video translation services, voice-over translation expands a business’s video campaign so that it can reach more foreign-language audiences.
2. It conveys nuances and emotions
Because it is in video form the voice-over can more easily convey nuances and emotions which enable a better understanding for those who are watching and listening.
3. It increases brand credibility and trust
Voice-over translations show that a business cares about its market as it is marketing its product by taking into consideration the language of its potential customers.
4. It saves time and resources
A voice-over translation is far quicker and uses fewer resources than making a new video in another language.
The Challenges of Voice-Over Translation Service
Language and cultural differences
One of the roads to success with voice-over translations is ensuring the translation meets the cultural features of the targeted audience. Just one small error can put off a potential customer. This is a key challenge when implementing a voice-over translation.
Technical limitations and compatibility issues
Setting up a studio for voice-over translations to take place has technical limitations, when conducting the voice-overs the translators have to be in a fixed place for the duration of the recording.
Cost and quality concerns
Voice-over production requires more resources and time than most language services, which means it is both time-consuming and expensive.
Voice actor selection and management
Producers have to take time to find the best voice for a voice-over role that is likely to be an effective form of communication. It’s best to pick someone who speaks the native language required for the voice-over role.
Turnaround time and scheduling
The translation services have to schedule the voice-over translation and enable a quick turnaround time in order to make it a cost-effective choice for a client.
When to Use Voice-Over Translation
There are several uses of voice-over translations which include the following:
- multilingual video content;
- films and documentaries;
- TV shows and series;
- online videos and advertisements;
- E-learning and training materials.
Voice-over translations are also commonly used in the following contexts:
- educational courses and modules;
- corporate training videos;
- instructional videos and tutorials.
Presentations and conferences
There is no better context than using voice-overs as part of the business such as at:
- International conferences and events
- Business presentations and pitches
- Webinars and online seminars
Strategies for successful voice-over translation
Choosing the right voice-over talent and language experts is never easy. When choosing the best talent for a voice-over the following needs to be considered:
- ensuring cultural and linguistic accuracy;
- establishing clear communication and collaboration
Conclusion
The benefits are clear as voice-over translations of videos provide a far better method of advertising than subtitles. There is a sound future for all types of translations including voice-over translations in a globalized business landscape.