1. The voice of "Siri/Hal 9000”

This flat, low and almost robotic voice is used for chapter headings and parts of chapters, enumerations, tables, etc. I use it to let the listener know we’re moving into a new section of the book or getting into the weeds, as it were, with an illustration of some kind.

2. The voice of "confident authority”

Strong, filled with gravitas, and deliberate in its delivery, this is me as the college professor telling the listener, "Here is the truth as I see it” - or perhaps, "This is going to be on the test, so you better write this down!”

3. The voice of "informed opinion”

The most conversational and relaxed of the voices, here is where the majority of the "acting” in non-fiction lies. I share my feelings about the topic I’m discussing, reveal my sense of humor, or comment on a fact or statement I’ve just made.

4. The voice of the "Other”

When I’m reciting from the Bible or Talmud, quoting someone whom the author has interviewed, or perhaps sharing an extended segment from another book, I change up the delivery and tone to signal to the listener that what they’re hearing is something I didn’t write. 

Sean Pratt - C,C,C

This is the audio version of the article with the same title.
Sean Pratt has been a working actor for over 30 years. He has been an audiobook narrator for 20 years, recording over 850 books in almost every genre and has received 8 AudioFile Magazine “Earphones” awards and 5 “Audie” nominations from the Audio Publishers Association.  

Currently, Sean mentors’ performers on audiobook narration technique, as well as teaching classes on and writing articles about the Business of the Biz. www.seanprattpresents.com 


Sean Pratt - Abbreviations

Listen to the difference between monotonous writing/narration and something more dynamic!

SP - The Five Word Sentence

These 4 issues are the reason nonfiction is more difficult to narrate than fiction. Listen carefully and avoid these traps!

Sean Allen Pratt

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