Using your voice for audio books and talking newspapers
- Course Code: DVX012
- Dates: 13/05/24 - 17/06/24
- Time: 18:45 - 21:15
- Taught: Mon, Evening
- Duration: 5 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: David Thorpe
Course Code: DVX012
Duration: 5 sessions (over 6 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Would you like to narrate audio books? Are you interested in community work such as talking newspapers for the blind? Explore vocal skills and techniques required in these areas such as subject-appropriate intonation, clear and precise articulation, and engaging storytelling.
What will we cover?
The style of different readers – what you like and what you dislike
Articulation and clarity of message
Use of pitch variety and range to engage your listeners.
How to keep impassive when delivering an emotionally charged story
Approaches to adapting texts for audio format
How to find local Talking Newspaper organisations.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Develop your critical ear for the style of individual audio book narrators and identify your own style.
Understand how some readers narrate and others comment on the material through the use of vocal tone.
Identify speech techniques that will hook your audience in to what you are saying.
Explore the potential of your voice to communicate the news item or story in your unique way.
Adapt your voiceover approach to suit a range of spoken media.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
All are welcome; you should be interested in using your voice to present and convey material in either a professional or amateur capacity.
You should have a ready understanding of spoken English, and be able to communicate fluently.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
Speak English fluently.
Communicate in group situations.
Give and receive constructive feedback.
Read and respond to a range of texts.
Take course notes for your own use.
If you are new to voice classes please take a moment to read our.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be delivered in the college. Preparation of material between classes may be required.
As part of the course content, your tutor may record your image for initial and ongoing assessment purposes. You are entitled to decline to participate in the recording of your image.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Be prepared to discuss an audio book you like (and why) at the first session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Storytelling for Business and Pleasure; Narration Skills; Voiceovers
Please refer to our
full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) as you consider which area you would like to study next.
David Thorpe was born in Sheffield, grew up on the Isle of Wight, and has lived in London all his adult life. He has appeared in numerous plays in rep and on tour, including as The Fool in a production of King Lear directed by Jonathan Miller. David has also devised and performed three one-man shows, Confessions of a Toytown Revolutionary, This Way Up! and l Demand A Recount! In 2020 he released an album of his songs and spoken word entitled Trickle-down. Twice a member of the BBC Radio Drama Company, David has been heard in over a hundred radio plays and was a presenter at BBC World Service for 5 years. He has worked in many areas of audio - ADR, ELT, Audio Guides, Animations, Games, Commercials, etc. - but now mostly narrates audiobooks (over 700 so far) for which he has won various awards. Dave has taught radio acting and audio work in a number of drama schools and centres. He now teaches exclusively at City Lit., where he hosts Voiceover courses from beginners to advanced level.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
