This is completely lacking the nuance a human voice adds to phrases, words, etc, to garner the right effect for that moment. Because of that, it's kinda soulless, mate - so, no, I couldn't to this.
James, I hate to pile on here but honestly, a flat no. Occasionally, I do listen to audios of stories and when I do, I want those accents or that natural human cadence. I want the emotion that the voice tries to convey, and I even want slight imperfections. Recently I listened to and commented back on a wonderful audio read. The speaker audibly sighed at a moment of exhausted despair and weary fear, made dramatic pauses at the right time and supplemented the story in a special way. Anyway, that's my two cents. Thanks, Jim
Glad you posted this, James, and thanks for sharing the ElevenLabs voice recording :)
My answer is still 'maybe'. I usually prefer reading to listening (faster for me, and not disruptive to other people in my surroundings). There are definitely times when listening is an option and reading is not, e.g. when I am in the car driving (which I don't do as much as I used to). I also have heard people say that they like that they get fewer casual interruptions when they are listening on headphones than when they are trying to read ;) The big question, I guess, is what do your subscribers want?
Interestingly, responses on Notes from followers and readers might not be a statistically valid sample. Wouldn't the value of adding audio likely be higher for exactly the people who don't have time to read (and possibly also, write comments)?
Now I'm wondering if Substack stats can tell us how many people who 'read' an article click on the voiceover audio? This post is only one data point, but that would be good info to have.
I do think I'd prefer hearing the author's voice to hearing a canned one. I'm usually pretty good at understanding accents, and I think I'd enjoy listening to Yorkshire :)
As we were chatting about earlier, I've been thinking about adding audio to my own publications - probably with my own voice. I'm planning to do some small experiments to see if my subscribers prefer a canned voice vs AI-me vs me ;) Article(s) coming soon out on this ...
The AI voice you chose is fun and I could listen to it all day long.
If you wanted to use your own voice you do not need fancy equipment. I narrate my Substack work thinking it would bring people in to a paid membership. Nope. But don’t let that discourage you. I suspect what I write about people are just not that interested. Or I was a free girl far too long. Any way. .
I use a headset by Jabra. Under a hundred. You can get it on Amazon. If you really can’t do it right now. I’ll buy it for you.
I record in my car because the sound quality is like a sound both. But that step is unnecessary as the headphones do a good job on their own and that is how I used to do it for my podcast (which I don’t have any more- but want to see it go on Facebook and look up Coffee and a Chitchat - we both used Jabra headphones.
The time factor is what you need to assess. It takes time to record and then edit. Well, agin you do not have to edit but I suspect if you are new to this editing will be involved.
I have a MacBook so I use Final cut Pro - only because I also edit video.
But you can use the free version iMovie. Edit out the ums and uhs and of course Darth Vader in between if you want. .
Then export out as an MP3. Sounds complicated but it’s quite easy and I find it easier than learning a sound software. Plus if you are doing YouTube voila you have video and audio.
If you have a MacBook I’ll teach you how. No cost - just because you are trying.
If you have PC I can more than likely help you through because once upon a time in a far off land I used PC and their free video software. I just can’t remember the name of it.
As for fear of public speaking. The cool thing about podcasting and radio or narrating your text no one is in front of you making you feel queasy. I also spent years on the road speaking. I know the feeling.
Pick a friend you have a pint with and speak to that friend and just like that you are gabbing up a storm. With no sweaty palms.
The more you narrate the easier it will become and you will learn to do some things differently.
The cool thing is you are open to learning new tricks. And that is the first part getting over the fear and doing it anyway
From the comments you have here I think you have a pretty good supportive team. You are most fortunate.
So, take advantage and just do it. I’ll help you along the way.
Hi Karen, Thanks so much for the lovely feedback. I quickly checked out a bit of your podcast — found a clip on Instagram. Definitely like the whole 'friends talking' vibe. It's incredibly kind of you to offer about the headset but I will sort that stuff out myself when the time is right. Namely after I upgrade my Mac which is the plan atm. Thank you though! If anyone wants to support my writing the best way is to become a free or paid member of my Substack. I'm a freelance writer so I turn tea into words and words into money which I then spend on tea. Much love, James. jamesgarside.substack.com
I too vote for Yorkshire. I use my earpiece and MacBook mic to record voiceovers, right here in Substack. It's super fucking simple. I decide I'm going to read the post exactly once, and let that suffice. The hardest part is making that one choice. Once you make it, though—you get to let the low, low standards live, and serve, forever!
No
I think I would rather listen to a Yorkshire accent than a generic artificial one :)
I would not. I know it would be easier for you, but it would drive me batshit.
Thank you for being honest!
This is completely lacking the nuance a human voice adds to phrases, words, etc, to garner the right effect for that moment. Because of that, it's kinda soulless, mate - so, no, I couldn't to this.
Yorkshire, though? Sign me up.
Yes
James, I hate to pile on here but honestly, a flat no. Occasionally, I do listen to audios of stories and when I do, I want those accents or that natural human cadence. I want the emotion that the voice tries to convey, and I even want slight imperfections. Recently I listened to and commented back on a wonderful audio read. The speaker audibly sighed at a moment of exhausted despair and weary fear, made dramatic pauses at the right time and supplemented the story in a special way. Anyway, that's my two cents. Thanks, Jim
Glad you posted this, James, and thanks for sharing the ElevenLabs voice recording :)
My answer is still 'maybe'. I usually prefer reading to listening (faster for me, and not disruptive to other people in my surroundings). There are definitely times when listening is an option and reading is not, e.g. when I am in the car driving (which I don't do as much as I used to). I also have heard people say that they like that they get fewer casual interruptions when they are listening on headphones than when they are trying to read ;) The big question, I guess, is what do your subscribers want?
Interestingly, responses on Notes from followers and readers might not be a statistically valid sample. Wouldn't the value of adding audio likely be higher for exactly the people who don't have time to read (and possibly also, write comments)?
Now I'm wondering if Substack stats can tell us how many people who 'read' an article click on the voiceover audio? This post is only one data point, but that would be good info to have.
I do think I'd prefer hearing the author's voice to hearing a canned one. I'm usually pretty good at understanding accents, and I think I'd enjoy listening to Yorkshire :)
As we were chatting about earlier, I've been thinking about adding audio to my own publications - probably with my own voice. I'm planning to do some small experiments to see if my subscribers prefer a canned voice vs AI-me vs me ;) Article(s) coming soon out on this ...
The AI voice you chose is fun and I could listen to it all day long.
If you wanted to use your own voice you do not need fancy equipment. I narrate my Substack work thinking it would bring people in to a paid membership. Nope. But don’t let that discourage you. I suspect what I write about people are just not that interested. Or I was a free girl far too long. Any way. .
I use a headset by Jabra. Under a hundred. You can get it on Amazon. If you really can’t do it right now. I’ll buy it for you.
I record in my car because the sound quality is like a sound both. But that step is unnecessary as the headphones do a good job on their own and that is how I used to do it for my podcast (which I don’t have any more- but want to see it go on Facebook and look up Coffee and a Chitchat - we both used Jabra headphones.
The time factor is what you need to assess. It takes time to record and then edit. Well, agin you do not have to edit but I suspect if you are new to this editing will be involved.
I have a MacBook so I use Final cut Pro - only because I also edit video.
But you can use the free version iMovie. Edit out the ums and uhs and of course Darth Vader in between if you want. .
Then export out as an MP3. Sounds complicated but it’s quite easy and I find it easier than learning a sound software. Plus if you are doing YouTube voila you have video and audio.
If you have a MacBook I’ll teach you how. No cost - just because you are trying.
If you have PC I can more than likely help you through because once upon a time in a far off land I used PC and their free video software. I just can’t remember the name of it.
As for fear of public speaking. The cool thing about podcasting and radio or narrating your text no one is in front of you making you feel queasy. I also spent years on the road speaking. I know the feeling.
Pick a friend you have a pint with and speak to that friend and just like that you are gabbing up a storm. With no sweaty palms.
The more you narrate the easier it will become and you will learn to do some things differently.
The cool thing is you are open to learning new tricks. And that is the first part getting over the fear and doing it anyway
From the comments you have here I think you have a pretty good supportive team. You are most fortunate.
So, take advantage and just do it. I’ll help you along the way.
Hi Karen, Thanks so much for the lovely feedback. I quickly checked out a bit of your podcast — found a clip on Instagram. Definitely like the whole 'friends talking' vibe. It's incredibly kind of you to offer about the headset but I will sort that stuff out myself when the time is right. Namely after I upgrade my Mac which is the plan atm. Thank you though! If anyone wants to support my writing the best way is to become a free or paid member of my Substack. I'm a freelance writer so I turn tea into words and words into money which I then spend on tea. Much love, James. jamesgarside.substack.com
The MacBook you have now will also do the trick. Download iMovie and mess around. Then when you get your new one you will be ready to go.
I too vote for Yorkshire. I use my earpiece and MacBook mic to record voiceovers, right here in Substack. It's super fucking simple. I decide I'm going to read the post exactly once, and let that suffice. The hardest part is making that one choice. Once you make it, though—you get to let the low, low standards live, and serve, forever!