Audio describer

Description

Audio describers depict orally what happens on the screen or on stage for the blind and visually impaired so that they can enjoy audio-visual shows, live performances or sports events. They produce audio description scripts for programmes and events and use their voice to record them.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to audio describer:

audio description expert
video describer
audio description professional
visual describer
dubber
audio describers

Minimum qualifications

High school diploma is generally required to work as audio describer. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Audio describer is a Skill level 4 occupation.

Audio describer career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to audio describer.

voice-over artist
weather forecaster
news anchor
presenter
speechwriter

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of audio describer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of audio describer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of audio describer.

Communication related to hearing impairment: The phonologic, morphologic and syntactic aspects and characteristics of human communication for individuals affected by hearing impairment.
Attention to detail: Performs tasks conscientiously and effectively, taking into account all their aspects, no matter how detailed they are.
Types of media: The means of mass communication, such as internet, television, journals, and radio, that reach and influence the majority of the public.

Pronunciation techniques: The pronunciation techniques to properly and understandably pronounce words.
Audiovisual products: The different types of audiovisual products and their requirements, such as documentaries, low budget movies, television series, records, CDs, and others.
Audiovisual equipment: The characteristics and usage of different tools that stimulate the sight and audio senses.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of audio describer.

Cooperate with colleagues: Cooperate with colleagues in order to ensure that operations run effectively.
Study roles from scripts: Study and rehearse roles from scripts; interpret, learn and memorise lines, stunts, and cues as directed.
Report live online: Given an account of a situation in real-time via online technologies when covering important events, especially on national newspapers.
Support people with hearing impairment: Accompany the hearing-impaired to facilitate communication in various situations, such as training, work or administrative procedures. If necessary, gather information before appointments.
Write voice-overs: Write voice-over commentary.
Synchronise with mouth movements: Synchronise sound recording with the mouth movements of the original actor.
Write in conversational tone: Write in such a way that when the text is read it seems as if the words come spontaneously and not at all scripted. Explain concepts and ideas in a clear and simple manner.
Write work-related reports: Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.
Apply grammar and spelling rules: Apply the rules of spelling and grammar and ensure consistency throughout texts.
Listen actively: Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.
Integrate content into output media: Compile and integrate media and text content into online and offline systems, such as websites, platforms, applications and social media, for publishing and distribution.
Study media sources: Study various media sources such as broadcasts, print media, and online media in order to gather inspiration for the development of creative concepts.
Present during live broadcasts: Present live on political, economic, cultural, social, international or sport events, or host a live broadcast program.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of audio describer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Breathing techniques: The various techniques to control the voice, body, and nerves by breathing.
Vocal techniques: The various techniques for using your voice correctly without exhausting or damaging it when changing voice in tone and volume.
Multimedia systems: The methods, procedures and techniques pertaining to the operation of multimedia systems, usually a combination of software and hardware, presenting various types of media such as video and audio.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of audio describer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Use a computer: Utilise computer equipment or digital devices to facilitate quality control, data management, and communication. Follow instructions given by a computer programme, create computer files or documents.
Record audio materials: Record materials such as books, newspapers, and educational materials in audio format. Enhance written texts by adding audio complements or making them otherwise accessible to visually impaired people.
Add elocution techniques to recording audio materials: Integrate elocution techniques for the improvement of audio material in terms of pronunciation, style, register, and grammatical correctness.
Perform improvisation: Perform dialogues or actions spontaneously or without preparation.
Attend read-through: Attend the organised reading of the script, where the actors, director, producers, and scriptwriters read the script thoroughly.
Use microphone: Employ microphones to address audiences in a gathering. Perform basic technical operations to microphones for an adequate usage.
Use office systems: Make appropriate and timely use of office systems used in business facilities depending on the aim, whether for the collection of messages, client information storage, or agenda scheduling. It includes administration of systems such as customer relationship management, vendor management, storage, and voicemail systems.
Adapt voice register to the audio material: Adjust the register of the voice depending on the audio materials to be recorded. Adapt the style according to whether the material it is for TV shows, educational purposes, or governmental use.
Manage a good diction: Speak clearly and precisely so that others understand exactly what is being said. Pronounce words accurately so as not to make mistakes or unintentionally say something incorrect.
Coordinate activities in audio recording studio: Monitor the daily operations in a audio recording studio. Make sure that persons involved in recording studio activities can produce the desired quality of sound according to customer specifications. Ensure the material is maintained and available.
Operate audio equipment: Apply technologies for re-creation or recording of sounds, such as speaking, sound of instruments in electrical or mechanical form.
Use audio reproduction software: Operate software and equipment that transform and reproduce digital, analogue sounds and sound waves into the desired perceivable audio to be streamed.
Plan audiovisual recording: Plan audio-visual recordings.
Work with a voice coach: Receive advice and training from a voice coach. Learn how to use one’s voice correctly, how to properly pronounce and articulate words, and use the right intonation. Get trained in breathing techniques.

ISCO group and title

2656 – Announcers on radio, television and other media

 

 


 

 

References
  1. Audio describer – ESCO
Last updated on August 8, 2022