Audio Book Narrator Spotlight: Jim Dale

Millions of people know Jim Dale, he has made them laugh, and hold their breath in suspense, although he has not written a word. His craft keeps them spellbound, yet they have not seen it. So who is Jim Dale?

He is the voice of Harry Potter, as well as those of 134 other characters, which come to life in his recorded narration of all seven books in J.K. Rowling’s popular series. Dale, an audiobook narrator, possesses the artistic and linguistic skills necessary for such a project.

Somewhat like a movie actor, (As it happens Jim is an actor and has appeared in many films, he is well known for his various roles in the popular British “Carry On” series of comedy films.) a good narrator invigorates this popular literary genre with talent and practiced ability.

An average of 5.5 hours of preparation goes into producing just one hour of an audio book. Sound studios and supporting technicians, including a sound monitor and a reviewer, must be top-notch to create a recording that connects with its audience. However, the main keys to a successful audiobook are the art and skills of a polished narrator.

Successful narrators must be masters of a few important areas:

Voice Quality:

Consider the qualities an audiobook narrator must have, the length of a recorded book is often several hundred pages, and requires many hours of speaking. Its narration must stay consistent and tireless throughout. The narrator’s voice must have an interesting and pleasant tone, with no disruptive acoustical quality.The voice must be able to modulate different intonations with control and strength, through a variety of scene and character changes. A clean, clear voice is a delight for the listener.

Capable Speech:

Dynamics of speech contribute to effective dialogue and character development. The narrator must pay attention to the rhythm and flow of the text, using pauses and accents effectively to make clear the text. The skillful use of pitch and proper regional color convey emotion and enliven the characters.

Understanding of Language:

The successful narrator, usually a native speaker of the text’s language, is sensitive to the meanings and nuances of words. Pronunciation is correct and articulate.

Preparation:

Before the narrator enters the recording studio, he must organize his ideas about the text. During the reading of the book, a well-prepared narrator easily anticipates different themes and settings in the story line. A prior knowledge and analysis of the text is crucial for flowing and animated narration.

Digital books continue to gain popularity as leisure time for book reading grows scarcer. Increasing numbers of listeners rely on the narrator’s skills of voice artists like Jim Dale to delight, inform, and entertain them. A solitary voice, skillfully manipulated, is the narrator’s finest tool, turning a good read into a great oral story.

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