Write Narration Revision Notes in Timecode: How to Avoid Confusion About Re-Recording

“Make it a little more natural” or “only this part feels strange” does not tell a narrator what to change. Write the audio position, target words, desired change, reason, and desired result in that order. Timecode is not for assigning blame; it is a shared number that lets everyone listen to the same place.

Put one issue in each instruction

If pronunciation, speed, tone, pause, and copy changes are combined in one comment, it becomes unclear which take is correct. Classify the instruction first and narrow the target to one item. For example, “the product name at 00:00:12” is a pronunciation check, while “00:00:31–00:00:35” is a speed discussion to fit the picture. If a picture replacement caused the issue, mention the editorial change instead of treating it as audio-only.

Some instructions, such as “slightly shorter,” cannot be specified numerically. In that case, attach the relevant picture and a nearby reference read. The reference shares direction for speed or distance; it does not mean “make it identical.”

Keep versions and before/after copy

If revisions continue only in email, the source audio becomes unclear. Put the audio, video, and script versions at the top and attach a revision table. When wording changes, show old and new copy together. A change to the copy after recording is a separate task from a delivery correction and should be discussed as such.

Target audio:
Target video:
Script version:
Revision number:
Segment:
Target take:
Change:
Reference segment / video:
Requested delivery date:

Update the version in the filename and retain the previous version. If there are several recipients, use one link for the decision version and identify where each comment came from. This reduces “approved in A’s email, revise in B’s table” conflicts.

Do not guess the complimentary scope

Current guidance indicates one complimentary expression adjustment; later revisions and copy changes have different conditions. Do not assume that all revisions are free without confirming the project scope. Before ordering, distinguish misreads, expression adjustments, copy changes, and duration changes so budget and schedule can be planned.

See ordering and recording direction for a home-recorded narrator before recording. When consulting about corporate-video narration, include the audio, video, and script versions.

Before sending, play each row and ask whether the target can be identified from that row alone. If not, add a timecode or target word.

Separate priorities such as required before publication, preferred adjustment, and consideration for the next version. Consolidate comments from several people on the production side instead of sending contradictory directions directly to the narrator.

When checking revised audio, play the surrounding context as well as the changed section. The replacement ending or entry into the next cut may have changed. Put the checked filename back into the table so unchecked audio cannot be confused with it.

Add an approval field at the end and record who checked what and when. Returning verbal approvals to the table as decisions makes them the standard for the next version.