Profession audio describer

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.

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Personality Type

• Artistic / Enterprising
• Social / Enterprising
• Artistic / Social

Knowledge

• Audiovisual equipment

  The characteristics and usage of different tools that stimulate the sight and audio senses.

• Attention to detail

  Performs tasks conscientiously and effectively, taking into account all their aspects, no matter how detailed they are.

• Pronunciation techniques

  The pronunciation techniques to properly and understandably pronounce words.

• Types of media

  The means of mass communication, such as internet, television, journals, and radio, that reach and influence the majority of the public.

• Communication related to hearing impairment

  The phonologic, morphologic and syntactic aspects and characteristics of human communication for individuals affected by hearing impairment.

• Audiovisual products

  The different types of audiovisual products and their requirements, such as documentaries, low budget movies, television series, records, CDs, and others.

Skills

• Write voice-overs

  Write voice-over commentary.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Synchronise with mouth movements

  Synchronise sound recording with the mouth movements of the original actor.

• Apply grammar and spelling rules

  Apply the rules of spelling and grammar and ensure consistency throughout texts.

• 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 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.

• Study roles from scripts

  Study and rehearse roles from scripts; interpret, learn and memorise lines, stunts, and cues as directed.

• Cooperate with colleagues

  Cooperate with colleagues in order to ensure that operations run effectively.

• 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.

• Report live online

  Given an account of a situation in real-time via online technologies when covering important events, especially on national newspapers.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB