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AUDIO SCRIPT: EXPRESSION IN ACTION
Record This to Demonstrate Vocal Techniques
Words That Bloom
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR RECORDING:
Use your phone’s voice recorder or video camera. Read this
script exactly as written, following the stage directions
in [brackets]. Total recording time: ~3 minutes.
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[INTRO – Normal speaking voice]
Hi! I’m going to read you the same short passage from a
story THREE different ways. Listen to how different vocal
techniques change the way the story feels.
The passage is from a made-up story about a little mouse
named Max who discovers a mysterious door in the forest.
Let’s begin!
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VERSION 1: FLAT READING (No Expression)
[Read in a monotone voice, no pauses, same pace throughout,
no pitch changes, minimal emotion]
Max the mouse was walking through the forest when he saw
something strange. It was a tiny red door at the bottom of
an old oak tree. Max had never seen this door before. He
stepped closer and closer. His heart was beating fast. He
reached out one small paw and pushed. The door creaked open
slowly. Inside was a room full of golden light and the smell
of fresh cookies. Max couldn’t believe his eyes.
[PAUSE 2 seconds]
That was VERSION 1—reading with no vocal expression. It told
you the story, but did it feel exciting? Probably not. Now
listen to the difference when I add expression.
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VERSION 2: WITH EXPRESSION (Full Vocal Techniques)
[Read with full expression – vary pitch, pace, use pauses,
facial expressions even though it’s audio – your voice will
change. Stage directions in brackets:]
Max the mouse was walking through the forest [slow, gentle
pace] when he saw something strange [pause, pitch up slightly
on “strange”].
It was a tiny red door [emphasize “tiny,” softer voice] at
the bottom of an old oak tree [slow down].
Max had never seen this door before [curious tone].
He stepped closer [slow]… and closer [slower]… [dramatic
pause].
His heart was beating FAST [speed up, emphasize “fast”].
He reached out one small paw [very slow, gentle] and pushed
[pause].
The door creeeeeaked open slowly [drag out “creaked,” slow
motion].
Inside was a room full of golden light [voice fills with
wonder] and the smell of fresh cookies [warm, delighted tone]!
Max couldn’t believe his eyes! [excited, amazed]
[PAUSE 2 seconds]
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[REFLECTION – Normal voice]
Did you hear the difference? In Version 2, I used:
– PITCH changes – my voice went higher when Max was surprised
and lower when building suspense
– PACING – I slowed down during the sneaky parts and sped up
when his heart was beating fast
– PAUSES – I paused before “the door creaked open” to build
anticipation
– EXPRESSION – I let my voice show wonder, excitement, and
curiosity
Version 1 gave you the information. Version 2 made you FEEL
the story.
Now, let me show you one more thing—how you can use these
techniques to make characters come alive by changing just
your voice. Same passage, but this time imagine Max is
telling the story himself, in his tiny mouse voice.
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VERSION 3: CHARACTER VOICE (Mouse Voice)
[Read in a higher-pitched voice, slightly faster pace, with
a bit of timidity and wonder]
[Higher voice, excited] I was walking through the forest,
minding my own business, when—[gasp]—I saw something SO
strange!
[Voice gets even higher, quieter] It was this teeny tiny red
door—like, mouse-sized, you know?—at the bottom of this huge
old oak tree!
[Slightly scared but curious] I’d never EVER seen it before.
Not once!
[Getting quieter, more nervous] So I crept closer… and
closer… [whisper voice] and my little heart was going
BOOM BOOM BOOM!
[Building courage] I reached out my paw—it was shaking a
little bit—and I just… pushed.
[Slow, drawn out, amazed] Creeeeeeeeak… it opened!
[GASP, then voice fills with pure delight] Oh my goodness!
Inside there was this beautiful golden light and it smelled
like—[sniff sniff]—COOKIES! Fresh-baked cookies!
[Amazed whisper] I couldn’t believe it!
[PAUSE 2 seconds]
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[CLOSING – Normal voice]
So there you have it! Three ways to read the same passage:
1. Flat and informational
2. Expressive with varied pitch, pace, and pauses
3. With a character voice that brings Max to life
Here’s the secret: You don’t need to be a professional actor.
You just need to be willing to PLAY with your voice.
Try reading your child’s favorite book tonight using some of
these techniques. Notice their face—do they lean in? Smile?
Ask you to “do the voice again”? That’s your sign that
expression is working!
Remember: Your child doesn’t care if you’re perfect. They
care that you’re trying, that you’re having fun, and that
you’re showing them stories are ALIVE.
Happy reading!
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www.wordsthatbloom.com
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[END RECORDING]