Narration
nuh-RAY-shuhn
/nəˈreɪʃən/
The act or vocal delivery of telling a story or describing events spoken by a narrator.
Focuses on the art and delivery of vocal storytelling or explanatory spoken audio.
The story behind the word. Traced to the Latin word 'gnarus', meaning 'skilled or knowledgeable'. To narrate meant making complex knowledge known to others through structured vocal speech.
Word relationships
- voiceover: Voiceover is a technical broadcast term for off-screen spoken audio, whereas narration emphasizes storytelling craft.
- storytelling: Storytelling includes written and visual forms, while narration in audio specifically refers to the spoken vocal performance.
- dialogue: Dialogue represents conversational exchanges between two or more characters rather than single-voice commentary.
Commonly confused with
- monologue: A monologue is a character dramatic speech inside a play, whereas narration guides listeners through events externally.
Word family
- narrate (verb): To deliver spoken narration.
- narrator (noun): The voice actor or person performing the narration.
- narrative (noun): A spoken or written account of connected events; a story.
Collocations
- dramatic narration
- voiceover narration
- narration style
- first-person narration
Example sentences
- "The actor clear and expressive narration brought the historical biography to life for audio listeners." Audiobook Production
- "The sound producer blended background orchestral music with dramatic narration to set a mysterious mood." Documentary Audio
Memory hook
NARRAtion turns knowledge into a clear story for the listener. Making story facts known out loud.
When not to use
Do not use for unscripted spontaneous conversations between co-hosts that lack continuous narrative structure.
Fun facts
- Audiobook narrators often record for 4 to 6 hours a day, using specialized vocal techniques to prevent throat strain.
Related words
Explore more words
narrative, voiceover, reminiscence, commentary, testimony, monologue
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