Christmas Advertising Voiceovers: Getting Your Festive Campaign Ready

Christmas advertising can ask a lot of a short recording: set a festive mood, explain the offer and tell people what to do next. A clear script and the right voice make those jobs easier, whether your campaign runs on radio, video or online.

Before you book the recording, give your team a brief that covers the audience, delivery style, running time and every version you need. Here is a practical starting point.

Choose the delivery, not just the voice

A friendly, conversational read can suit a brand message or a thoughtful gift idea. A brighter retail read can give a promotion energy. Neither needs to sound forced. Think about how your audience should feel, then listen to Australian voice artists with that response in mind.

Brief the artist on pace, warmth and emphasis rather than simply asking for a "Christmas voice". If your script shifts from a relaxed opening to an energetic offer, mark that change clearly. Leave room for a natural delivery rather than asking the voice to rescue an overcrowded script.

Read the script aloud and time it

A script that looks short on the page can run long when spoken. Read it aloud at the intended pace, including the business name, web address, phone number and any required wording. Allow space for pauses and for the listener to absorb the offer.

If the read is too long, trim the copy before speeding it up. Keep one main message and a clear call to action. "Visit our website" only helps if the listener knows which website; a complicated address may need a simpler spoken alternative approved by your team.

Check names, conditions and tag lines

Supply pronunciations for brand names, products and locations. Write out how acronyms and numbers should be spoken, and flag any wording that must stay exact. A quick reference recording can help with an unfamiliar name.

Have the appropriate person approve legal wording, offer conditions and brand tag lines before recording. Do not assume these can be squeezed into the final second. They need time in the script too, and any mandatory delivery requirements should be included in the brief.

Prepare Christmas and Boxing Day versions together

Christmas and Boxing Day copy often need different openings, offers and calls to action. Prepare separate, clearly labelled scripts rather than relying on a last-minute word swap. Check that each version makes sense on its own, especially when references to gifting or Christmas trading no longer apply.

Create a simple version list covering the occasion, platform, duration and approved script. Mark the lines that change and those that remain identical. Keep superseded scripts separate so the wrong promotion does not reach the recording session or publishing team.

Confirm the technical requirements

Ask the publisher, station or production team to confirm required durations and delivery specifications before recording. Check file format, sample rate, channel layout and audio-level requirements rather than assuming one master file suits every placement.

Request separate, clearly named files for each approved version. Confirm where and how the recordings will be used, and make sure the agreed usage covers those placements. Do not assume music or other production elements carry the same permissions as the voice recording.

Get your festive recordings organised

Media Group supplies Australian voice artists with same day turnaround. We record remotely from our base on the Gold Coast for clients across Australia. Share your scripts, version list and intended placements so we can confirm timing and requirements for your project.

Call 1800 086 183 or get in touch to prepare your Christmas advertising voiceovers.

Header image credit: Media Group Christmas graphic based on the photograph “Neumann U87 Condenser Microphone - Studio A, In Your Ear Studios” by Will Fisher, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Modified by Media Group: cropped, colour-toned to brand blue, gradient overlays, fairy lights, stars, text and logo added. The modified graphic (full-size image) is shared under CC BY-SA 2.0. The Media Group name and logo are not licensed under CC BY-SA and no trademark rights are granted.