Reading from a Computer, iPad, or Paper While Recording: What's the Best Medium for Narrators?

As a professional narrator, I’ve learned that the medium from which you read your script can significantly impact your recording experience and the quality of your performance. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, choosing between a computer, iPad, or paper can make a big difference. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option to help you determine the best choice for your narrating needs.

Reading from a Computer

Pros:

1. Screen Real Estate: Computers, especially those with larger monitors, offer ample screen space. This can be great for seeing more of your script at once, reducing the need for scrolling.

2. Ease of Editing: Making quick edits or notes is easy when reading from a computer. You can adjust the text size, highlight sections, and use various software tools to assist you.

3. Search Functionality: Quickly finding specific parts of your script is a breeze with search functions, saving you time and effort.

Cons:

1. Fan Noise: Computers can generate background noise from cooling fans, which can be picked up by sensitive microphones.

2. Distractions: It’s easy to get distracted by notifications, emails, or other applications on your computer.

3. Eye Strain: Staring at a computer screen for long periods can cause eye strain, which may affect your performance.

Reading from an iPad

Pros:

1. Portability: iPads are highly portable, making them easy to position at a comfortable reading distance.

2. Quiet Operation: Unlike computers, iPads operate silently, eliminating concerns about fan noise.

3. Annotation Features: Many apps allow you to annotate directly on your script, highlight important sections, and make notes with a stylus.

4. Battery Life: With good battery life, an iPad can last through long recording sessions without needing to be plugged in.

Cons:

1. Smaller Screen Size: While more portable, iPads typically have smaller screens than computers, which might require more frequent scrolling.

2. Glare: Depending on your recording environment, screen glare can be an issue, affecting readability.

3. Touch Screen Sensitivity: Accidental touches can disrupt your place in the script or bring up menus, interrupting your flow.

Reading from Paper

Pros:

1. No Screen Glare: Paper is easy on the eyes, with no issues of glare or screen flicker.

2. Tactile Feedback: Some narrators find the tactile experience of handling paper more natural and less distracting.

3. No Battery Worries: Paper doesn’t need charging, so you don’t have to worry about battery life during long sessions.

4. Silent: There are no electronic noises to contend with, making for a quiet recording environment.

Cons:

1. Noise from Page Turns: The sound of turning pages can be picked up by your microphone, requiring careful handling or editing in post-production.

2. Editing Limitations: Making changes to your script on paper can be cumbersome, and you’ll need to reprint if you make significant edits.

3. Space Requirements: Having a paper script requires more physical space, which might clutter your recording area.

My Recommendation

From my experience, the best option often depends on personal preference and the specific demands of the recording session. However, here are some general recommendations:

1. For Versatility and Portability: An iPad strikes a good balance between the convenience of digital text and the ease of annotation. Apps like GoodNotes or iAnnotate can enhance your experience by allowing you to mark up scripts easily.

2. For Comprehensive Workflows: If you need extensive screen space and quick editing capabilities, a computer might be your best bet. Ensure you minimize distractions and manage fan noise, perhaps by using a laptop stand or an external monitor that can be positioned farther from your microphone.

3. For Minimalist, Distraction-Free Reading: Paper might be ideal if you prefer a traditional approach and your recording space can accommodate it. Just be mindful of page-turning noise and keep multiple pages organized.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best option for reading scripts during recording sessions comes down to what makes you most comfortable and efficient. Experiment with each method to see which one enhances your performance and fits your workflow best. Happy narrating!