Audio Transcripts

Creating Authentic Audio Scripts
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Creating Authentic Audio Scripts

Quality audio content is essential in language training. Due to improvements in text-to-speech tools, this is becoming a lot more accessible for language trainers

◎Aims

Audio files should sound like authentic communication. This is achieved by using natural spoken English rather than academic written English. Written transcripts are always provided in the trainer notes under Audio Transcript.

1Key Punctuation Rules & Considerations

Pacing and Pauses

Punctuation helps AI audio generation tools determine where to place pauses, which affects rhythm and speed. A comma signals a slight pause, while a full stop marks the end of a thought.

Warning: Sometimes punctuation in the written script creates a pause in the audio version, and sometimes it needs to be removed for better flow. Em dashes do not always create a long pause in AI audio tools, so the written transcript may need slight adjustment.

  • Periods (Full Stops): Indicate the end of a sentence and trigger a pause in speech.
  • Commas: Create smaller pauses and help structure sentences for better flow.
  • Ellipses (…): Signify pauses or trailing off thought, adding a natural feel.
  • Dashes (-, —): Can indicate interruptions, hesitations, or parenthetical information.
  • Quotation Marks: Use for direct quotes and media titles.

2Contractions

  • Always use contractions exactly as heard (I’m, we’ve, she’ll). This creates more natural-sounding speech.
  • Example: He’s late again. (not He is late again.)

3Filler Words

  • Include natural fillers such as uh, um, you know, or like only if they support authenticity or are relevant for teaching listening skills.
  • Avoid overuse that distracts or clutters the script. Too many fillers can sound unnatural in AI-generated audio and may need to be removed.

4Speaker Labels

  • Use a consistent format: Name if relevant, or A/B if no names are needed.
  • If roles are relevant to the lesson, use job titles instead: Manager, Client, Receptionist.
  • Always keep speaker labels in bold for clarity in the transcript.

5Line Breaks

  • Start a new line for each change of speaker.
  • Do not use quotation marks around spoken text.
Example
Receptionist: Good morning. How can I help you?
Client: Yes, I’d like to see Ms. Rivera, please.

6Tools

There are now some very good text-to-speech voice generation tools available. It is preferable to use tools that can provide different accents; for example, ElevenLabs and Murf are highly recommended.

✓Key Takeaway

  • Natural: audio scripts should sound like real spoken English.
  • Clear: punctuation, line breaks, and labels should support listening and reading.
  • Useful: include only the features that help the learning aim.