解说（画外音，旁白叙述，由画外音说）

一、解说（画外音，旁白叙述，由画外音说）

Voice-over

Ninety-five percent of TV news reporting is voice-over...Competent and compelling story-tellers are the people we look for，people who cannot only write to video but can hold the audience with the power oftheir voice.

——Utterback，2000，p.xxii.

The quotation above is not an exaggeration to depict the nature of the TV news style.They are still explained by the verbal expression even though there are quick changeable pictures on TV screen.We can imagine what will happen to the viewrs if there are no the proper verbal explanations.So，obviously，the verbal expression here is crucial important element of the TV news.

（一）什么是解说？What is a Voice-over？

Touching upon the term“Voice-over”，we can get the authorative introduction according to Wikipedia，the free encyclopedia：“Voiceover”redirects here.For the Mac OS X feature，see VoiceOver.Voice-over（also known as off-camera or offstage commentary）is a production technique where a voice which is not part of the narrative（non-diegetic）is used in a radio，television，film，theatre，or other presentation.［1］The voice-over may be spoken by someone who appears elsewhere in the production or by a specialist voice actor.

A voice-over，often abbreviated VO in script notation，is a narrative technique in which an unseen actor's lines are heard over visual elements in a movie or commercial.The narrator of a documentary or the announcer introducing a talk show host would be considered a voice over artist.By eliminating the need for a human spokesman，more time can be spent showing the product or visually setting up the storyline of a movie.During the introduction sequence of the film To Kill a Mockingbird，for example，an adult actress provides a voice over to help set the film in her childhood.

Voice-over

［voɪs-oʊvər］Show Spelled［vois-oh-ver］Voice-over or voice over（vois'ō'vər）n.

Noun 1.Voice-over-the voice on an unseen commentator in a film of television program phonation，vocalisation，vocalization，vox，voice，vocalismthe sound made by the vibration of vocal folds modified by the resonance of the vocal tract；“a singer takes good care of his voice”；“the giraffe cannot make any vocalizations”.

Noun 2.Movies，Television.

1）the voice of an offscreen narrator，announcer，or the like.

2）a televised sequence，as in a commercial，using such a voice.

3）any offscreen voice，as that of a character in a narrative.

［Source：Based on WordNet 3.0，Farlex clipart collection.Princeton University，Farlex Inc.］

（二）作为一门专业的解说Voice-over as a Profession

Voice-over is an anonymous profession when it comes to recognition.Very few voice-over artists achieve any kind of fame.But tens of thousands of others have come and gone without the listener ever knowing their names.

The initial round of debates（propelled mainly by the conservative blogosphere）centered on whether someone who represents a brand/company should ever express personal opinions publicly.When The Huffington Post picked up the story，many commenters invoked the 1st Amendment，failing to realize it only applies to the government impeding the individual's speech，not individuals（and corporations，thanks to a recent Supreme Court ruling）impeding each other's speech.

Voice-over artists are not company spokespeople.They are announcers.Those who give their name in a radio spot or appear on-camera as themselves are.They are the ones who tie the product/company they speak for to the things they say publicly.Had D.C.Douglas been an on-camera spokesperson，then he should have thought twice about expressing a controversial opinion（though，in this case，it was on a private voicemail and not intended for national media attention）.

But D.C.Douglas was just the voice-over announcer.As Lawrence O'Donnell noted on MSNBC's Countdown，he was but“a voice-a ghost.”And what befell him was not deserved.

In a stroke of poetic justice，though，D.C.Douglas has become one of the few sought after voice over talents in Hollywood and has achieved a much higher profile.His Facebook fan page tripled in followers，he moved over to a more prestigious voice over agency，and can be heard on several national campaigns...Though，only anonymously.

You can learn more about the voice-over work of D.C.Douglas by visiting his voice over website.

（三）作为一种技能的解说Voice-over as a Technique

As one of the techniques for mass media transmission，the significance of voice-over can be lift the conveyed information up effectively.In particular，the proper utilization of voice-over for broadcast news programmes in English play an decisive role in the process of cross-cultural communication.

From Wikipedia，the free encyclopedia：Voice-over technique is likewise used to give voices and personalities to animated characters；Voice-overs are often used to create the effect of storytelling by a character/omniscient narrator.

Sometimes，voice-over can be used to aid continuity in edited versions of films，in order for the audience to gain a better understanding of what has gone on between scenes and was edited down from 145 minutes to 100 minutes for its second run in theatres.The edited version，which circulated for years，used narration to conceal the fact that large chunks of the film had been cut.

The genre of film noir is especially associated with the voice-over technique.

In radio，voice-overs are an integral part of the creation of the radio programme.The voice over artist might be used to remind listeners of the station name or as characters to enhance or develop show content.In the 1980s UK broadcasters Steve Wright and Kenny Everett used voice over artists to create a virtual“posse”or studio crew that contributed to the programmes.It is believed that this principal was in play long before that time.USA radio broadcaster Howard Stern has also used voice overs in this way.

1.视为一种特质的方法As a character device

In the 1956 film version of Herman Melville's Moby-Dick，Richard Basehart，as Ishmael，narrates the story and sometimes comments on the action in voiceover，as does William Holden in the films Sunset Boulevard and The Counterfeit Traitor，as well as John Mills in David Lean's Great Expectations（based on Charles Dickens's novel）and Michael York in a television remake of the book.

Voice-over technique is likewise used to give voices and personalities to animated characters.Among the most noteworthy and versatile of whom include Mel Blanc，Daws Butler，Don Messick，Frank Welker and June Foray.

2.视为一种创造的方法As a creative device

In film，the film-maker places the sound of a human voice（or voices）over images shown on the screen that may or may not be related to the images being shown.Consequently，voice-overs are sometimes used to create ironic counterpoint.Also，sometimes they can be random voices not directly connected to the people seen on the screen.In works of fiction，the voice-over is often by a character reflecting back on his or her past，or by a person external to the story who usually has a more complete knowledge of the events in the film than the other characters.

Voice-overs are often used to create the effect of storytelling by a character/omniscient narrator.For example，in The Usual Suspects，the character of Roger“Verbal”Kint has voice-over segments as he is recounting details of a crime.Classic voice-overs in cinema history can be heard in Citizen Kane and The Naked City.Other examples of storytelling voice-overs can be heard in Gattaca，Fight Club，Blade Runner，The Shawshank Redemption，Big Fish，How to Train Your Dragon，Moulin Rouge！，The Postman Always Rings Twice，Raising Arizona，Goodfellas，Clash of the Titans and Star Quest：The Odyssey.

Sometimes，voice-over can be used to aid continuity in edited versions of films，in order for the audience to gain a better understanding of what has gone on between scenes.This was done when the 1948 Joan of Arc，starring Ingrid Bergman，turned out to be far from the box-office and critical hit that was expected，and was edited down from 145 minutes to 100 minutes for its second run in theatres.The edited version，which circulated for years，used narration to conceal the fact that large chunks of the film had been cut.In the full-length version，restored in 1998 and released on DVD in 2004，the voice-over narration is heard only at the beginning of the film.

The genre of film noir is especially associated with the voice-over technique：

1）The voice of an unseen narrator，or of an onscreen character not seen speaking，in a movie or a television broadcast.

2）A film or videotape recording narrated by a voice-over.

3.视为一种教育或描述的方法As an educational or descriptive device

The voice-over has many applications in non-fiction as well.

Television news is often presented as a series of video clips of newsworthy events，with voice-over by the reporters describing the significance of the scenes being presented；these are interspersed with straight video of the news anchors describing stories for which video is not shown.

Television networks such as The History Channel and the Discovery Channel make extensive use of voice-overs.On NBC，the television show Starting Over used Sylvia Villagran as the voice-over narrator to tell a story.

Live sports broadcasts are usually shown as extensive voice-overs by expert announcers over video of the sporting event.

Game shows formerly made extensive use of voice-overs to introduce contestants and describe available or awarded prizes，but this technique has diminished as shows have moved toward predominantly cash prizes.The most prolific have included Don Pardo，Johnny Olson，John Harlan，Jay Stewart，Gene Wood and Johnny Gilbert.

Voice-over commentary by a leading critic，historian，or by the production personnel themselves is often a prominent feature of the release of feature films or documentaries on DVDs.

4.视为一种商业的方法As a commercial device

The commercial use of voice-over in advertising has been popular since the beginning of radio broadcasting.

In the early years，before effective sound recording and mixing，announcements were produced“live”and at-once in a studio with the entire cast，crew and，usually，orchestra.A corporate sponsor hired a producer，who hired writers and voice actors to perform comedy or drama.

The industry expanded very rapidly with the advent of television in the 1950s and the age of highly produced serial radio shows ended.The ability to record high-quality sound on magnetic tape also created opportunities，as has the proliferation of home computers capable of recording，often using inexpensive（even free）software and a microphone of reasonable quality.

Manufacturers will often use a distinctive voice to help them with brand messaging，often retaining talent to a long term exclusive contract.

5.视为一种翻译的方法As a translation device

Main article：Voice-over translation

In some countries，such as Russia and Poland，a voice-over provided by a single artist is commonly used on television as a language localization technique，as an alternative to full dubbing.

In Bulgaria，voice-over translation is also common，but each film（or episode）is normally voiced by at least four actors.The voice artists try to match the original voice and preserve the intonation.The main reason for the use of this type of translation is that unlike synchronized voice translation，it takes a relatively short time to produce as there is no need to synchronize the voices with the character's lip movements，which is compensated by the quieted original audio.When there is no speaking in the film for some time，the originalsound is turned up.Recently，as more films are distributed with separate voice and noises-and-music tracks，some voice-over translations in Bulgaria are produced by only turning down the voice track，in this way not affecting the other sounds.One actor always reads the translation crew's names over the show's ending credits（except for when there are dialogs over the credits）.

Its translations：

Dansk（Danish）

n.-kommentar

v.tr.-kommentere

Nederlands（Dutch）

achtergrond commentaar in film/video，uitgesproken gedachten van karakter in film

Français（French）

n.-（Cin，TV）（commentaire en）voix-off

v.tr.-parler en voix-off

Deutsch（German）

n.-Begleitkommentar，Übersprechen

v.-mit einem Kommentar begleiten，übersprechen

Ελληνικ（Greek）

n.-αφγηση σε ταινα

Italiano（Italian）

voce fuori-campo，parlare fuori-campo

Português（Portuguese）

n.-voz（f）gravada em separado（TV）（Cin.）

Русский（Russian）

голос за кадром

Español（Spanish）

n.-voz en off，voz superpuesta

v.tr.-incluir una voz en off

Svenska（Swedish）

n.-berättarröst，ljudpåläggning

中文（简体）［Chinese（Simplified］

画外音，旁白叙述，由画外音说

中文（繁體）［Chinese（Traditional）］

n.-畫外音

v.tr.-旁白敘述，由畫外音說

［Source above：Gina A.Spiegel is the founder of The Spiegel Group（http://thespiegelgroup.info），a Los Angeles based entertainment consultancy firm specializing in film，television and voice over.

Read more：http://www.answers.com/topic/voice-over］

（四）训练解说Voice-over Training

WORK WITH COACHES WHO SPECIALIZE IN YOUR GENRES

While we offer a variety of important workshops，seminars and classes here at Edge Studio，we also provide private voice-over training.Each approach has important benefits.

Working as part of a group enables you to see how your peers would solve a problem.It exposes issues that you yourself might not encounter right away（but probably will）.And it gets you used to performing in front of a professional audience.So，even when you're not working directly with the coach，you are learning very efficiently.

But private voice-over training is efficient in its own way.One-on-one voice-over coaching——with an experienced professional coach--is often the best way to hone your delivery and fine tune your voice（s）to your competitive advantage.

Far from your studios？No problem：Every one of our coaches also teaches regularly by telephone，and most by Skype.

If that seems odd，or less than optimal，remember this—voice-over is an industry about hearing；no one has to see you.In fact，more than half of professional voice-over jobs are directed by clients via telephone.

So tele-training is a natural teaching environment for us.And for you as a voice over artist，training by phone teaches you to take direction and perform remotely.These days，that's a necessary skill.

One must be sure that you receive the attention you require to perfect your reads，by giving you voice-over training specialized in your voiceover genre.We will select your coach or coaches from among our battery of professionals，with your particular needs and personality in mind.

Whether in-studio or via tele-training，voice-over training sessions can be recorded.

（五）解说工作范畴Voice-over Jobs

How to Break Into the Entertainment Industry with Voice-over Jobs.

Over the decades，the entertainment industry has managed to change its face as a result of advancements in technology which have helped to expand the type of job opportunities that are available to people.Gone are the days when movies，television shows and theatrical presentations were mimed and people were forced to assume the meaning behind visual performances.Today，voice-over jobs provide people with the opportunity to change the feeling and emotion of particular scenes by narrating thoughts and events.

If you are seriously thinking about getting into the voice over industry，the internet contains endless tidbits of information about voice over jobs，from breaking into the industry to landing the perfect jobs.Take a look at some of the subject areas below that you will be able to find information on：

All you Need to Know about Voice-overs：the internet will usually provide very detailed information on general voice over topics.

Becoming a Voice-over Artist：you will likely be able to find information on what it takes to get you to the point of being a successful voice over artist.

Locating the Best Voice-over Agents：being able to use the internet to find good voice over agents to help boost your career is probably the best move you could make as a newcomer to voice over jobs.

Getting the Best Voice-over Training：of course，voice over training is absolutely crucial when preparing yourself to work in the voice over industry.Having a great sounding voice will not necessarily get you the kind of voice over jobs you are interested in.

Scoping out Great Voice-over Talent：talent scouts as well as film，television and theater directors often use the internet to find talent for their upcoming voice over projects.

Get the Practice you Need with Voice-over Script：many sources on the internet will tell you that practicing voice over scripts is a sure way to sharpen your skill and make a big impression at your audition.

Tips for Doing a Voice-over Recording：as you will find when doing voice over research online，the technical aspects of a voice over recording can make or break your attempts to jump into a voice over type career.

Landing Quality Voice-over Work：perhaps one of the best ways to really get good voice over jobs is to zoom in on a specific type of presentation，e.g.movies，commercials，television shows，and master the art of doing voiceovers for a specific niche.

Choosing voice-over jobs is a great way to get into the entertainment industry without putting yourself at the forefront of an on-screen or on-stage theatrical presentation.And the great thing is you can create an impact that is just as meaningful as that created by actors and actresses.

（Source：http://EzineArticles.com/5353602）

【笔者论述】

虽然从以上对“旁白-Voiceover”的一般性介绍来看，其具有如此的特点可以令我们认识到这一位置的施展空间，但是，对于英语广播电视的新闻条目和节目内容的“解说”、“旁白”而言，就涉及具有“规范化”的要求。

这一要求，可以分为两类：

第一类，是对“硬新闻”条目的旁白。

对于看似只有45秒或最多1分钟时长的“硬新闻”条目进行恰当的“旁白”，达到具有既使内容清楚，又会使新闻韵律明显的效果，还是需要对几个基本点进行把握的。

一是对情绪的定位：对于我们使用母语播“硬新闻”条目而言，只要对情绪保持体现“客观态度”的平稳即可，但是，对于英语“硬新闻”条目播读时的“客观态度”情绪的体现，却不是以平稳的效果来完成的。相反，由于英语新闻中的“意群”或“关键词”需要使用语气重的方式来表现，因而，在播读过程中，就会出现明显的“暂停”或“强调”的部分所形成的“起伏”状态。因此，在对英语“硬新闻”条目的旁白掌控过程中，只要在对这几部分划分得准确的前提下，再以“客观”的心态来体现新闻内容，就会确切地完成“旁白”的任务。

二是对播读速度的掌控：由于英语“硬新闻”条目的内容是触及最新发生的事件的，所以，受众对其关注的心情是“迫切地”需要知道得更多，进而就期待主播以尽量快的速度告知出尽量多的“事实”真相。对于英语“硬新闻”条目进行“播读”的播音员（News reader）而言，传统的“播读”速度是180个单词/分钟。而今天的快速直播，就要求“播读”速度达到250～280个单词/分钟。自然，完成这样的语速，“语流”的顺畅也是必要的前提。

因此，就英语“硬新闻”条目进行掌控的播音员来说，“播读”不仅是在话筒前和摄像机前面对稿件而进行的掌控，更有在摄像机后只是面对已经编好的新闻画面进行的“旁白”处理。而后者的要求事实上要比在摄像机前的“播读”要求得更高。

第二类，是对“软新闻”条目的旁白。

对于英语“软新闻”的分类，可以按照“新闻事件深度分析”和“人物特写”两种来处理对内容的“展开”。这一“展开”，就是以具有只符合这两类节目特点的“旁白”来完成。

首先，关于对“新闻事件深度分析”的“旁白”。

由于是对“新闻事件”的来龙去脉进行尽可能详细地介绍，所以，节目的时长就远远超过“条目”的时长了，加之其内容的展开方式已经不再是简单的“迅速告知基本事实”为出发点，而是要将所能涉及的“新闻事实”进行串连并加以分析，进而，在情绪上比对“条目”的“播读”要缓和，虽还是在以“客观”为前提保证进行的。这种“缓和”的效果体现，是以“播读+播述”的基本定位来完成的。所以，在“播读”语速上，一般是200～220个单词/分钟，在“播述”语速上，一般是180～200个单词/分钟。此时“播述”情绪定位是“事件分析式”。

其次，关于对“名人生平”的“旁白”。

只要是涉及“著名”、“人物”的详细介绍，就接近了“传记”风格的特点。当然，由于广播电视节目一次播出时长的特有规律，此处的“传记”就具有了“微型”或“分集”的部分连接部分的内容。由于每一部分都是相对“独立成章”，进而具有“连续化”的“一气呵成”效果，而这一效果的达成，除了人物本身触及的时间连贯性外，就是依赖于“旁白”所建构的既无形又有形的时空了。

在对“人物特写”进行“旁白”时，对于情绪的定位是描述彼时彼景所处“情境”的“娓娓道来”、“人物与故事之叙述”。

最后，关于对“新闻人物特写”的“旁白”。

这类节目的特点虽然是将关注点投在了“人物”上，但主旨还是为了更好地解释所涉“新闻事件”的“前因后果”。进而，对于驾驭这类节目“旁白”而言，就需要首先明了“旁白”的特色是“讲解”。而这一“讲解”的“对象”不是“人物”或“新闻事件”本身，却是被逐渐分析得或是“清晰”或是“仍然模糊”的两者之间存在的“关系”。

既然是“讲解”这样的“关系”，在播讲的语速上应是比“播读”、“硬新闻”要慢，而又比“软新闻”之“人物生平”的“播叙”要快，一般是220～240个单词/分钟。在情绪的定位上，还是以具有体现新闻特点的“客观性”为基调，同时还需具有“讲解”的作用。所以，应该在整体上保持和体现“播读+播讲”的效果。简而言之，对“新闻人物特写”的“旁白”是“人物与事件关系之讲解”。