I’ve just returned from a wonderful two-week holiday in Italy, where I had the chance to explore some truly incredible historic sites – Pompeii, Herculaneum, Villa Oplontis, and the Naples Sotterranea (an underground network of Greek/Roman cisterns and aqueducts), among them.
As a voiceover artist who specialises in the heritage sector, this wasn’t just a holiday (though it definitely included plenty of gelato!) – it was also a reminder of why I love what I do.
At Pompeii, we joined a guided tour, and it was such a valuable experience. Our guide helped us visualise what life was like before the eruption, pointed out details we would have missed, and told stories that made the ruins come alive. Without a guide – whether a person or an audio tour – it’s easy to walk through somewhere like that and not fully grasp what you’re seeing. The stones don’t speak for themselves. But a voice can give them context, character, and meaning.
For example, the photo shows part of one of the roads. See the small white stones between the black slabs of basalt? They were put there deliberately so that in the dark, lantern light would reflect off them and people would be able to see the road – they’re a forerunner of cat’s eyes! I would have completely missed that if it wasn’t for our guide, and it’s a detail I will remember forever.
This is exactly why audio is such a powerful tool in heritage settings. Whether it’s a permanent museum exhibition, a temporary installation, or a walking tour of a historic town, the right narration can transform the visitor experience.
While I was away, I took time off from my business and let my clients know I’d be unavailable. It’s not always easy to switch off as a small business owner, but the response was lovely – everyone was understanding and wished me a great holiday. And honestly, I came back refreshed and more inspired than ever.
So, if you’re working in the heritage sector and thinking about how to better engage your audience, consider the power of the spoken word. An informed, engaging voiceover can make all the difference.
And if you ever need help with that – I know just the person 😉