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Public Administration & LegalISCO 2656

Audio describer

Audio describers depict orally what happens on the screen or on stage for the blind and visually impaired so that they can enjoy audio-visual shows, live performances or sports events. They produce audio description scripts for programmes and events and use their voice to record them.

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Check yourself in a minute: audio describer

Rate 5 of the 18 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

cooperate with colleagues

study roles from scripts

report live online

support people with hearing impairment

write voice-overs

About audio describer

As an audio describer in Poland, you will be a crucial bridge between the visual and audio worlds, enabling blind and visually impaired individuals to fully enjoy films, theatre performances, sports events, and other audiovisual content. Your role requires exceptional observation skills, creative communication, and precise timing as you craft detailed, engaging descriptions that paint a vivid picture of on-screen action, scene settings, and character expressions. You will write voice-over scripts that integrate seamlessly with existing dialogue and sound, then record your narration with proper pronunciation and tone to match the emotional pace of the content. Whether working in a studio environment or delivering live descriptions during broadcast events, you must synchronize your audio descriptions perfectly with the visual action while remaining unobtrusive. This growing field in Poland reflects increasing awareness of accessibility rights and cultural inclusion, offering expanding opportunities in broadcasting, streaming services, theatre, and cultural institutions.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a audio describer.

1

Audio Description Script Writing

  • Study visual content including films, theatre performances, and sports events to identify key visual elements requiring description
  • Write voice-over scripts in conversational tone that provide vivid descriptions of on-screen action, settings, character expressions, and visual details
  • Integrate audio descriptions seamlessly into existing dialogue and sound design, ensuring descriptions fit naturally within conversation gaps
2

Voice Recording and Production

  • Record audio descriptions in a professional studio environment using proper pronunciation techniques and vocal pacing
  • Synchronize recorded descriptions with visual content to match action timing and emotional pacing of the programme
  • Adjust vocal tone, delivery, and emotional expression to complement the audiovisual content and enhance audience immersion
3

Live Broadcasting and Real-time Description

  • Report live online during sports events, theatre performances, and other live broadcasts, providing spontaneous audio descriptions of unfolding action
  • Respond quickly to unexpected events and rapidly changing visual circumstances while maintaining descriptive quality and consistency
  • Maintain focus and composure during extended live broadcasts, ensuring descriptions remain clear and engaging throughout
4

Accessibility Communication and Audience Support

  • Cooperate with colleagues including producers, directors, and accessibility coordinators to ensure quality audio descriptions
  • Support people with hearing impairment and other disabilities by providing clear, accessible descriptions that enhance their experience
  • Listen actively to feedback from blind and visually impaired audiences and implement improvements to descriptive approaches
5

Content Preparation and Integration

  • Study roles and scripts thoroughly to understand character motivations, plot details, and thematic elements that inform audio descriptions
  • Integrate audio descriptions into output media platforms including broadcast, streaming services, and theatrical distribution
  • Apply grammar and spelling rules rigorously when writing scripts and write work-related reports documenting description processes and modifications

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (18)

communication related to hearing impairmentcommunication related to hearing impairmentThe phonologic, morphologic and syntactic aspects and characteristics of human communication for individuals affected by hearing impairment.types of mediatypes of mediaThe means of mass communication, such as television, journals, and radio, that reach and influence the majority of the public.pronunciation techniquespronunciation techniquesThe pronunciation techniques to properly and understandably pronounce words.audiovisual productsaudiovisual productsThe different types of audiovisual products and their requirements, such as documentaries, low budget movies, television series, records, CDs, and others.audiovisual equipmentaudiovisual equipmentThe characteristics and usage of different tools that stimulate the sight and audio senses.cooperate with colleaguescooperate with colleaguesCooperate with colleagues in order to ensure that operations run effectively.study roles from scriptsstudy roles from scriptsStudy and rehearse roles from scripts. Interpret, learn and memorise lines, stunts, and cues as directed.report live onlinereport live online'Live' online reporting or real-time blogging when covering important events-a growing area of work, especially on national newspapers.support people with hearing impairmentsupport people with hearing impairmentAccompany the hearing-impaired to facilitate communication in various situations, such as training, work or administrative procedures. If necessary, gather information before appointments.write voice-overswrite voice-oversWrite voice-over commentary.synchronise with mouth movementssynchronise with mouth movementsSynchronise sound recording with the mouth movements of the original actor.write in conversational tonewrite in conversational toneWrite in such a way that when the text is read it seems as if the words come spontaneously and not at all scripted. Explain concepts and ideas in a clear and simple manner.write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligib...apply grammar and spelling rulesapply grammar and spelling rulesApply the rules of spelling and grammar and ensure consistency throughout texts.listen activelylisten activelyGive attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of cus...integrate content into output mediaintegrate content into output mediaCompile and integrate media and text content into online and offline systems, such as websites, platforms, applications and social media, for publishing and distribution.study media sourcesstudy media sourcesStudy various media sources such as broadcasts, print media, and online media in order to gather inspiration for the development of creative concepts.present during live broadcastspresent during live broadcastsPresent live on political, economic, cultural, social, international or sport events, or host a live broadcast program.
Optional (16) — show
screen readerscreen readerSoftware program which converts screen elements such as text, images, or buttons, displayed in the computer into Braille or speech. Assistive technology used by visually impaired or blind people to in...breathing techniquesbreathing techniquesThe various techniques to control the voice, body, and nerves by breathing.vocal techniquesvocal techniquesThe various techniques for using your voice correctly without exhausting or damaging it when changing voice in tone and volume.multimedia systemsmultimedia systemsThe methods, procedures and techniques pertaining to the operation of multimedia systems, usually a combination of software and hardware, presenting various types of media such as video and audio.record audio materialsrecord audio materialsRecord materials such as books, newspapers, and educational materials in audio format. Enhance written texts by adding audio complements or making them otherwise accessible to visually impaired people...add elocution techniques to recording audio materialsadd elocution techniques to recording audio materialsIntegrate elocution techniques for the improvement of audio material in terms of pronunciation, style, register, and grammatical correctness.perform improvisationperform improvisationPerform dialogues or actions spontaneously or without preparation.attend read-throughattend read-throughAttend the organised reading of the script, where the actors, director, producers, and scriptwriters read the script thoroughly.use office systemsuse office systemsMake appropriate and timely use of office systems used in business facilities depending on the aim, whether for the collection of messages, client information storage, or agenda scheduling. It include...adapt voice register to the audio materialadapt voice register to the audio materialAdjust the register of the voice depending on the audio materials to be recorded. Adapt the style according to whether the material it is for TV shows, educational purposes, or governmental use.manage a good dictionmanage a good dictionSpeak clearly and precisely so that others understand exactly what is being said. Pronounce words accurately so as not to make mistakes or unintentionally say something incorrect.coordinate activities in audio recording studiocoordinate activities in audio recording studioMonitor the daily operations in a audio recording studio. Make sure that persons involved in recording studio activities can produce the desired quality of sound according to customer specifications. ...operate audio equipmentoperate audio equipmentApply technologies for re-creation or recording of sounds, such as speaking, sound of instruments in electrical or mechanical form.use audio reproduction softwareuse audio reproduction softwareOperate software and equipment that transform and reproduce digital, analogue sounds and sound waves into the desired perceivable audio to be streamed.plan audiovisual recordingplan audiovisual recordingPlan audio-visual recordings.work with a voice coachwork with a voice coachReceive advice and training from a voice coach. Learn how to use one’s voice correctly, how to properly pronounce and articulate words, and use the right intonation. Get trained in breathing technique...

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Frequently asked questions

What does an audio describer do?

Audio describers depict orally what happens on the screen or on stage for the blind and visually impaired so that they can enjoy audio-visual shows, live performances or sports events. They produce audio description scripts for programmes and events and use their voice to record them.

What skills does an audio describer need?

An audio describer needs 18 essential skills, including communication related to hearing impairment, types of media, pronunciation techniques, audiovisual products, audiovisual equipment.

Will AI replace audio describer jobs?

The AI disruption score for audio describer is 39/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: apply grammar and spelling rules, record audio materials, write in conversational tone. Most resilient: vocal techniques, attend read-through, perform improvisation.

Quick Facts

SectorPublic Administration & Legal
ISCO GroupLegal, social and cultural professionals
Essential Skills18

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