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Dubbing tips

Small text changes can make a big difference in how a dubbed line sounds. These tips are especially useful when you edit translated lines and want the generated speech to feel more natural.

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Use punctuation on purpose

Punctuation helps the model infer pacing and emphasis.
  • commas create shorter pauses
  • periods create firmer stops
  • question marks and exclamation marks shape tone
  • ellipses can suggest hesitation or trailing thought
  • dashes can create a sharper pause or interruption
Different voices can react a little differently to the same punctuation, so it is worth previewing an edited line before you regenerate a larger section.

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Try these kinds of edits

GoalPlain versionMore voice-friendly version
Add a thinking pauseHold on, let me think. Alright, I've got it.Hold on... let me think. Alright, I've got it.
Add hesitationI guess it might work.I... guess it might work.
Add a sharper interruptionWait, what is that noise?Wait — what's that noise?
Slow a rushed sentenceI wanted to tell you this before we continue because it matters.I wanted to tell you this... before we continue. It matters.
These kinds of edits often work better than rewriting the whole segment from scratch.

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Split long thoughts

If one segment feels rushed, try rewriting it into shorter clauses instead of one dense sentence. This often helps:
  • clarity
  • rhythm
  • subtitle readability
  • natural breathing points
Example:
  • dense: We launched the update yesterday and we need everyone to review it before the client meeting this afternoon.
  • easier to speak: We launched the update yesterday. We need everyone to review it before the client meeting this afternoon.

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Keep style guidance short

Use concise translation instructions such as:
  • YouTube-friendly tone
  • neutral wording
  • avoid slang
  • sound more premium
  • sound more educational
Long prompt-like instructions are usually less effective than short style targets.

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Rewrite for speech, not just for reading

Good dubbing text is usually:
  • easier to say aloud
  • less dense than written prose
  • more direct
If a line looks correct but sounds stiff, simplify it. Example:
  • written: We would like to inform you that the next phase of the rollout is now beginning.
  • more spoken: We want to let you know that the next phase of the rollout starts now.

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Use pauses instead of overloading one sentence

If a line needs more emotion or better pacing, adding one comma or splitting one sentence is often more effective than rewriting everything. Good uses:
  • commas for short natural breath points
  • ellipses for hesitation, reflection, or nervousness
  • dashes for sudden turns, interruptions, or emphasis
Use these lightly. Too much punctuation can make the delivery feel unnatural.

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Help difficult pronunciation

If a name, acronym, or unusual word keeps sounding wrong, try one of these approaches:
  • replace an acronym with the words you actually want spoken
  • test a more phonetic spelling for a one-off line
  • use Brand vocabulary for transcription accuracy
  • use Glossary when the term also needs translation control
Examples:
  • UN can be rewritten as United Nations if you want the letters expanded
  • a hard-to-pronounce name can sometimes improve with a more phonetic spelling in a test line
If the edited text will also be used for visible subtitles, be careful with phonetic respellings. They can help audio, but they may look wrong on screen. Use them selectively and preview the result.

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Keep emotional delivery readable in the text

You can often guide emotional delivery just by adjusting the structure of the sentence. Examples:
  • calmer: Let's take this one step at a time.
  • more uncertain: Let's... take this one step at a time.
  • more urgent: Let's do this now.
  • more disappointed: I thought you'd understand.