Multiple Fluent English (US) Speakers to Record Conversational Scripts - Upwork

HIRING TO CONTINUE INTO EARLY 2025

Project Overview:  Upwork Managed Services is seeking native or fluent speakers of US English for a conversational recording project involving two-person scripts. This project requires that you bring a recording partner who meets all of the requirements listed below. The recordings will be used for Text-to-Speech (TTS) research and development purposes and will not be broadcast or used in any public or paid media.

Recording can be done in person or virtually. You can use your own recording software or our client’s recording platform.

Scripts will be provided on a Google sheet with multiple tabs, with each tab including a separate script. Each Google sheet file will take approximately 10 hours to read with one recording file submitted per Google sheet tab. Each recording pair (you and your partner) can record up to 50 hours of audio. The recordings will need to be completed and submitted over the course of approximately five weeks.

Payments will be issued for groups of ten hours of audio after they have been reviewed to confirm they meet all of the necessary requirements.

Scripts provided to you that you will read can include, but may not be limited to, the following topics:

• Natural Conversations:
  • Spontaneous conversations on various topics
  • Themed conversations with the goal of retrieving information
  • Planning conversations between one person and an assistant
  • Creative use conversations where one person instructs the other to compose stories, poems, or jokes
• Customer Service Use Cases:
  • One person is talking with a customer service rep for various reasons, such as placing an order, arranging a return, reporting an issue with a product or service, or obtaining account access

General requirements

• Native or bilingual proficiency in US English
• Proficiency in written English
• Ability to deliver very expressive dialogues and professional performances, conveying the correct emotions as per the script. The dialogues will include non verbals (e.g., laughter, sighs, gasps) to add richness and variety to the vocal performance.
• Ability to commit to submitting approximately 10 hours per week of recording for the duration of the contract.

Nice-to-haves (Preference will be given to talent with these qualifications.)

• Experience working with scripts (for example, voice-over work, audiobook reading, acting)
• Experience with professional speech recording

Equipment requirements

• PC or Laptop capable of meeting the technical specifications listed below for the contract’s deliverables and browser with the most recent security updates installed
• Microphones with high-quality audio
• High-speed, password protected internet connection. Performing work over an open wireless network connection is NOT allowed
• If you will be recording with your partner virtually and need to use the client’s recording platform, you must meet the following requirements:
• Operating system: Windows 7 or higher, macOS Big Sur or higher
• Browser: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
• Recommended: CPU with 4 or more cores. At least 5 GB free space on your system, an internet connection with 10 Mbps or better download, and 5 Mbps or better upload.
• Technical Requirements for submitted recordings

File Type: Unprocessed, RAW .wav (24 bit, 48 kHz, stereo)
Stereo Recording: One voice panned to Left channel, other panned to Right channel
Noise Floor: -60dB or better
Quality: Naturally minimized background noise, breaths, and clicks (no plugins). Recording must be done in a quiet environment with minimal background noise.

Application Process:
Interested talent should submit a proposal in the Upwork platform and a bid for a 1-hour recording by you and your partner. The maximum bid that will be accepted is $80.00 per recorded 1 hour of audio.
Bids are per hour of recording, and the amount you bid should account for any payments to your partner.

• No Upwork fees will be deducted from your earnings, meaning you will receive the full bid amount if it is accepted.
• If you have links to videos or voice recordings of you, please list them.
• A short script has been added to this posting as well. As an optional step, if you do not have past voice recording experience on your Upwork profile, you may submit a recording of yourself reading the script.
• When you give us your email address, please provide a Gmail address that we can share files with on Google Drive.

Work is currently expected to start near the end of October 2024.