How to train your voice on ElevenLabs

Influencing and directing the emotional expression of a text-to-speech (TTS) script in ElevenLabs' Speech Generator can be achieved through a few key steps:

1. Emphasize Keywords and Phrases:

Use punctuation and formatting to emphasize certain words or phrases, which can cue the TTS engine to alter its intonation. For example:

  • Exclamation Marks: Add excitement or urgency. ("Wow! That was amazing!")
  • Ellipses: Indicate a pause or trailing off. ("I’m not sure if... we should continue.")
  • Capitalization: Can be used for emphasis. ("I NEED you to listen.")

2. Adjust Sentence Structure:

Varying sentence length and structure can influence the rhythm and flow of speech, making it sound more natural and expressive.

  • Short Sentences: Create urgency or tension. ("Stop. Listen to me.")
  • Longer Sentences: Allow for more relaxed and detailed narration. ("We walked through the park, enjoying the serene environment and the gentle rustling of leaves.")

3. Use Phonetic Transcription (SSML):

Some TTS engines support SSML (Speech Synthesis Markup Language), which allows for more precise control over pronunciation, pitch, and volume. While ElevenLabs may not directly support SSML, understanding this concept can help in structuring your script for desired effects.

4. Script Writing Techniques:

Write dialogue and narration as you would in a screenplay, providing context and emotion in the narrative description.

  • Stage Directions: Include emotional cues in parentheses. ("I can’t believe this is happening." (whispering))
  • Parentheticals: Insert emotional cues within dialogue. ("I’m so happy (excited) to see you!")

5. Voice Customization:

Utilize ElevenLabs' voice customization tools to fine-tune the voice characteristics to match the desired emotional tone. Adjust parameters like pitch, speed, and emotion.

6. Contextual Clues:

Provide context around the dialogue to guide the TTS engine on how to interpret the text.

  • Description: Add descriptive sentences before the dialogue. ("She said, with a tear in her eye, 'I miss you so much.'")

Example Script with Emotional Cues:

John entered the room, his heart racing. He took a deep breath. John: (nervous) "I... I have something to tell you." Mary looked up, her eyes filled with concern. Mary: (softly) "What is it, John?"John hesitated, then spoke quickly. John: (urgent) "We need to leave, now!"

Using ElevenLabs Platform:

  1. Upload Your Script: Write your script with the techniques above and upload it to ElevenLabs.
  2. Select Voice and Adjust Settings: Choose a voice that matches the desired tone and adjust parameters for emotion, pitch, and speed.
  3. Review and Iterate: Listen to the generated speech, make adjustments to the script or settings, and iterate until the desired emotional expression is achieved.

By carefully crafting your script and utilizing ElevenLabs' customization features, you can create expressive and emotionally resonant AI-generated speech.