Marine Corps Logistics Base, Ga. -- The sound of the narrator’s voice often serves as the first official words heard during a Marine Corps ceremony. For Gunnery Sgt. Jason M. Williams, serving as a ceremony narrator, is both an honor and a responsibility that requires preparation, precision, and pride.
Williams, who serves as a career counselor (military occupational specialty 4821) with Marine Corps Logistics Command, first stepped into the narrator role when the sergeant major called on him to fill a need.
“A Marine was needed, and I simply said that I would do it,” said Williams, a native of Pasadena, Texas. “That’s how it started.”
Since then, Williams has become a familiar voice at official events across the installation, helping uphold the time-honored traditions of the Corps.
“When you stand at that podium, you’re not just reading words — you’re representing the professionalism and standards of the Marine Corps,” Williams said. “It’s important to me that every ceremony reflects the pride and history we carry as Marines.”
Narrating a ceremony involves more than simply reading a script. According to Williams, preparation begins well before the event, with line-by-line script reviews, rehearsals and coordination with protocol teams, leadership and the Communications Strategy and Operations staff to ensure every detail is executed flawlessly.
“Doing the stubby pencil work means going through the verbiage word for word, making sure it’s correct, sounds right and accounts for all the hidden or unspoken movements,” he explained. “That keeps the narrator from jumping ahead or falling behind.”
Rehearsals, he added, are essential for building confidence and adapting scripts to account for venue changes, distinguished guests and the ceremonial preferences of key participants.
“Each ceremony represents an important milestone for the Marines involved,” Williams said. “I want to make sure I’m doing my part to honor their accomplishments and make the event memorable for them and their families.”
While narrating is a collateral duty, Williams sees it as an extension of leadership. With more than a decade of experience as a career counselor, he understands the importance of clear, confident communication.
“Serving as a narrator has helped me become more confident as a speaker and leader,” he said. “It’s taught me how to stay composed under pressure and pay attention to the small details that make a difference.”
That growth didn’t happen overnight. Like many Marines, Williams said, public speaking wasn’t always a natural strength, but the Corps has a way of building skills through exposure and repetition.
“As you spend more time in the Marine Corps, you are exposed to certain moments that force you to get comfortable with public speaking,” he said. “The more experience you gain, the more confident you become.”
Williams emphasized that narrating is far more than reading aloud — it’s about connecting people to the significance of what’s unfolding before them.
“The narrator helps keep everything in order and gives those participating in the ceremony important cues,” he said. “It also helps the audience understand what’s taking place and how they can participate during certain moments.”
When asked what advice he’d offer to Marines considering the role, Williams was quick to emphasize preparation and vocal technique.
“Slow is smooth and smooth is fast,” he said. “The rise and inflection of one’s voice can bring meaning and impact to the words being said. It helps those in attendance truly understand the gravity of the ceremony.”
Williams also shared insight into what most people don’t realize about the role, especially behind the scenes.
“There are frequent interruptions and retakes during rehearsals,” he said. “You have to remain flexible and always know where you are in the script.”
To calm nerves before stepping up to the microphone, Williams keeps it simple: practice and preparation.
“After enough rehearsals, there are several paragraphs you can almost recite by memory,” he said. “There’s no magic formula — just show up early, check your gear and be ready.”
Thirteen years into his Marine Corps career and nearly 11 years into marriage, Williams balances service, fatherhood and professional growth with pride. Serving as a narrator is one small — but meaningful — way he contributes to the legacy of the Corps.
“It makes you realize how much trust is being placed in you to do something that can create lasting memories,” Williams said. “That trust motivates me to put in the extra time and effort.”
Looking back, he said the role has enhanced his understanding of Marine Corps customs and improved his attention to detail across the board.
“You become familiar with so many aspects — ceremonial drill, event sequencing and how teams overcome challenges during planning and execution,” he said.
Ultimately, Williams hopes his voice helps others feel the pride and purpose of the moment.
“I want people to fully understand what is taking place and recognize the importance of key moments,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s not about me, it’s about honoring the Marines on that parade deck and helping to make that moment special.”