“Because I’ve been told I have a good voice.”
I cannot count with my ten fingers how many times I’ve heard this when I ask why someone’s interested in doing voiceovers. And honestly, no other statement has made me roll my eyes so far back that I can see my brain.
So, let’s be clear – a good voice isn’t enough. Neither is the ability to read aloud. And, surprise, surprise, being a DJ doesn’t necessarily put you in the same league as a voice over artist either.
So what does it take to be a voiceover artist? Here are my thoughts, from an audio producer’s perspective.
1. The ability to interpret and read scripts in different ways.
2. Voice control, for example being able to switch from upbeat to gentle, intimate to punchy, casual to formal.
3. Reading a script in a way that doesn’t sound read, with expression and variation in tone and intensity depending on how the script flows.
4. Knowing where the ‘invisible’ punctuations are.
5. Being able to receive and apply directions from clients. Multiple clients at the same time sometimes.
6. Being able to communicate – asking clients about their preferences, clarifying conflicting directions or anything you’re unsure about, all while being very respectful.
7. Being able to act without going over the top.
8. It takes a lot of humility too. The script and the content it’s for isn’t all about the voiceover artist. No one really cares how you would normally say something. You’re a blank canvas, and the brush is in the hands of the client, the producer, director or even the engineer at times. Voiceover artists are the unseen and very often the unknown. So, if fame is what you’re after, please walk on by.
9. Whatever your primary language is, you have to speak it exceptionally well. Dumbing it down is much easier than taking it up several notches if your command of the written and spoken language is substandard.
10. Always being ready to deliver value. This means, preparation ahead of the session – checking the pronunciation of words, getting queries and suggestions ready and internalising the script content. This also means arriving for a session early, finishing your meals at least an hour before session time and knowing to not have anything too spicy or oily or even dairy as this could affect your voice.
So, there you go. It’s not as straightforward but for the right individuals, being a voiceover artist can be very rewarding.
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