Voice over is a common feature of video production, from TV commercials and on-hold messaging to explainer videos. While it may seem like a straightforward process, choosing the right voice over can have a huge impact on the tone and style of your video. Here are five key characteristics to look for in a professional voice over artist.
A good voice over should sound natural and believable. A narrator who sounds robotic or fake can make the audience feel distant from the topic. This is especially important for explainer videos, where the voice over needs to convey a sense of authority and credibility.
The best way to achieve this is to take the time to carefully read through the script before recording. This will give you an idea of what to say and how long to speak for each section. It can also help you avoid any unnecessary pauses that might distract your audience.
Another tip is to use a high-quality microphone and position it about 6 to 8 inches from your mouth. This will reduce sibilance (ess sounds and popping p’s) as well as improve clarity. You can also experiment with positioning the mic closer and farther away to see how it affects the quality of your voice.
It is also vital to record the voice over in a quiet room where you will not be disturbed. It is not uncommon to hear background noise in a video or audio clip and it can detract from the overall effect of the voice over. If possible, you should also try to find a space with good acoustics and plenty of room for movement.
The pacing of the voice over is also critical. You don’t want to sound too fast, which can be distracting, but you also don’t want to over-enunciate and sound robotic. The balance between these two factors will require some trial and error to get just right.
While you can do a lot of voice over work from home, it is generally necessary to go into a studio to record animated series or video games. This is often because the directors of these projects want to really capture the essence of their vision in the voices of the characters. Often times, this means flying in famous actors to record their dialogue, but it can also be achieved through an alternative technique called ADR.
Whether you are working on a YouTube video or a video for your business, a good voice over will be crucial in how the end viewer responds to your message and brand. It is important to choose a professional voice over artist that will be able to convey the correct tone, style and emotion for your video project. This will ensure that your audience stays engaged throughout and ultimately takes action. voice over