Do you have the right voice?
Do you have the right voice for voice overs?
I’ve heard so many people say they would want to try voice overs, but they just don’t have a ‘good enough’ voice, or they don’t like their voice. SO I thought I’d set the record straight.
Of course there are really stereotypical types of voices we associate with voice overs, like the soft motherly voice you hear when waiting to speak to your gas supplier, or the ‘movie trailer guy’ and those voices are fab and they definitely have their place. But the voice over industry is huge and so varied. There are tons of different types of work for all different kinds of voices.
For a long time, the only type of voice you would really hear on the radio or on TV was the typical BBC RP accent (which is basically a bit posh). But in recent years there’s been a big change towards more quirky and interesting voices or something just more relatable to the everyday person. So there’s a lot more jobs open to more masculine / feminine, younger / older or any regional accent you can think of!
I’ve also heard a lot of people wanting to get started say that they’re really good at impressions – which is great! But it isn’t really what voice over is about. Most clients who are looking for a voice over, are wanting to sell a product, engage with an audience or maybe voice an original character. And that’s just about evoking emotion, it’s about telling a story, the way the client wants it told.
So the BEST advice I can give to anyone looking to get into voice overs, is to learn to love your own voice and explore what you can do with it. You’re the only one who has your voice and that’s a great USP!
so what is the right voice for voice overs?
Yours!