While Voice123 has a global roster of superlative talent, how to get the most out of a voice actor is a question that our Customer Success team gets asked surprisingly frequently. Because there are so many variables in the recording equation, it’s not a simple question to answer either.
Consider this…
Have you ever had a new coworker step into your workplace, and work uncomfortably close to you?
It’s not that you mind people in general, but they’re new, they’re shy, and maybe even inexperienced. It’s a bit of teeth-pulling, hand-holding, and maybe something of a pain bringing them up to speed.
True story, right?
But you bite the bullet, chug down your coffee and take the lead, hoping they’re one of the keeners that learns quickly. But as you work through the process – heck, you realize it’s a ton of work onboarding someone!
The business of onboarding
If you’re familiar with such an experience (or can at least imagine it), remember to take the insights you’ve gained from it into the recording studio. Working with a voice actor for the first time is a little different.
Luckily, if they’re truly professional, they will show their enthusiasm and keen attitude and provide value. Chances are they won’t be shy, and they’ll probably be experienced. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t work to be done! It can be a bit of a process, but with the right setup, most of the work can be taken care of. Then, it’s all about creativity in the studio.
Despite the fact that so many of us have adapted to working from our own space over the past couple of years, and voice actors working from their own studios has become the rule rather than the exception, the process of ‘onboarding’ your voice actor hasn’t really changed. Instead of a live in-studio prep, it’s virtual. The same rules of engagement apply. Let’s take a closer look at 5 steps to help you choose the best voice actor for your projects.
1. Choose your actor wisely
Pick the right voice actor. No – we’re not kidding. First and foremost, you have to find the right voice. So, what’s right for you and your project? Only you can answer that. But if you know your project well — maybe it’s an ad, a promo, or an eLearning video — you’ll know what you’re looking for in your voice actor.
Say, for example, an ad read for something exciting like the Super Soaker collection. Naturally, you’ll gravitate towards a voice actor who has an energetic and dramatic voice rather than a friendly and engaging kind of voice suitable for more conversational eLearning videos.
If you’re looking at voice actors, their profiles or bios will highlight what they’re good at and what their voice is generally suited for. They may even say what they prefer. Voice123 offers an array of handy filters that can bring you as near as dammit to the voice you need – instantly! Give it a try, and you’ll instantly see what we mean. While many clients tend to shoot from the hip in the sense that they will ask for anything up to fifty auditions, it’s sometimes better – especially if you’re pressed for time – to do the legwork yourself and find that perfect voice you need.
Be sure to listen to a variety of voice actors’ samples, as well as the versatility and flexibility of their voices. The precise vocal tone you want may not be showcased in the first sample you listen to. Listening to several samples will also better inform you of what they actually sound like by providing you with a sound portrait. It’s the best way to choose the right voice actor.
2. Perfect the brief
An essential part of a voice actor’s work is the brief. Consider what you want to convey to your audience. What kind of voice does your video demand—young or old, male or female? Get this right, and you’re prepping your voice actor to fly! Getting the best out of them means preparing them to the best of your ability. And that means answering these questions:
- Who is the voice actor speaking to?
- What is the role the voice actor is playing?
- What’s the mood and intention of the voiceover?
- How should the voice actor make the audience feel?
That, and other questions, of course. Try to answer as many as possible, and be open to other questions. Having a well-prepared professional behind the mic is the best way to ensure they shine! You’ll also want to highlight the details and intricacies of your voice over, such as keywords or punctuated phrases. That helps the voice actor hone in on what’s most important in your voice over, make it stand out, and make what’s not important sound genuine and contextual. If you’ve both done your preparation well and the voice is a good fit, the voiceover will sound oh-so-natural. That’s the best you can ask for from a voice actor.
3. Be creative with your ideas
So you’ve found the right voice, you’ve got all the details prepared for your voice actor, and you’re ready to go. The good news is you’ve already sown the seeds, and it’s time to harvest! Keep creativity in mind as you direct or work with your voice actor. Allow at least one full script read, and give the voice actor some time to acclimatize to the tone and pacing you’ve asked for. The idea is not to stifle the process but to support it.
You may even want to ask for their own interpretation of the script. Voice actors are creative people! Their interpretation just might be the one you’re looking for. And if you hit a road bump getting the right read, you can think about being creative with direction. Here’s an example:
Is your voice actor having a hard time saying something enthusiastic about something they don’t particularly relate to — maybe skiing? Ask them about what their favourite sport is, and ask them to imagine that sport when they’re talking about skiing. Sounds cheesy, but it’s a nifty trick that’s often employed by directors. What’s more, it seems to work well! This kind of creative thinking and direction will help the voice actor really zone in on what you’re looking for.
4. Know your characters
Does your script call for a straightforward read, or will the voice actor have to really get into character? Now, on Voice123, you can request custom auditions from voice actors. So you get a feel of what the voice actor can contribute to your project. Then you can decide on the best voice for your project based on the auditions you receive. If, for example, you are creating eLearning material aimed at children in middle school. For your content to be more relatable to your audience, you must choose a voice actor who can relate. Be sure to define your character’s unique voice and then choose a voice that narrates your script accordingly.
5. Decide on accent and dialect
People often forget the fact that the world is made up of folks whose style and diction differ. Hence, the dialect vs. accent debate. While English may be the most common lingua franca, it’s spoken very differently in Scotland than in the US! Besides the accent, there could be changes in vocabulary usage too. So, you need to know the region of your target audience and their linguistic capabilities. Always choose an actor who speaks in the dialect of your target audience so that your message is instantly relatable.
Final thoughts
It’s helpful to look at how to direct a voice actor to help you in the actual recording process, but that only comes after the prep. Just remember, it’s a team effort, and it’s not about taking from your voice actor but allowing them to flourish. You’ll be amazed at how great they can then be. Always remember that a person’s voice is unique and has its own characteristics. It’s pretty subjective, which is why you should give high priority to the voice over. Devote enough time to the casting process so that you find the perfect voice actor for your needs. And that’s how to get the most out of a voice actor.
May all your future voice over projects be a fantastic success!
