Proud Voices

If you are looking for a voice to give life to your video, e-learning course or a slide show, then you must know that a voice will not only enhance the learning, it will also add that extra dimension of imagination. Alternatively, if you have chosen a voice that doesn’t seem appropriate, it will turn away the learners and your business can tank. This is a guide on how to choose voiceover talent.

Voiceover artists’ requirements

A voiceover artist should be talented enough to know what they are reading. It is not important that they are knowledgeable about the subject, but they should professionally narrate any script. They have to appear as if they everything about the subject. Apart from having excellent enunciation they must emulate a variety of moods appropriate for a script. Basically a voiceover artist should have perfect voice control.

It can be very tedious to select an artist, especially if you have a bunch of applications on your desk. Here are a few guidelines for your help…

Finding the right voice

Most companies have their own set of artists, which they use on a regular basis. However, if you have script that demands more than a regular voice, hold a casting call. This is a very simple process and with an abundance of voiceover artists you will definitely find that suits your budget and of course the script. Select a few potential artists and then listen to their voice in MP3 format so that you can hear what script will actually sound like.

Selecting the right voice

One of the most important things to consider here is that ‘what is the theme of the script’. For example if you want to use the voiceover talent for a car commercial, then look out for a confident, reliable and an honest voice. However, if you are going to use the voice for a spa, you might want to opt for a calm, relaxing and a reliable voice. As you can see these two scripts require very different types of voices.

Another aspect of choosing a voiceover talent is the correct gender. If you are targeting women within the age group of 45 to 55, it would make very little sense to select a male voiceover talent who is just 35. Thus look for the actual demographics that you are targeting and then make your final decision.

When selecting a voiceover talent look for the longevity of the voice. Research shows that viewers generally like the same voice as they have become used to it and start linking it to that script (for the company or for the character).

Accent is another factor that needs to be considered. Do you want your viewers to listen to an accent native or you want them to get an international feel? Many a time people prefer British accent to any other accent. However, if you are looking to cater to local audience, then it is best to choose a native voiceover artist.

Check previous experience

Before selecting your final candidate check his/her previous experience. This is especially important if you have to select someone to go in for long narrations. Long narrations usually need extra stamina, and of course excellent reading. It would be a bad idea to hire an artist to read a commercial who has experience reading technical script.

How to save money?

If you want voiceovers for several types of characters then you have to look for multiple narrators. However, if you find a talented voiceover artist who can speak in multiple ways, it would save you a lot of money!

When you have selected a few artists for the final round of interview, see that you have also seen their recommendations. Recommendations from recording studios, producers and other types of multimedia companies will add to the individual’s weightage.

If you are working with outside clients, it is a wise idea to take their approval for the voiceover talent you have selected. This will be highly appreciated and your clients will feel that they are in the loop.

Final caveat

Whatever criteria you use for choosing a voiceover talent, ensure that the final pick is well worth your money. Remember, a fresher may have a great voice, but he may not be a sincere voiceover talent.