What Are the Qualities A Professional Voice Over Requires To Be Successful?

For anyone unsure of what a voice over really is (see voice over artists), theoretically it’s described as a narrative technique in which an actor’s (who remains invisible) lines are listened to over visual elements. For instance, the announcer of your most widely used talk show, would be classed as a voice over artist. Voice overs are widely used at the beginning of a film, to be able to help set the scene. 

Just How Long Should a Professional Voice Over’s Career Last?

For a accomplished voice over artist, you can expect to have a career that may last for years. For many, the profession of a voice over is an extremely lucrative career. Yet, just like any jobs within the performing arts sector, the role of a voice over is very ambitious. For those voice overs with particularly distinctive voices, this will go in their favour as distinctive voices are usually more highly in demand for commercial voice over work. Patrick Stewart is a prime example of this. 

What Script Will A Voice Over Be Given?

Scripts can vary greatly however a typical voice over script for a commercial is broken down into several different parts. Each section of the script is timed down to the last millisecond. It has to be incredibly precise to work. 

How Can A Script Be Interpreted?

A professional voice over (see male voice over directory) will sometimes be allowed to make their own interpretation of a script, but the majority of the time, the director of the advert or film will suggest ways to read the lines. By doing so they can gain a style that suits the client or audience. Working as a voice over can take a lot of patience, especially after spending hours in the recording studio re-reading individual lines until it’s just right. 

Lines can be amended to suit the voice over if it proves too difficult to read or if it runs over an allotted time slot. Certain words may require emphasis within a commercial, where a voice over artist may be expected to make a unique sound to make the word/s stand out. 

How Do You Find Voice Over Work?

Voice over roles are generally found via open auditions, as well as through talent agencies where the voice over’s best work may be represented on a voice reel. There are certified schools that provide training for voice over artists. Classes include those designed to improve interpretive skills and strengthen the voice. 

For more information about professional voice over artists, see voice over rates.