How to find the right voice actor for your project
Finding the perfect voice for your production can feel overwhelming. What if there were an easy way to structure your search, saving you hours and helping you discover the right voice actor for your project? That’s exactly what this blog aims to do.
I get it, there’s nothing more disheartening than scrolling endlessly through voiceover demo lists. After a while, they all sound “kind of okay,” and after half an hour, there is a chance you can’t even remember the first three you heard. But you’re not looking for “kind of okay,” are you? You’re aiming for top quality! There is an easier way to find them!
Before we dive in, let’s start with three key questions:
What type of production are you creating?
Who is your audience?
When does it need to be completed?
Let’s start with: recognising a professional voice actor
A true professional voice actor knows how to hold the listener’s attention. They bring scripts to life and understand industry standards. They are trained to understand the nuances of tone, pacing and delivery. Beyond performance, they also run their own business, managing recording quality, marketing and communication. They train each area to become a reliable resource for anyone who wants to work with them.
Match the Voice with your Production
The type of production you’re working on is the first indicator of what you are looking for in a voice actor. Determine what you are creating: a radio commercial? Explainer video? Animation video? An audiobook or audio guide? Each format requires a different skill set. Some voice actors excel in corporate narration, while others shine in commercial reads. Some exhibit qualities in more than one area.
The best voice actors can adapt to any style, adjusting pace, tone, emphasis and atmosphere to match your project. They will understand what is required to bring your script to life. You don’t want someone who sounds robotic or like they’re reading a shopping list. A skilled voice actor makes your message sound natural, engaging and alive (as if there was no script at all).
Consider Your Target Audience
When searching for the right voice, ask yourself: Does this voice resonate with my audience? A good test is to imagine this voice presenting your business live on stage. Would they captivate the crowd?
To get the best performance, make sure your script is conversational and easy to follow. A professional voice actor can deliver your message convincingly, even if they’re unfamiliar with the topic. They know how to adapt the script to your audience and it is not unusual for them to do research into the topic or product before they deliver the recording, to better understand what you are looking for.
Timing Is Everything
Top quality audio is essential for your production. Poor sound quality distracts the listener and leaves a negative impression on your brand. A professional voice actor delivers a clean recording, free from back ground noise or mouth clicks.
Punctuality is another big point of recognising professionals. They are approachable, communicate accurately and quickly and are able to meet deadlines. Some even offer live recording sessions via Source Connect or ipDTL services, Zoom or other tools, so that you can direct the session in real time.
It’s not unusual at all for professional voice actors to receive a custom demo script. So consider emailing this, asking for a demo of a few sentences, which you can use as a ‘test’ of what the audio quality sounds like and if it would fit your production.
Professional voice actors who work full time can deliver same day recordings.
A Note on Rates
Rates can vary and are often discussed later in the process, once you have chosen a few voice actors you would like to work with. Remember that professional voice actors usually have a basic studio fee. This covers not just their time but the investment in high quality recording equipment, editing and years of training in all of these areas. You’re paying for a quality service, and it’s worth it.
Bonus Tip: Connect
Finding the right voice is often about connection. It’s about having a conversation, getting a feel for the person behind the voice. Sometimes, that’s the best way to know whether someone’s the right fit for your project. Chances are, you want to work with someone who knows what they’re doing and who’s also enjoyable to collaborate with.
As a full time voice actor, my goal is simple: I love working with professional creatives who are passionate about producing high quality work that truly resonates with an audience. I'm incredibly grateful that companies like Apple, Ferrari, Calvin Klein, KLM Airlines and Amazon as well as many local and medium sized businesses have chosen to work with me in the past.
I’d be happy to help bring your script to life and explore how we can create something great together. If you’d like to connect, feel free to reach out or visit: www.melvinvermeer.nl