The role of voice over continues to expand in the age of digital video. Voice over actors are often freelancers who can work on anything from animation to explainer videos to commercials. Having the right voice can make or break a video production. It is important to understand how to write voice over into a script properly and produce it professionally to ensure that the message and emotion of the video is conveyed accurately.
The most common type of VO in films and videos is the main character’s dialogue, followed by narration. The narration is usually spoken in a neutral, low-volume tone to keep the focus on the story and visuals. Voiceovers can also be used to provide background information, such as text or subtitles.
A good voiceover artist should have a strong, clear voice. They should also be able to speak at the same pace throughout the entire video. Changing the pace and volume can distract the audience.
Another key quality is being able to pronounce words correctly and enunciate them well. It is also important to have the ability to change the tone of their voice to match the emotional content of a video. A somber, authoritative tone may be necessary for a fear-based video, while a soothing and conversational tone might be appropriate for an explainer video.
A professional voice actor should be punctual and dependable, able to take direction and work with the director, dialogue editor or recording engineer. They should also be able to adapt their vocal range and style to meet the needs of each project, which means working outside of their comfort zone.
When recording a voice over, it is important to find a quiet place free from background noise. It is also helpful to use headphones so that the sound is isolated and focused solely on the voice. A high-quality microphone can make a big difference in the quality of the audio. A unidirectional or cardioid microphone is best for capturing the sound directly in front of it, rather than all the sounds in the room.
The treatment of a room can also make a huge difference in the quality of the audio, with acoustic panels and soundproofing helping to cut down on background noise. A voiceover should be recorded with as little echo as possible so that the viewer can clearly hear the words being read. Lastly, it is important to avoid speaking too loudly or too softly as this can cause distortion in the audio.
It is also important to have a good understanding of how to format a voiceover script. Double-spacing is a small formatting change that makes a big difference in the clarity of the final result. This will help the voice actor to clearly read and digest the lines of the script without having to go back and reread them. This can save time in the long run and improve the overall quality of the final product.
