A video’s visual effects and music may draw people in, but a compelling voice is what gives it depth and resonance. But adding a voiceover doesn’t just make a video more engaging, it can also help you communicate complex ideas in a simple way. But a great voiceover takes more than just reading a script to record. It requires practice to sound natural and synchronize with the video.
The key to sounding natural is not to read the script word for word, but rather imagine that you are having a conversation with a person who has similar interests and concerns to your audience. This allows you to lose yourself in the role and connect with your listeners. It also helps to visualize the character’s age, location, emotional state, intelligence level, hopes, dreams and desires. This will help you avoid a monotone robot voice, over-enunciation and regional accents that can confuse your audience.
Other things to keep in mind are vocal tone and inflection. You want to sound friendly and inviting, but not too chirpy or bubbly. Good breath control is essential. Big audible gulps of air or gasps at the beginning of each sentence can sound unprofessional, as can a dry and strained voice. Lastly, be mindful of your mouth positioning, the distance between you and the microphone, and the gain, which adjusts how much sound is picked up by the mic.
Having a drink of water while you record is also important for keeping your vocal cords loose and lubricated. Avoid dehydrating liquids like coffee, alcohol, and soda; spicy or acidic foods; and yelling. It’s also a good idea to wear ear protection and protect your vocal cords from potential damage. How to do do voiceovers
