Voice over artists use their voice to sell ideas or products in commercials and corporate videos, and bring characters and stories to life in animation, audiobooks and many other mediums. To be successful in this field, you don’t need to have a certain type of voice but you need to know how to use it to execute the best delivery of a given script. This includes the ability to follow direction.

In the days before home studios, self-recording and online casting platforms you really had no choice but to be directed by someone else as you’d be working in a space that’s not your own with an engineer, writer, other members of the creative team and even the client in the room, so the direction always came from someone else. Yes, this scenario still happens, both in-studio and with home-studio tools like Source Connect, but we’re also seeing a growing requirement for Voice over artist to self-record and self-direct which doesn’t always yield the best outcome.

Let’s dig a bit deeper into why..

Being directed helps voice over artists improve their skills. When a voice over artist works with a director, they receive feedback and guidance on their performance, which helps them identify their strengths and weaknesses. For example, a director may point out areas where an artist can improve their pacing, intonation or pronunciation. They may also suggest different ways of delivering a line, such as changing the emphasis on certain words or altering the tone of voice. By receiving this feedback, voice over artists can develop their skills and become better at their craft.

Being directed also allows voice over artists to work more efficiently. When working on a project, a director has a specific vision for how they want the final product to sound. By working with a director, voice over artists can understand this vision and tailor their performance to meet the director’s expectations. This can save time and prevent the need for re-recording or editing. It also ensures that the artist is delivering the desired performance, which is essential for the success of the project.

Another benefit of being directed is that it provides voice over artists with valuable networking opportunities. When working with a director, voice over artists have the opportunity to build relationships and make connections in the industry. These connections can lead to future work opportunities, as well as recommendations and referrals to other professionals in the field. Networking is a critical component of any industry, and voice over artists who work with directors have an advantage in this regard.

Finally, being directed can help voice over artists navigate difficult scripts or characters. Some projects require voice over artists to portray characters or deliver lines that may be challenging or unfamiliar to them. When working with a director, voice over artists can receive guidance on how to approach these difficult aspects of a project. This can include tips on character development, advice on how to deliver a particular line, or suggestions for ways to connect emotionally with the material. By receiving this guidance, voice over artists can deliver a stronger performance and bring the project to life in a more meaningful way.

Being directed is an essential aspect of voice over work. It helps voice over artists improve their skills, work more efficiently, build networks, and navigate challenging projects. Plus all of this experience can be carried into sessions where you will need to self-direct. This being the case, we recommend that aspiring voice over artists seek out opportunities to work with directors and receive feedback on their performances.

You’ll get a taste of this during our Voice Over for beginners workshops – hope to see you at one soon!