How to Do a Good Voice Over
Voice over can be a powerful tool in video production, whether it’s used as a way to add emotion or information, or simply to make the audio sound more natural. Whether you’re producing your own videos or working with clients, there are certain technical and creative elements to keep in mind when it comes to adding professional voice over.
The most important aspect of voice over is making sure your voice is clear and that it can be understood by the audience. This can be accomplished by doing things like avoiding long silences and using a microphone that sounds good on a laptop. It’s also helpful to have a quiet space where you can record without distraction.
Choosing the right tone and style for your voice over is also vital. Different types of videos require different tones and voices. For example, a company that produces home security systems would probably choose a male voice actor with a soothing and conversational voice when creating a campaign to convince people they need a security system to protect their families. In contrast, a company that creates funeral stationary would probably use a female voice actor with a somber and authoritative tone to convey the serious nature of their product and service.
In addition to choosing the right tone for your video, you should also practice being able to speak at a pace that’s appropriate for the content and feels natural to listeners. Too fast and the listener may become overwhelmed, while too slow and the audience will get bored. Practicing with short, emotion-focused phrases before recording helps you hone in on how to create the best pace for your voice over.
A well-written script is also crucial, and double-spacing your document before sending it to the voice actor can make a big difference in their ability to understand what they’re reading and pronounce words correctly. It’s a small change that makes a big impact on the final quality of the voice over.
Once you’ve recorded your voice over, you should listen through the recordings and take notes on any areas that need improvement. If your voice is mumbling or difficult to hear, if there are weird background noises or other distracting sounds, if you’re rushing or speaking too slowly or too quickly, or if the audio isn’t clear enough, you can easily fix these issues in post-production by editing together the recordings and cleaning up the audio.
Finally, it’s a good idea to practice your voice over in front of a mirror or a friend so that you can see how the recording is coming along and make any necessary adjustments. Getting the sound just right can help you produce a video with great voice over that will stand out from the competition. With a little planning, the addition of professional voice over can make all the difference in your video production!