This article will deliver the top tips recognised universally by voiceover artists. Covering everything from microphone technique to diet, this article will not leave a single stone unturned. At this point, it is important to emphasise that diet is a very important part of being a voiceover artist. My hope when reading this article no one freaks out! After all, everyone loves food.
Voice Talent Top Tips on Food
Starting with this hot topic let’s look at diet! So unlike an Olympian athlete fortunately you do not need to worry too much. The first thing you need to do is to stay hydrated. This is not just to keep the larynx lubricated (Though that is fundamentally important) it is also to ensure your voice box can handle a long read. The less hydrated you are, the quicker your voice will endure a session to put it simply.
Diary and sweet things such as chocolate are considered a bad choice of snack prior to a session. This is because they are known to clog up the nasal passages and sinuses. The microphone is all-hearing and thus if a performer is sniffing away or gets all stuffy the microphone is going to call it out.
Voiceover Artist Microphone Tips
Microphone technique can easily take an entire blog on its own. But there are two quick wins on this topic from the onset. The first being that to ensure the microphone is the right way around. Like an ear, a ‘Cardioid Diagaphram Condenser Microphone’ (Standard mic used in VO) will hear better if the vocals are aimed at it (not the other direction).
The second tip is proximity. No one wants someone shouting down their ear right? The microphone is the same. A little bit of space is healthy! Though closer proximity is a top tip for a more intimate read we are looking more regularly in this article as opposed to specifically. A good distance to use is roughly the size of your fist between the microphone and your lips. This is not an exact science as every human’s hands and voice are different. Not only that, every microphone is different too! So use this tip as a best practice but not an exact science.
Voice Actors Educating Themselves
The third and final top tip in this article is about your own personal development and education. Refining your craft by practising styles and keeping up to date with the trends is a must. Not only this, being talented walks intimately with the need for good business sense so keeping your marketing sharp is essential too. It is important to learn as much as you can from the specific needs of a genre through to what are the best ways to write a cover letter. You can learn more about writing a cover letter here and more about marketing here.
Voiceover Top Tips Conclusion
A seasoned voiceover artist would find a lot of this basic but what is a common issue with creatives is the forgetfulness that occurs when one gets busy. In other words, whatever level of voice acting the reader of this blog (you) might be in, take note and follow these steps. In an industry that is as competitive as voiceover, the need to do everything possible for an edge over the competition is essential.
Voiceover Top Tips by Alan Shires – Actor, Voiceover Artist, and Presenter at www.alanshires.co.uk.
