Here’s a hot voice over tip straight from your own mouth: pay attention to your own phone conversations and when possible, record them. We are most natural, most authentic, the most “real” that we can be when we are engaged in conversation and simply “being.” The best voice over artists can perform and make us believe that it is not a performance. For those of you just starting out – you already have the PERFECT read in you, it’s just not happening when you’re reading. It’s happening when you are living your life.
A perfect example of the conversational read can be found when you listen to parts of Joe Narciso’s voice over demo. Joe has worked hard over many years to get that read perfected. You can get the same read by referring to what you already have – your own conversations. Your very own personalized voice over technique is in your home! So take that next step and make a phone call to someone you are close with, someone you are comfortable with. If you have a way to record yourself on your phone, do. If not, register for Skype and check out the services for voice recording that the Pamela website offers. (or search Google for the many other options)
Try not to think about this exercise and its end result why you are in the middle of your conversation. It will severely affect your ability to be natural, in the same way someone who is aware they are being watched behaves differently from their normal way. Make the conversation as long as you can, in the hopes that somewhere down the road you are engaged fully in the conversation and have had enough time to possibly forget what you are “doing.” When you listen back, it’s best to listen starting at the halfway point for this reason, in case you were too self-conscious in the start. Pay attention to the subtle things you notice that stand out to you – your inflection changes, a tone of intimacy, a tone of excitement, a laugh, a sigh…..all these things can and should be used in your eventual “performance” and should also be a part of your voice over toolbox. Pay attention to the things your friend did too during the conversation. Just make sure you share a percentage of that first check with them when you book your first job 😉
Hi! I’m Lesley Bailey. I’m an award-winning Casting Director, Voiceover Coach, Demo Producer, and Consultant with over 30 years “in the trenches”. I love helping voice actors bring scripts to life with authenticity and confidence.