Great Voice Over Resource: Your Mirror

A great voice over resource is right there in your house already.  Your mirror.  Look into the mirror while you are reading voiceover copy and see a universe of reaction and emotion.  You want to make sure that you are conveying your intentions with purpose, clarity, and conviction, and this is where the mirror comes in handy.  In the beginning, voice over students can have a big disconnect with the intention of the script.  They are so focused on reading those words on that paper professionally, and clearly, that they turn into robots.  The mirror will take you to a deeper human level with your delivery.

               First you need scripts.  If you click here for voiceover scripts, you will find an underlined link in the middle of the page on the left side that will provide you with a download for some short scripts that are perfect for memorizing.  Take a close look at one of the scripts first.  Look at the words the writer chose to use.  Try and understand the style he is asking you to read in based on how it was written.  Is it a sarcastic tone, a sincere one, an upbeat and energetic tone?  When you are clear on the style and mood of the voiceover script, use your wonderful new voice over resource to confirm that you are delivering the copy in this way.  Read it once.  Pay attention to what your face was doing.  Was your face telling the same story that the script was?  Read it again and make sure it is.  Then again.  If the script calls for friendly there should be a twinkle in your eye, a smile on your mouth, raised cheekbones….If that voice over script seems intelligent and sophisticated perhaps a bit more serious of an expression is called for, but even then so make sure your muscles are relaxed.  You still want to come across relaxed and natural, and confident.  There’s a face for every emotion, so use them, and see the difference.