Corporate vo success in Portland

Finding Work in Portland, Oregon in Corporate Narration VoiceOver

Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant city known for its thriving business ecosystem and creative community, making it an ideal place for voice actors seeking opportunities in corporate narration. Whether you’re an experienced voiceover artist or just starting your journey, Portland offers a wealth of opportunities to lend your voice to corporate projects.

Understanding Corporate Narration VoiceOver

Corporate narration involves providing voiceovers for business-related content, aiming to inform, educate, or engage a specific audience. Common types of corporate narration include:

• E-learning Modules: Online training courses for employees or clients.

• Internal Training Videos: Materials used for employee onboarding or policy updates.

• Explainer Videos: Short videos that describe a company’s products, services, or processes.

• Investor Presentations: Narrations for financial reports and company updates.

• Product Demos: Walkthroughs of software, applications, or physical products.

• Medical and Technical Narration: Detailed descriptions for scientific or healthcare-related content.

This genre requires a clear, professional, and engaging voice that maintains the listener’s attention without being overly dramatic or sales-oriented.

Why Portland is Ideal for Corporate Narration Work

Portland’s unique blend of industries and culture makes it a hotspot for corporate narration opportunities:

• Thriving Tech Scene: Dubbed the “Silicon Forest,” Portland hosts numerous tech companies and startups that require explainer videos and product demos.

• Sustainability-Focused Businesses: With a strong emphasis on eco-friendly practices, many local companies produce educational content about their green initiatives.

• Growing Healthcare and Biotech Industries: The presence of medical institutions and research organizations creates a demand for medical narration.

• Educational Institutions and E-Learning Providers: Home to several universities and e-learning companies, there’s a consistent need for training modules and educational content.

• Creative and Marketing Agencies: Portland’s vibrant creative scene includes agencies producing corporate videos for various brands.

Additionally, the rise of remote work means you’re not limited to local clients; however, being based in Portland allows you to build relationships with businesses that prefer collaborating with local talent.

Strategies to Secure Corporate Narration Gigs in Portland

1. Develop a Compelling Voiceover Portfolio

A strong portfolio is your calling card in the voiceover industry:

• Professional Demo Reel: Include samples of e-learning, explainer videos, training narrations, and other corporate-related reads.

• Personal Website: Showcase your demo reel, client testimonials, and provide clear contact information.

• Optimized LinkedIn Profile: Many corporate clients use LinkedIn to find voice talent; ensure your profile highlights your voiceover skills and experience.

• Client Testimonials: Display feedback from previous clients to build credibility.

For insights on crafting an effective demo reel, consider reading our article on Voice Acting Tips.

2. Engage with Portland’s Business and Creative Communities

Networking is crucial in finding opportunities:

• Attend Local Business Events: Participate in events hosted by organizations like the Portland Business Alliance or TechFestNW.

• Join Creative Meetups: Engage with groups focused on video production, marketing, and creative services.

• Connect on LinkedIn: Interact with Portland-based companies and professionals to expand your network.

• Collaborate with Local Production Companies: Many corporate narration projects originate from video producers seeking voiceover talent.

3. Partner with Portland-Based Agencies and Studios

Collaborating with local agencies can open doors to corporate clients:

• In Both Ears: A Portland-based agency representing world-class voice talent. 

• The Studio NW: Offers voiceover acting sessions and has a custom-made VO booth. 

• Oregon Voice Over: Connects clients directly with local voice talent without agency fees. 

Reaching out to these organizations with a professional introduction and your demo reel can lead to potential collaborations.

4. Utilize Online Casting Platforms

Expand your reach by leveraging online platforms:

• Voices.com and Voice123: Major casting sites with numerous corporate narration opportunities.

• Bodalgo: A European-based platform offering diverse voiceover gigs.

• Upwork and Fiverr: Freelance platforms that, while competitive, can help you build experience.

Ensure your profiles on these platforms are complete and showcase your best work to attract potential clients.

5. Enhance Your Value with Additional Services

Standing out means offering more than just your voice:

• Audio Editing: Deliver clean, ready-to-use files by mastering basic editing skills.

• Script Assistance: Offer insights on script readability and flow to improve the final product.

• Prompt Turnaround: Providing quick delivery can make you a preferred choice for time-sensitive projects.

For more tips on advancing your voiceover career, explore our Voiceover Gurus Blog.

Essential Skills and Tools for Success

To excel in corporate narration, you need to master both performance and technical aspects:

Voice and Performance Skills

• Clear Articulation – Corporate narration requires a polished, engaging, and professional tone.

• Pacing and Energy Control – Finding the right balance between authoritative and conversational delivery is key.

• Adaptability – Different clients have different preferences; some may want a warm, friendly tone, while others prefer a more authoritative or upbeat style.

Technical and Studio Setup

Having a high-quality recording setup ensures your work meets professional standards:

• A Professional Microphone – Popular choices include the Neumann TLM 103, Sennheiser MKH 416, and Rode NT1.

• Audio Interface – A solid interface like the Focusrite Scarlett series helps capture high-quality sound.

• Soundproofing – A treated space (such as a closet or a custom vocal booth) reduces unwanted noise.

• Editing Software – Tools like Adobe Audition, Reaper, or Audacity allow you to deliver polished recordings.

Building a Long-Term Career in Corporate Narration

Once you start landing gigs, focus on sustaining and growing your career:

• Keep Marketing Yourself – Continue networking, updating your portfolio, and engaging with potential clients.

• Nurture Client Relationships – Provide excellent service, be responsive, and follow up to secure repeat work.

• Expand Your Skill Set – Consider additional training, such as voiceover coaching, to refine your delivery.

• Stay on Top of Industry Trends – Join voiceover groups, attend conferences, and keep learning new techniques.

Final Thoughts

Finding corporate narration work in Portland requires a mix of networking, skill-building, and persistence. With the city’s booming business scene, creative agencies, and tech companies, there are ample opportunities for voice actors to establish themselves in this growing field.

By positioning yourself as a professional, reliable voiceover talent and actively engaging with Portland’s business community, you can build a steady career in corporate narration. Stay consistent, keep improving your craft, and embrace the opportunities that come your way!