Ways to Improve Your Voiceover Copy

The success of your podcast or radio and TV commercials will largely depend on your voiceover script. Composing an effective voiceover script that gets results is unlike writing print ads for publication or online advertisements.

Peter Drew, a veteran voiceover artist who is involved in Internet and radio productions, emphasizes the idea of 'writing for the ear, not the eye.' This idea requires one to write brief and straight to the point messages, the kind that we use in conversations. This style may seem very strange for anyone who has written ad copies but developing this style will allow one to create effective and convincing voiceovers.

Here are some simple ways to modify your marketing copy and recording strategies that will ensure the voiceover is narrated as smoothly as possible, and that it really does deliver a high-impact message to your target audience:

1. Make sure everything is in the active voice. Voiceovers need to take place in the present time, as if they were a real conversation. Make sure the whole script is written in the active voice so that the audience can identify with the messages easily.

2. Make use of windscreens. Words beginning in 'B', 'P' and 'T' produce a lot of wind or hissing sounds that affect sound quality. A talent may somehow compensate for this but this can lead to distortions in the pronunciation or meaning of sentences. A windscreen eliminates this problem and more by absorbing these unwanted noises. Your talent can focus on delivering a line properly without worrying about distortions.

3. Mark up the copy for inflection. Bolding certain words, highlighting parts of the copy or using something simple as underlines can really help your voiceover artist understand the gist of the message and deliver a quality piece. Read the copy out loud yourself to identify what parts of the sentence you want to emphasize, then mark up the copy so that the artist understands exactly what you need.

4. Write (or type) out any phone numbers. Remember that digits on paper are actually words when they are read out loud, so this may cause an imbalance in your copy. Read the entire piece with the numbers in full form so that you can adjust other parts for better flow if necessary.

5. Use your headline effectively. Listeners will hear your headline first so make sure this is interesting. A headline should be no more than ten words and declares a minimum of one significant point.

A script should always be compatible with the voiceover talent. A script writer should therefore always bear in mind the personality of the talent when composing the script. You can also adjust the script once you have chosen a voiceover talent. Fine-tune the script so that it matches the talent's positive and even negative features. In addition, provide ample time for your talent to practice. Follow all of these tips and you'll be producing effective scripts in no time.

About the Author: Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Actor from Minneapolis, Minnesota and Has Been Providing the Voice Talent for Hundreds of Companies and Agencies Since'91.

Recording Professional Voiceovers

Creating a professional voice over project on your own can be achieved using computer programs and tools. This will allow you to save on the cost of hiring a videographer or a production team. You just need to hire talents and have a script and you are all set to record.

There is a significant amount of preparation required to ensure that the environment in which you record the voice over will help you create a quality piece. Here are some essential tips when preparing the room for your voiceover recording:

1. Check all your equipment. Booking the voiceover talent for the project and then wasting several hours testing equipment will cost you. Jay Rose, the author of the book "Producing Great Sound for Digital Video" suggests that you make sure you get the right kind of equipment and test it well before production day. Even testing it a few hours before production time can reduce unforeseen delays.

2. Make sure the room does not create echoes. The only way you'll know if the room is creating an 'echoing' effect is when you turn on the microphone and shut all the doors and windows. Do some test recordings with all of your equipment to reduce the risk of the echo effect.

3. Use background music if necessary. A professionally done recording must not contain any white noise. This is specially true for a narration wherein the viewer must sense that the narrator is directly in front and having a conversation with them. If the white noise goes beyond an acceptable level, you should definitely think about adding a background music.

4. Find the best position in the room for the recording. There are no rules about where to position the microphone, so feel free to move the mic setup into different areas of the room to get the right sound. You don't want to record when the sounds seem hollow or filtered in any way. Move around to find the best fit.

5. Ignore outside noises and minute sounds. In reality, anything can affect the quality of your voiceover recordings, from lightning fixtures to everyday outside traffic. The truth is most mics are not that sensitive to pick-up these noises. If these noises go through your recording, purchase a high-pass filter for your microphone for finer voiceovers.

6. Quiet vents, air conditioners and computer fans. If you're working in a very small space, you may have left computers or an A/C on during the recording. Sounds from these machines can cause some turbulence for your recording, so it's a good idea to turn them off for as long as possible during each recording segment.

You should also be able to monitor the recording throughout the production cycle using a pair of headphones. Take advantage of playback functions in a different room to make sure that everything is going smoothly; this will reduce the need to do another 'take' and can also help you address any problems with the audio quality right away.

About the Author: Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Actor from Minneapolis, Minnesota and Has Provided the Voice Talent for Hundreds of Projects and Advertisements Since 1991.

6 Reasons Why Your Advertising Plan Needs Voice Over

So many marketing campaigns today take a multimedia approach to gettin the attention of the consumer, to the extent that it may seems insufficient to market only in one direction. A good combination of audio and video, presented on television, radio, or even online in the form of podcasts or webinars, is often the recipe for an advertising campaign that can reach potential customers with a strong message.

All of these outlets offer ways to deliver your company's most important messages, but creating a visual impact isn't your only option. It's become even more important to develop a key slogan or message that customers can link to your brand, and voice overs are one way to make your advertising stand apart from the rest.

Hiring a voice over artist will help you create a compelling and high-impact segment for your target market. No matter what type of advertising method you choose, any audio segments need to be developed with voice over talent; here are six reasons why:

1. To help create an identity for your brand. To start your marketing campaign off on the right foot, you will want to create a strong sense of brand identity. A distinctive, professionally-done voice over can be the human element that makes consumers remember your brand.

2. To polish the appearance of your marketing. Marketing is always concerned with portraying a product or service and the organization that provides it in the best possible light. A good voice over can do a lot to increase both the professionalism and relatability of your ad campaign, making your product or service palatable to wider audience.

3. To set you apart from others in your field. In the competitive markets of today, a new brand must innovate in order to reach the right audience, and you as a marketer must come up with memorable strategies to increase the brand's visibility - a high-quality voice over is a great start.

4. Voice overs help to create a high-impact message. While print and web-based media are some of the most sought-after advertising mediums available, voice overs can complement and enhance your marketing strategy. Podcasting, audio presentations, and even online commercials all require some form of narration; you can deliver your slogan or marketing message with voice overs strategically designed for high impact.

5. Voice over talent can increase website traffic. As more people turn to podcasts, webinars, and even television for entertainment and business, you can boost traffic to your website with strategically-placed messages. Audio files on websites are becoming easier to implement, and people can simply tune in as soon as they visit your page.

6. Hiring a professional voice over artist doesn't have to be expensive. Marketing pathways like online podcasts and radio spots can offer a cheaper alternative to TV ads, bypassing the entire cost of producing visuals. With the right voice actor or actress, these media can be equally effective in reaching your audience and communicating a strong message.

About the Author: Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Artist from Minneapolis, MN and Has Been Providing the Voice Talent for Hundreds of Projects and Advertisements Since 1991.

Important Voice Over Definitions and Terminology

Voice overs are quickly becoming one of the most important elements of any marketing strategy and advertising campaign, and are a valuable way to persuade your target market consistently, and effectively. By adding a human element to your marketing messages, you can encourage people to pay attention, boost sales, and most importantly, create a positive brand connection with all customers.

Those who are considering using voice actors in their marketing projects would do well to learn a few key terms and definitions that are commonly used to talk about the voice over field.

Audition Tapes: These are the demo tapes that your voice over talent will submit during their application. You'll need to keep these on hand as you gauge and interview each submission, and are a simple way to keep track of all applicants to determine the best fit.

Demo Tapes: In addition to the aforementioned audition tapes that accompany voice actors' and actresses' applications, you will want a recording of your prospect reading a sample script of your choosing. This demo tape can be recorded either in your own studio or, if possible at the applicant's own.

Recording Studio: In order to obtain a demo tape, audition tape, or other vocal performance, you'll need a studio in which to records. If your voice actor or actress has a recording studio setup in his or her, you may be able to save on renting a space for your project.

ISDN Voiceover: Professional voice over talent will record most of their work in a home studio that makes use of ISDN technology. These recordings are sharper and more fine-tuned than the average recording studio.

Commercial Voice Overs: Intended to push a service or product, commercial voice over scripts take a direct sales approach. With the right actor or actress, a commercial voice over can make your campaign much more effective and memorable.

Narrative Voice Overs: These voice overs are not recorded for the express purpose of sales, but accompany some sort of video recording, complementing the story told by the on-screen action. You should not, however, discount their worth in marketing projects, as they can complement video advertisements exceedingly well.

Impressions: These are the types of voice overs that impersonate a famous person, celebrity, or imitate an historically famous personality. Impressions are a great way to make your message stand apart from the competition, and you can find many royalty-free scripts with this distinguishing feature in mind.

Performers' Unions: Unions such as the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and the Screen Artists Guild, in addition to advocating for the rights of their members and dealing with pay rate issues, provide voice actors and actresses valuable opportunities to grow and develop their skiills.

Actors: Voice over professionals are often individuals who were trained in drama and gravitated to the field of voice work because of their marketable skills and talents. A skilled voice actor or actress is a huge asset to any marketing project.

Familiarity with these key concepts and the associated terminology will help you immensely in your dealing with professionals in the voice over business. If you approach interviewing talent from an organized, educated perspective, you are sure to find a voice over professional who will boost the appeal of your advertising campaign.

About the Author: Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Actor from Minneapolis, MN and Has Been Providing the Voice Talent for Dozens of Projects and Advertisements Since 1991.

What Makes A Great Voice Actor?

If you're reading this article, it's likely that you have already made the decision to hire a professional voice actor or actress for your marketing project-- congratulations! A voice over professional can add a lot to just about any project. After this decision, however, comes perhaps the most difficult yet essential part of the process: interviewing. Those who have not done extensive work involving voice over may be wondering what exactly it is that sets truly great voice actors and actresses apart from the rest of the pack.

These are a few of the characteristics that add up to an outstanding voice over artist:

1.The voice over is believable. You need someone who sounds like a real person, not a narrator or announcer. Talented voice over artists should be adept at practicing their 'non-announcer' reading and voices, so ask them to read a variety of pieces to make sure they don't fall into a pattern of reading like a newscaster.

2.The voice over has the right pitch and tone. Voice over artists are constantly practicing different pitches and tones of their voice so that they can create their own 'music.' This ensures that their voice stands apart from the rest; take the time to listen for distinct characteristics that make them different from other actors and actresses.

3.High-quality demo tapes. The tapes you receive from potential voice actors and actresses will be a great asset to you once your face-to-face interviews are over. Take advantage of the snapshot of an actor or actress's work that these tapes provide, and use this insight in making your final decision.

4.He or she demonstrates the ability to perform in a wide range of vocal styles. During the interviewing process, you will probably ask your potential hires to read from a sample script or scripts of your choosing. Take a advantage of this opportunity and have candidates read in a variety of different styles.

5.He or she exhibits a good vocal flow. In everyday speech, most of us stop and start erratically, and do not have much control over our speed. In the case of a professional voice over artist, this should not be so - a voice actor or actress should be able to speak in a fluid manner.

6.The voice over artist has solid references. Take the time to review references or testimonials to determine if you're working with an amateur or professional. Voice over artists who have a history of quality projects, working with a diverse set of clients, and providing consistency with their work are strong candidates for your project.

7.He or she exhibits enthusiasm and vocal stamina. At times, recording a voice is no picnic; lines will likely need to be repeated over and over to get the exact right take. Be sure to pick a candidate that will maintain a good attitude and a strong voice under these conditions.

If you put forth the time and effort necessary to find a voice over professional with all of these essential traits, you are certain to have a much more pleasant experience completing the project. Finding the perfect candidate may be time-consuming, but it is certainly worth it.

About the Author: Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Actor from Minneapolis, Minnesota and Has Been Providing the Voice Talent for Hundreds of Projects and Advertisements Since 1991.

Hiring a Voice Over Artist Over the Web

The sheer number of voice actors vying for jobs today can be a little overwhelming when you're looking for the one perfect candidate to represent your project. Take your search online can be a great way to streamline the process of finding the right voice actor for the job.

When piecing together a multimedia project, you shouldn't underestimate the resources that are freely available on the Internet. Online databases can, for example, allow you to find a perfect sample script at no cost to you, or can serve as valuable reference material if you are writing your own script. Many voice professional nowadays maintain personal websites containing their portfolios and samples of the voice work they have done in the past. Checking out online samples of potential hires' work is a great way to save time during the hiring process.

Though the web can definitely make your search for talent quicker and more efficient, without the appropriate strategy it can turn into a gigantic waste of time. Potential voice actors you find online, for example, may not be as reliable as they first appear, and may delay your progress by failing to submit their samples in a timely manner. These kinds of obstacles can be easily surmounted, however, with a little bit of know-how. Here are some valuable tips on hiring voice talent on the web:

1. After you you initially contact a potential hire, ask for a sample of their work. If the person in question is the true professional they claim to be, they will have .mpeg samples on hand to send to you, or will direct you to a site where you can heir their work. This first step goes a long way towards weeding out candidates who aren't serious about getting the job.

2. Ask potential hires for a resume. Any serious voice actor or actress should be able to provide a formal resume, complete with his or her employment history and references. Speaking of references, they're there for a reason; you should make sure to contact two or more of the past employers listed in order to get a balanced assessment of the performance you can expect from a potential hire.

3. Request a preferred rate. Many voice over professionals have an expected rate for each project, and you'll want to know about both hourly and per-project rates. Some professionals will request payment only after final delivery, while others will require a portion upfront with the remainder due at the end of the project.

4. Conduct a telephone interview. Telephone interviews are best for any talent you may not have the opportunity to meet with in person. Telephone interviews can touch upon previous work, a brief script reading, and to gauge the confidence level of your candidate.

5. Ask if they can provide all services digitally. Some professionals have the equipment and skills to record the voice over in their home studio, convert it into a media file for review, and allow you to download it directly from the web. Find out what your options are, and plan accordingly to save on mailing fees, travel expenses, and other costs typically incurred for projects of this scope.

Author Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Actor from Minneapolis, MN and Has Been Providing the Voice Talent for Dozens of Projects and Advertisements Since 1991.

Choosing Voice Over Scripts For Talent Interviews

If you're considering hiring voice over talent for an upcoming project, you'll need to schedule an interview, review demo tapes, and request a sample script reading from potential applicants. Voice over scripts make it easier to find just the right match for your business, and can make the interview process much more valuable. Think of the script as a sample of work your applicants can produce for you.

There isn't a hard and fast rule as to how long you should give your applicants to rehearse the sample script. In most cases, an hour or two should be sufficient. This is because this type of reading is most commonly conducted in a studio setting, in which the applicant is free to read off of the script. Once the actor or actress has had time to familiarize him or herself with the script and practice lines, he or she should be ready to perform a reading.

The general demographic group that you are targeting will be the chief determining factor in the style and tone of the sample script you ultimately choose. Deciding in advance as to what vocal styles will be appropriate for your target market is important for the efficiency of the hiring process, as you will otherwise find yourself performing excessive numbers of interviews with applicants who are not right for the job.

In order to decide what sample scripts you will use, you will need to think about several different factors; you will need to select scripts that will give you a good idea of the breadth and nature of your applicants' talents. To make sure that you choose voice talent that is a tonal and stylistic match with what your business is trying to accomplish, you will also want to consider what type of marketing you're trying to create. What are the general themes you're looking to tackle? Will the tone be authoritative, or do you want to make listeners laugh? These decisions will guide you in the selection of your sample scripts.

In order to find a suitable voice over sample script, possibly free of charge, all you need to do is consult on of the many script databases available on the Internet. With the resources at your disposal, it should be a cinch to find something that matches the tone and style you have chosen. Even if you've decided to write your own sample script, the scripts you can find online, free of charge, can provide invaluable help as reference materials, if you have a good idea of what you're looking to create.

Last of all, you are going to want to obtain a demo script of each applicant. These demos should allow yourself to compare and contrast the performances of the applicants side by side. To this end, you shouldn't just have your potential voice actors read one script; have them real several, with varying tone and subject matter, so that you can judge the versatility of your applicants, and the styles to which they are each uniquely suited. If you do not want to record these demos in your studio, you can request that applicants submit them with their initial applications.

Author Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Artist from Minneapolis, Minnesota and Has Been Providing the Voice Talent for Hundreds of Companies and Agencies Since 1991.