Maybe you’re thinking of working with voiceover talent for the first time?
Or perhaps you’d welcome some tips to make sessions run even more smoothly, from both sides of the mic?
It might be easy to believe that AI-generated voices are a quick, cost-effective alternative to working with human talent. And for some very simple, low-stakes applications (I’m thinking TikTok) that might be true. But for anything where tone, nuance and genuine connection matter, a real human voice is still quicker to direct, easier to work with, able to grasp abstract descriptions, and far more likely to get it right first time.
Professional voiceover actors pride ourselves on delivering the perfect read as quickly, painlessly and easily as possible, but what could you, the client, be doing to get the most from our time in the booth?
Working with voiceover talent – 7 golden rules for a successful brief
#1 Your words are everything
The best scripts have been crafted by a writer who loves writing for the spoken word. A real human with emotions and feelings who knows that reading the words out loud is the only true way to get the script just right. Add some accompanying direction, thoughtfully chosen music and maybe some visuals and your chosen voice will quickly understand the tone, pace, and feel you’re looking for.
#2 How do you say… that?!
Even the most seasoned voiceover artists will value, and indeed expect, guidance on pronunciation for any unusual words or brand names. Winging it can get messy.
If you won’t be sitting in on the session, a quick recording on your phone sent as a voice message is an easy way to avoid mistakes and extra recording costs.
#3 In the style of…
Do you know what style, pace or tone you want? Energetic, reassuring, warm, wise, ‘a bit sexy’ even? Chances are, your chosen professional voiceover’s demo reel has an example you can easily point them to and simply say ‘like that’.
Let them know if that’s the case, and they can nail it for you much more quickly.
#4 Ready, set, GO!
Do you have a set time the voiceover needs to run to?
It’s amazing how what you think is 30 seconds-worth of words easily runs to 45 when we bring inflections, pauses and emotion into the mix. Try to give your words space to breathe. And if bang-on timing is essential, let your voiceover artist know.
#5 Put us in the picture
If you’re working with a video, please share it in your brief.
These days most of us have studios set up to voice to picture, and even if the professional voiceover you work with isn’t, or you’re still at a storyboard stage, the visual information will still provide great information about timing and feel.
#6 Speak up
Never be scared to amend the script during a live session. One of the best things about working together is that we can easily change things as we go. Maybe it’s not flowing as you expected and you want to try a different word in that sentence? Just ask.
You may want a few slightly different takes to give you some options for time. You can’t always predict how it’s all going to come together, and we expect to bend and flex so that you leave with what you need.
#7 Time, please
Chances are your diary is jam-packed, and many professional voiceovers will have multiple bookings in a given day too. Aim to be punctual, and rest assured, we’ll do the same for you.
Creativity thrives in a warm and relaxed environment. Not so much when everyone is anxiously watching the clock – I had to sprint to a session once (and only once!) so trust that I know what I’m talking about here.
We want you to get the best possible result
Getting those words out of your head and into the world where people can connect with them is a huge deal for us, no matter how many years we’ve been in the business.
Oh, and one last tip. Here’s how not to do it!