About Voice Over
So… you want to get into voiceovers. Here’s what you need to know:
Voiceover is recording a human voice reading a written script to bring to life an idea or a character, for the purpose of educating, instructing, selling, or entertaining. It is often abbreviated as simply VO.
The professional who performs voiceovers is either called a Voice Talent, Voice Actor, Narrator or Announcer.
Voice actors come from a variety of backgrounds. Some have received extensive training in theatre and drama, while others have received individual voice training from voiceover coaches. In many cases, people who perform voiceovers have also had careers in other industries, allowing them to convey an inherent expertise and understanding of the subject matter.
Voice actors use a professional recording studio to record the voiceover. The professional recording studio can exist in a professional setting devoted to sound recording, or it can exist in an acoustically treated space at home utilizing professional-level equipment such as a high-quality condenser microphone, audio interface, computer, audio software, monitors, an acoustic booth, and sound panels for wall treatment. Other optional gear may be added as needed.
Different types of voiceovers are performed for different purposes.
Educational voiceovers are performed for:
- e-learning
- corporate videos
- explainer videos
- medical narration
- audio textbooks
- non-fiction audiobooks
- audio guides
- educational software, etc.
Voiceovers designed to sell products or services are called commercials, which usually air on television, radio, and/or streaming platforms (or anywhere the public can hear them).
Voiceovers designed to entertain include audiobooks, video games, animation characters, audio dramas, and announcer type voices.
Of course, there is a lot of overlap, but these are the general genres.
Now that you know a little bit more about what voiceovers are, you may be ready to meet some people who can help get you there. If you’re interested in becoming part of a community of like-minded business professionals who support best practices and industry standards, we invite you to join WoVO.
A significant percentage of our membership are newcomers to the business who benefit from our mentoring program.
