How to do Your Own Voice-Overs


Voice-overs (or narration tracks) are something that most aspiring film makers don’t consider until there’s a need for it. They’re also not common to all genres of video programs. However, they may be needed if you’re making a training video, a TV commercial, a documentary or even for dramatic productions if there’s a “storyteller” as part of the sound track.

I’ve done a lot of voice-over work in film and television production and I’ve taught it in the various film and television school programs with which I’ve been associated throughout my career.  I’ve also done radio and promotional voice-overs for television when I worked in that industry years ago.
I don’t not have the deep, mellow James Earl Jones / Morgan Freeman type of voice. My voice is very ordinary, but I’ve learned how to use it well. Voice-over work is 50% acting.

There are people who make voice work their entire career. There’s good money in it.

So, here is my list of things you must know to do this well:

1. Imagine you are speaking to a distant audience. Don’t speak to the microphone that is only 4 inches from your mouth, but to an imaginary audience about 10 feet away. When you do this your voice will naturally become clearer and more commanding.

2. Speak clearly and distinctly. Be particularly careful to voice each word and phrase clearly and distinctly - don’t slur your words together. Make sure you speak each word separately.

3. Pronounce each word accurately. Be sure you know the proper pronunciation of each word and can say each word clearly without undue pausing.

4. Use proper microphone techniques:

• Don't "pop"the mic. by speaking letters that cause an explosive sound, especially the letter “p”.
• Always stay about 4 - 6 inches from the microphone. Don’t look around or rock back and forth.
• Keep your voice at an even volume and pitch (unless the script calls for a departure from your normal voice).

5. Read ahead as you speak. Read a few words ahead of what you are speaking. If you’re a slow reader this is going to be tough, but reading ahead will give your second brain a chance to decide the right intonation for what’s coming up. That second brain is the one that can think of one thing as your voice is saying another.

6. Rehearse. Always rehearse your script as many times as it takes to be comfortable with it. Do this out loud as if you’re being recorded. It’ll help you get the rhythm and tonal qualities of your voice working properly before you record and reduce the number of takes.

7. Make sure you understand what you’re reading. Never read anything out loud that you can’t understand. The audience will be aware of your confusion. It’ll show up in your delivery.

8. Speak with emotion. If the script is about something positive and happy try smiling a bit as you talk. This will also come across to the audience. You gotta do this even if you feel sick, hung over and depressed. It’s an acting gig. The show must go on!

You don’t have to have the most mellow voice in the city to do a good voice-over. You just have to sound confident, speak clearly and don’t rattle it off too quickly.

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