Voice Over: Technique 101

This performance-based class will give students the fundamental building blocks of voice over technique and help students to understand what producers are listening for when they hire students.

In the modern voice over industry, the most sought after performances are those that just sound natural. Often, you’ll see breakdowns asking for “conversational reads.” How hard can that be? Isn’t that just like talking? Well, you’d be surprised at how many voice talents can’t deliver a line and make it sound natural. Most voice actors who are new to the game deliver choppy, stilted reads that do not sound natural or conversational at all. And when you can’t deliver what the client is looking for, you won’t get the job.

So how can you learn these skills?

This introductory course focuses on the basics of voice over technique. It is designed to provide students with an overview of what attributes make for a good voice over performance (using real world examples) and explores current ‘fashion trends’ in voice over performance in a number of different genres. The differences between on-camera and stage acting compared to voice over acting will be explained.

The four foundational components of the speaking voice (tone, volume, inflection/pitch, tempo) will be discussed, and through the use of specific examples and exercises students explore how each component contributes to an effective voice over performance.

At the conclusion of this class, students will:

• Understand the attributes of a good voice over performance and how to effectively incorporate those attributes in your reads
• Be knowledgeable of the current trends in voice over performance in a number of different voice over genres, including:  commercial, corporate and video narration, documentary narration, animation/video games, and audiobook genres
• Learn the difference between conversational reads and sounding like an announcer
• Be fully conversant in the four foundational components of the speaking voice and use these components effectively in their own performances

Technique 101 is a performance based class, so please come prepared and ready to read! Your instructor will provide the scripts so no need to source any prior to the class.

Appropriate For: Casual Learner/Aspiring Professional