The Art of Voice Acting

1. Voice Acting is Storytelling, Not Just Speaking

Voice acting is about creating real and believable characters in real and believable situations that listeners can relate to and be motivated by.

Emotional Connection. Effective communication, especially in voice acting, hinges on connecting with the audience on an emotional level. It's about drawing listeners into a story, creating a dramatic or emotional scene they can relate to, and motivating them to act. This goes beyond simply delivering information; it's about crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with the audience's feelings and experiences.

Acting Skills are Paramount. The term "voice acting" is more accurate than "voiceover" because it emphasizes the importance of acting skills. Voice actors play roles, interpret scripts, and communicate messages using only the spoken word. This requires a range of abilities, including acting ability, interpretive skills, improvisational skills, and the ability to quickly determine how to best communicate the message.

Beyond Announcing. Many people think of voiceover as simply announcing for commercials or cartoons, but it encompasses a wide range of work, including audiobooks, narration, video games, and more. Regardless of the genre, the best voice acting involves creating believable characters in interesting relationships, telling compelling stories, and reaching the audience on an emotional level.

2. Master Your Vocal Instrument Through Awareness and Technique

Proper breathing provides support for your voice and allows for emotional expression.

Breathing is Fundamental. Proper breathing is the foundation of effective voice acting. It provides support for the voice, allows for emotional expression, and enables the performer to speak softly or with power. Diaphragmatic breathing, rather than chest breathing, is essential for controlling the air column and creating a consistent, supported sound.

Vocal Awareness. Understanding your own voice and how it is perceived by others is crucial. This involves observing your breathing patterns, identifying speech problems or habits, and developing exercises to improve your vocal presentation. Vocal awareness allows you to adapt and modify your voice to create believable characters.

Correcting Speech Problems. Many common speech problems, such as unclear diction, over-emphasis, and breathiness, can be corrected through targeted exercises and techniques. Self-awareness is key to identifying these problems and working to improve them. A speech therapist or voice coach can provide valuable feedback and guidance.

3. Microphone Technique is Essential for Quality Recordings

Next to your voice and room acoustics, your microphone is the single most important tool in your voiceover arsenal.

Microphone as a Tool. The microphone is a crucial tool for voice actors, and understanding how to use it effectively is essential. This includes knowing the different types of microphones, their pickup patterns, and how to position them for optimal sound.

Placement Matters. Proper microphone placement is crucial for capturing a clean, clear recording. Speaking across the microphone, rather than directly into it, can help reduce popping sounds. The distance between your mouth and the microphone also affects the sound, with closer proximity resulting in a warmer, more intimate tone.

Headphones are Key. Headphones allow you to monitor your voice in real-time, identify any problems with your recording, and communicate with the director. Choosing the right headphones and using them correctly can significantly improve the quality of your recordings.

4. Character Development is Key to Believable Performances

Voice acting is about creating real and believable characters in real and believable situations that listeners can relate to and be motivated by.

Beyond the Words. The words on the page are just the starting point. As a voice actor, you must interpret the words, breathe life into the script, and create a character that listeners can connect with. This requires a deep understanding of acting techniques and the ability to quickly grasp the important elements of the script.

The Seven Core Elements. To create a believable character, consider the seven core elements: audience, back story, character, desires, energy, focus, and gamble. By addressing these elements, you can develop a well-rounded character with a clear motivation and a compelling story.

Physicality Matters. Don't be afraid to be physical when you're in front of the microphone. Body movement is an expression of emotion, and your physical attitude can significantly affect the sound of your voice. Experiment with different postures and gestures to find what works best for your character.

5. Technique and Style are Developed Through Practice and Experimentation

To be an effective voiceover performer you need to discover the qualities and characteristics of your voice that will make you different from all those other voices out there.

Technique as a Foundation. Voice acting techniques are the tools of the trade, providing a solid foundation for your performance. These techniques include breath control, articulation, pacing, and more. Mastering these techniques allows you to communicate effectively and create compelling characters.

Style is Unique. Your individual style is what sets you apart from other voice actors. It's the unique way you interpret and deliver copy, shaped by your personality, experiences, and training. Developing your style takes time and experimentation, but it's essential for building a successful career.

Practice and Experimentation. The key to developing both technique and style is consistent practice and experimentation. Take classes, study other performers, and try new things. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with your voice and the more confident you'll be in your abilities.

6. The Business of Voice Acting Requires Entrepreneurial Skills

Voiceover is one of those rare endeavors that is both a business and an art!

It's Show Business. Voice acting is part of the entertainment industry, which means it requires a combination of artistic talent and business acumen. To succeed, you must be able to perform effectively, market yourself, manage your time, and handle the financial aspects of your business.

You Are the Brand. As a voice actor, you are the product, the service, and the business. Your success depends on your ability to market yourself effectively and create a demand for your talent. This requires a strong understanding of business principles and the ability to wear many hats.

Full-Time or Part-Time. Decide whether you want to pursue voice acting as a full-time career or a part-time avocation. Full-time voice acting requires a significant investment of time, energy, and money, while part-time voice acting may be more flexible but offer fewer opportunities.

7. A Professional Demo is Your Most Important Marketing Tool

Your demo must be great—it cannot be merely “good.”

Your Calling Card. Your voiceover demo is your professional calling card, showcasing your skills and abilities to potential clients. It's crucial that your demo is of the highest quality and accurately represents your range and versatility.

Quality Over Quantity. Don't rush to produce your demo until you are truly ready. It's better to wait and invest in proper training and coaching than to create a demo that doesn't accurately reflect your abilities. A poorly produced demo can do more harm than good.

Versatility is Key. Your demo should showcase your versatility as a voice actor, demonstrating your ability to perform in a variety of genres and styles. This will increase your marketability and attract a wider range of clients.

8. A Home Studio Enables Flexibility and Control

What you hold in your hands is a manual for working in the business of voiceover that will take you from the fundamentals of performing to the essentials of marketing… and everything in-between.

Home Studio as a Necessity. In today's voiceover world, a home studio is essential for recording auditions and paid projects. This requires an investment in equipment, software, and acoustic treatments.

Acoustics are Paramount. The quality of your recordings is directly related to the acoustics of your recording environment. Take the time to understand room acoustics and implement strategies to minimize reflections and external noise.

Technology Skills. As a home studio owner, you'll need to develop technical skills in audio recording, editing, and file management. This includes understanding digital audio formats, recording levels, and signal processing.

9. Continuous Learning and Adaptation are Crucial for Success

The business of voiceover is one that is in a constant state of flux—and a lot has happened since the previous edition of this book was published.

An Evolving Industry. The voiceover industry is constantly changing, with new trends, technologies, and business models emerging all the time. To stay competitive, you must be willing to learn and adapt.

Continued Training. Never stop learning. Take classes, attend workshops, and read books to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and trends. Continued training is an investment in your career.

Adaptability is Key. Be prepared to adapt to new technologies, performing styles, and business practices. The more versatile you are, the more opportunities will come your way.

10. Build a Strong Brand and Network Effectively

This is a book about how you can communicate more effectively than you can imagine.

You Are the Brand. As a voice actor, you are the brand. Your reputation, your skills, and your personality all contribute to your brand. Take the time to define your brand and present yourself as a professional.

Networking is Essential. Networking is crucial for building relationships and finding work. Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with other voice actors and talent buyers.

Social Media is Your Friend. Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your brand and connecting with potential clients. Use social media to showcase your work, share your expertise, and build relationships with others in the industry.

Last updated: March 28, 2025