It takes many years and natural ability to master the radio voice over. Different stations may call for different types of speaking, but they all require certain core traits from a voice artist.
Here are 5 important traits every voice actor needs to succeed:
- Voice Acting
Do you know what the difference is between professional speakers and professional voice artists? Well, voice artists know how to act! Contrary to popular belief, you don’t just need someone who has exceptional speaking skills, you need a voice talent who can truly act. Each commercial, documentary, movie trailer or eBook narration assumes a specific voice appropriate for the script. A professional storyteller can act like they are from the deep south one day and sound like they are from the north east the next!
- Natural Articulation
While voice artistry is something that any talent can develop over time, the ability to articulate well is definitely an advantage. This quality comes from being a native speaker of a specific language and also stems from years of experience. Working with a naturally articulate narrator means it won’t take long for him or her to master the script and deliver the lines clearly.
- Perfect Enunciation
Enunciation is the act of speaking clearly in order to allow someone to understand. This is crucial as it can make or break the entire recording project. A great voice actor should be able to pronounce all of the words correctly and to speak them in a clear and confident manner. Not only does poor enunciation affect the radio voice over message, it can also adversely affect the image of the brand, company or organization conveying the message.
- Clarity and Pliability
When you think of someone who is comfortable at the microphone, what do you think of? The ones who have the skills are usually known for the clear quality and flexibility of their respective voices. As someone who has had experience with hundreds of successful recordings, I can say that it is extremely important for any message to be conveyed clearly to the appropriate audience. Different recordings will also require various voice personalities. Thus, you need to work with someone who possesses a range of voice qualities, from energetic and casual, to smooth and formal, depending on the requirement of the project.
- Appropriate Pace
Pacing is another ability to look out for in a voice artist. A narrator who has perfect pronunciation and enunciation will still fail at their performance if they are racing through the script. By employing the right rhythm and tempo during a radio voice over, a talent will be able to bring the needed personality and creativity into the entire narration and thus, capture the audience.
If you’re in need of a professional radio voice over talent, you’ve come to the right place. Longtrain Productions possesses all the qualities listed above and then some! Contact us now.
