The Scientist Turned Professional Voiceover Artist

By Keith Brunson

This is the true story of a woman who was a professional scientist who became a full-time voiceover artist. Alison Pentecost, from the Greater Montreal area, had a moment when she decided to leave science. "A colleague handed me a big stack of papers he was excited for me to read, and I just didn't have the passion for it," says Alison.

Alison Pentecost

A bachelor's degree in Astronomy and Geophysics from The University of Western Ontario and a Master's degree in Planetary Science from McGill University where she was a research scientist. All to conclude, "I just wanted to do something creative."

And so, being highly educated, Alison took that ability to study and learn and began voice classes, and still, to this day, four years into her new career, she still takes voice classes. "My instructors teach me with feedback and not just the mechanics, but the importance of how the voice should make the audience feel."

Voiceover requires education. A good voice is not enough. "And it's not easy," says the mother of three children. "You have to learn how to market and have the discipline to audition daily in the morning," says Alison. "And you must invest in the equipment, so that's been my career for four years now, and I operate out of my home here in Quebec."

Now known for e-learning classes, short educational material, and commercials, Alison is the voice of Canada for a Decathlon.

Alison appeared in voiceover with no acting background and no communications background. So, as a proven scientist, Alison, now 48, changed careers repeatedly as she searched for what would make her happy. She had also previously been into the fitness business as a teacher and worked in I.T.  But voiceover occurred organically "because I took one voiceover class, and everything clicked."

Alison voices a commercial for Versacom.

As the Canadian voice for the convenience store chain Circle K, Alison explains, "I know what Circle K wants and what they are asking for," Alison comments. "It's all back to that ability to make the audience FEEL." And in doing so, her connection with the company has become one of many dependable repeating clients. "Communicating the brand is really the main focus, and that is to make the customer FEEL like a quick stop will get the driver to pull in." Fact: Almost all terrestrial radio is heard in a car, unlike thirty years ago when people listened to the radio at home or passively at work. So, Alison loves commercials because she knows the driver can be influenced. And radio advertising offers the ultimate captive audience.

"I've career pivot four times in my life," says Alison, "but this time, after four successful years, I'm sticking with voiceover because I left science for a reason." Fluent in French, Alison is also available to the French-speaking world as a voiceover artist. "That's a whole other market," she comments. www.AlisonPentecost.com  Next time you're in Canada, be listening. Alison will be on the air or on video in voice-over somewhere.

So it's easy to say, We're way past Einstein now.

I'm Not Making Enough Money… How to Make Money Doing Voice Overs

By Nate Myers

With recent inflation trends, unaffordability has affected each of us in our day-to-day expenses. More strain on budgets has me (and likely you) looking for additional income.

An Opportunity Not on Your Radar

If you have a good voice and are comfortable speaking in front of a microphone, then voice-over can be a great way to make money. Many different types of voice-over work are available, and with a little effort and training, you can find projects that are a good fit for your skills and interests.

A new voice-over student is using his skills in front of the microphone.

Types of Voice Over Work

• Audiobook narration: Audiobooks are a popular form of entertainment, and there is always a demand for narrators. If you have a clear and engaging voice, then audiobook narration could be a good option for you.

• Video game voiceover: Video games are a multi-billion dollar industry, requiring voiceover artists to bring the characters to life. If you have a range of voices and can create believable characters, video game voiceover could be a good option.

• Animation voiceover: Animation is another popular entertainment form requiring voiceover artists. Animation voiceover could be a good option if you have an expressive voice and can create engaging characters.

• Commercial voiceover: Commercials are ubiquitous in our lives and require voiceover artists. Commercial voiceover could be a good way to make money if you have a persuasive and engaging voice.

• E-learning narration: E-learning is a growing industry, and there is a demand for voiceover artists to narrate training modules and other educational materials. If you have a clear and authoritative voice, then e-learning narration could be a good option for you.

• Podcast narration: Podcasts are a popular way to consume information and entertainment, and many podcasts require voiceover artists to narrate their episodes. If you have a clear and engaging voice, then podcast narration could be a good option for you.

• Corporate training narration: Many companies use corporate training videos to educate their employees. These videos often require voiceover artists to narrate the content. Corporate training narration could be a good option if you have a clear and authoritative voice.

• On-hold messaging: Many businesses use on-hold messaging to provide callers with information while on hold. On-hold messaging often requires voiceover artists to record the messages. If you have a clear and friendly voice, then on-hold messaging could be a good option for you.

• IVR voiceover: Interactive voice response (IVR) systems are used by many businesses to provide callers with automated self-service options. IVR systems often require voiceover artists to record the prompts and messages. IVR voiceover could be a good option if you have a clear and friendly voice.

How to Get Started in Voice Over

1. Develop your voice. Developing your voice is the first step to getting started in voice-over. This means practicing speaking clearly, concisely, and with expression. You can also work on developing different voices and accents. The best way to expedite this part of the process is to sign up for classes at The Voice Shop:

New voice-acting students are learning voice-over techniques and practicing voice training at the Voice Shop.

2. Create a demo reel. A demo reel is a short recording that showcases your voice acting skills. You can create a demo reel by recording yourself reading scripts from different genres.

3. Network with other voice actors. Networking with other voice actors can help you learn about new opportunities and get your foot in the door.

4. Be persistent. It takes time and effort to build a successful voice-over career. Don't get discouraged if you don't land your dream job right away. Keep practicing and networking, and eventually, you will find success.

Tips for Success in Voice Over

• Be professional. Voiceover is a business, so being professional in your dealings with clients is important. This means being on time for auditions, meeting deadlines, and being easy to work with.

• Be versatile. The more versatile you are, the more likely you will find work. Be willing to try different genres and styles of voice over.

• Be promotable. Make it easy for clients to find you by creating a strong online presence. This includes having a website, demo reel, and social media profiles.

• Be persistent. It takes time and effort to build a successful voice over career. Don't get discouraged if you don't land your dream job right away. Keep practicing and networking, and eventually, you will.

The True Voice Acting Story Of The Original Siri

By Keith Brunson

She was born in Burlington, Vermont. The year was 1949. Her name is Susan Bennett. And through her fantastic singing voice, she could backup sing for Burt Bacharach. Then came Roy Orbison and, singing backup for him. And it was during those days music was really clicking for her. But Susan isn’t famous for backup singing. Susan is the original voice of Siri.

Voice actor Susan Bennett

But the engineers who developed the technology never told her what they were doing. The service went live on Oct 4, 2011. Susan was never paid past the original sessions. “I was auditioning without knowing I was auditioning.”  The year was 2005, and Susan was brought in to record days upon days of just phrases by a company called ScanSoft.

Susan, while recording her “Siri” voice in the studio

She was paid for the voice over recordings and then forgot all about it. In 2011, suddenly, she heard herself on her iOS 7. And so did everyone else on planet Earth where English was spoken. But Susan knew nothing about it.

How could this happen? And who were the guys behind it all? Adam Cheyer, co-founder of Siri, Tom Gruber, and Dag Kittlaus were the people behind it all.

    The people who launched Siri (from left to right) - Adam Cheyer, Tom Gruber, and Dag Kittlaus.

The project was highly complex, took two years, and involved a concept called concatenation. It uses a special computer code design that grabs this group of voice sounds and connects them to a different group of voice sounds to create a complete sentence. The invention was revolutionary. News of it spread like wildfire in Silicon Valley.

Enter Steve Jobs. The intense and imposing computer figure showed up in Adam’s office unannounced and demanded he be sold the Siri product. Adam declined, saying they just weren’t ready to sell. But Jobs, being Jobs, showed up again two months later. This time, he brought 200 million dollars with him. And this time, Adam did not say no.

Susan remained the voice of Siri until 2013, or two full years following the Jobs acquisition, but Susan never got paid a dime for her voice remaining as Siri. The corporate contention was Jobs bought a business from Adam Cheyer, Tom Gruber, and Dag Kittlaus. Susan Bennett was part of that purchase. Therefore, Jobs felt legitimately detached. In his mind, the voice was part of the business he bought. He felt he owed the “voice of the business” he bought nothing. And technically, he didn’t. But it still stung. Two hundred million times.

These days, Susan is the voice of Delta Airlines gates worldwide. She’s also the voice of numerous GPS and phone systems. And the Siri debacle has given Susan a new career as a public speaker nationwide and overseas. “I enjoyed being Siri,” Susan says. Her commercial work hasn’t stopped, and now in her 70s, Susan Bennett is a voice we will never forget. And money has nothing to do with it.

Top 10 Male Voice Actors of the Last Decade

By Nate Myers

In this article, we will celebrate the top 10 male voice actors who have dominated the voice acting industry in the last decade (2013-2023), enchanting audiences with exceptional skills and passion for their craft.

Over the past decade, animated films, anime, and especially video games have taken center stage, captivating audiences of all ages worldwide. Behind the endearing characters and memorable lines are the incredibly talented voice actors who bring them to life. These voice actors are the unsung heroes of the entertainment industry, using their vocal prowess to evoke emotions, create immersive worlds, and leave lasting impressions on audiences.

Troy Baker

Troy Baker's name is synonymous with versatility and talent in the voice acting world. Over the last decade, Baker has voiced numerous iconic characters in video games, animated series, and anime. From his unforgettable portrayal of Joel in "The Last of Us" series to his work as Booker DeWitt in "BioShock Infinite" and Rhys in "Tales from the Borderlands," Baker has consistently showcased his ability to bring depth and authenticity to every role he undertakes.

Watch and listen to the many voices of Troy Baker in video games.

Nolan North

With a career spanning decades, Nolan North's name remains a pillar of the voice-acting community. Best known for his voice roles as Nathan Drake in the "Uncharted" series and Desmond Miles in the "Assassin's Creed" franchise, North's performances have garnered praise for their charm, wit, and emotional range. He has become a beloved figure among gamers and animation enthusiasts alike.

Matthew Mercer

Matthew Mercer has become a household name among fans of tabletop role-playing games and animated series. As the Dungeon Master for "Critical Role," a wildly popular Dungeons & Dragons web series, Mercer has demonstrated his exceptional storytelling abilities and vocal talent. Additionally, his work on various video games, including Leon Kennedy in "Resident Evil 6" and McCree in "Overwatch," has cemented his position as one of the most sought-after voice actors in the industry.

Steve Blum

No list of top male voice actors would be complete without mentioning Steve Blum, an industry veteran renowned for his deep and distinctive voice. Blum's extensive resume includes iconic roles such as Spike Spiegel in "Cowboy Bebop," Wolverine in numerous Marvel productions, and Zeb Orrelios in "Star Wars Rebels." His ability to infuse characters with gravitas and charisma has earned him immense respect and admiration from fans and peers alike.

The Many Voices of "Steve Blum" In Video Games.

Roger Craig Smith

Roger Craig Smith's energetic and charismatic performances have made him a prominent figure in voice acting. Smith's portrayal of Sonic the Hedgehog in various games and media has become a definitive representation of the iconic character. His work as Chris Redfield in the "Resident Evil" series and Batman in the "Batman: Arkham Origins" game further demonstrates his range as a talented voice actor.

Yuri Lowenthal

Yuri Lowenthal's career has seen him lend his voice to various characters, from superheroes to anime protagonists. Best known for his work as Spider-Man in the popular "Marvel's Spider-Man" game, Lowenthal's ability to capture the essence of complex characters has earned him critical acclaim. He has also voiced characters such as Sasuke Uchiha in "Naruto" and Ben Tennyson in the "Ben 10" series, showcasing his versatility in bringing both animated and video game characters to life.

The many voices of Yuri Lowenthal in video games.

Troy Baker

In addition to his video game roles, Troy Baker has significantly impacted animated series and films. His work as Batman in the "Batman: Arkham" animated movies and The Joker in "Batman: Assault on Arkham" demonstrates his talent in bringing beloved comic book characters to life in animated form.

John DiMaggio

John DiMaggio's deep and distinctive voice has become synonymous with one of the most beloved animated characters of the last decade—Bender in "Futurama." His impeccable comedic timing and memorable line deliveries have made Bender an iconic figure in animation history. DiMaggio's talents are not limited to just one role; he has voiced characters in video games, such as Marcus Fenix in the "Gears of War" series, showcasing his versatility as a voice actor.

Keith David

Keith David's rich, resonant voice has lent itself to many characters, from Goliath in "Gargoyles" to Dr. Facilier in "The Princess and the Frog." His commanding presence and distinctive voice have made him a fan favorite in animation and video games. Notable video game roles include the Arbiter in the "Halo" series and Captain Anderson in the "Mass Effect" franchise.

Voice actor Keith David is featured in animations and video games.

Josh Keaton

Josh Keaton's name may not be as widely recognized as others on this list, but his contributions to voice-acting are no less significant. Keaton's portrayal of Spider-Man in the critically acclaimed "The Spectacular Spider-Man" animated series has garnered praise for its emotional depth and authenticity. He has also lent his voice to various video game characters, including Ocelot in "Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater" and Hal Jordan in "Green Lantern: The Animated Series."

In conclusion, the last decade has been a golden age for voice acting, with abundant talented actors enriching our entertainment experiences. From iconic video game characters to beloved animated figures, these top 10 male voice actors have left an indelible mark on the industry.

Their ability to imbue characters with life, emotions, and personality has elevated the art of voice acting to new heights. As we look forward to the next decade, it is certain that these gifted individuals, along with the rising stars of the industry, will continue to captivate audiences and inspire future generations of voice actors.

If you are interested in learning how to get into voice over for video games, animation, and more- Our whole purpose at The Voice Shop is to help establish and develop the skills you will need to succeed. We've stacked our voiceover teaching roster with the most seasoned and industry-savvy voice over actors. We recommend starting with "Intro to Animation" for beginners. If you get value out of that class, which we know you will, you can continue through our courses with Intermediate and Advanced Animation classes taught by Steve Tardio.

Top 10 Female Voice Actors (2018-2023)

In recent years, the world of voice acting has witnessed an influx of exceptional talent from female voice actors. These gifted individuals have brought animated characters to life with their remarkable range, emotive performances, and distinctive voices. This article celebrates the top 10 female voice actors who have significantly impacted the industry in the past five years, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression with their extraordinary work.

 1 - Laura Baile:

Laura Baile's versatility and talent have earned her a prominent place in voice acting. With standout performances as Jaina Proudmoore in "World of Warcraft" and Mary Jane Watson in the acclaimed video game "Marvel's Spider-Man," Bailey's ability to bring depth and complexity to her characters is unparalleled.

2 - Kari Wahlgren

Kari Wahlgren has consistently delivered stellar performances, making her one of the most sought-after voice actors in recent years. Known for her roles as Tigrerra in "Bakugan Battle Brawlers" and Haruko Haruhara in "FLCL," Wahlgren's skill in capturing the essence of diverse characters has garnered her a dedicated fan base.

Female voice actor Kari Wahlgren

3 - Erica Mendez

Erica Mendez's distinct voice and range have propelled her to prominence in the voice-acting community. Notable performances include Ryuko Matoi in "Kill la Kill" and Diane in "The Seven Deadly Sins." Mendez's ability to portray both fiery and vulnerable characters with authenticity and emotion has solidified her reputation as a rising star.

4 - Erika Harlacher

Erika Harlacher has made a name for herself with her captivating performances in recent years. Her portrayal of Ann Takamaki in "Persona 5" and Elizabeth Liones in "The Seven Deadly Sins" demonstrates her ability to capture the essence of complex and multifaceted characters.

5 - Ashly Burch

Ashly Burch's unique voice and exceptional talent have made her a force to be reckoned with. Known for her roles as Aloy in "Horizon Zero Dawn" and Tiny Tina in the "Borderlands" series, Burch's ability to imbue her characters with wit, vulnerability, and strength has garnered critical acclaim.

Female Voice actor Ashly Burch and a variety of characters that she voices.

6 - Cherami Leigh

In recent years, Cherami Leigh has become a versatile and accomplished voice actor. Notable performances include Lucy Heartfilia in "Fairy Tail" and Makoto Niijima in "Persona 5." Leigh's talent lies in bringing many characters to life, capturing their unique personalities and emotions.

7 - Cristina Vee

Cristina Vee has significantly impacted the voice acting industry with her exceptional vocal range and versatility. Her roles as Homura Akemi in "Puella Magi Madoka Magica" and Marinette Dupain-Cheng/Ladybug in "Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir" showcase her ability to portray both dark and light-hearted characters with equal prowess.

8 - Cassandra Lee Morris

Cassandra Lee Morris has charmed audiences with her expressive and captivating voice. Notable performances include Morgana in "Persona 5" and Taiga Aisaka in "Toradora!" Morris's ability to bring depth and nuance to her characters has earned her praise and recognition within the voice-acting community.

9 - Abby Trott

Abby Trott has gained prominence for her standout performances in recent years. Notable roles include Nezuko Kamado in "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" and Hawkeye/Clint Barton in "Marvel Future Avengers." Trott's ability to convey a wide range of emotions and capture the essence of her characters has made her a rising star in the industry.

10 - Kayli Mills

Kayli Mills has showcased her incredible talent and versatility through her notable voice-acting performances. Roles such as Emilia in "Re:Zero" and Fiore Forvedge Yggdmillennia in "Fate/Apocrypha" have highlighted her ability to bring depth and complexity to her characters.

The last five years have seen a remarkable influx of extraordinary talent among female voice actors. These talented individuals have captivated audiences through their exceptional performances and brought animated characters to life with depth, emotion, and authenticity. As the voice acting industry evolves, these powerhouses will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact and inspire future voice actors.

Reading a Script

Voice Acting Tips: Reading A Script

In becoming a voice actor, and maintaining a career as such, there’s always room for improvement. In essence, a successful voice actor has great voice control, flawless technique, and the ability to read a script as if they’re not reading at all—to name a few aspects. The latter, however, is extremely important when it comes to doing the actual work. While you can have a great voice and tone, reading a script isn’t as simple as it sounds. As mentioned, your script reading should go unnoticed as a voice actor. In other words, it needs to be smooth.

Aside from reading a script to make the voice over sound unscripted and smooth, it’s also important to learn how to read a voice over script with little to no flaws. Otherwise, you’ll be in the recording studio all day trying to get it right. Of course, there are plenty of exercises you can do to help perfect your script reading skills and ultimately improve yourself as a voice over actor.

How to Read a Script: Avoiding Mistakes

One common pain point for voice actors is the ability to read a script without fault. Whether it’s due to a hard-to-read script or a timing issue on your own part, avoiding mistakes is crucial. One quick recommendation is to read over your script multiple time prior to recording. However, there’s plenty more you can do. See below:

• Stay relaxed: While it may be easier said than done, stay relaxed as you read through your script. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to slow down your talking speed, remaining calm as you read your lines will help you avoid making mistakes. Whether it be avoiding caffeine before the read or doing some breathing exercises, keep it relaxed.

• Read the script first: Needless to say, you should always read the script a few times through before you hit the studio. This way, you’ll not only have a better feel for the script, but you’ll be more comfortable in reading it, which ultimately makes for a smoother read.

• Stand up: Though it may seem negligible, standing up during a voice over session is highly recommended. Standing allows you to breathe deeper and ultimately speak clearer. Plus, it allows you to get a little more involved with the voice acting itself, giving more personality to the character you’re voicing, if that’s the case.  

Voice Over Tips for a Smoother Read

Much like the need to avoid mistakes in reading a script for voice over, you also need to ensure you’re reading smoothly—as previously mentioned. This could be the timing or speed of your speech, but isn’t limited to such. In reading a script, keep the following tips in mind:

• In reading your script, timing is key. Depending on what the script calls for, you’ll want to ensure you’re not reading too fast, or slow in other cases. Timing your practice reads can help you get an idea of the speed you’re going which you can then use to decide whether speed it up or slow down.

• Consider what your role is. If you’re voice acting (as opposed to narrating), think of who your character is and how they play into the overall production. What kind of personality would someone like that have?

• Similarly, consider your audience. You need to know who you’re talking to before you start the session. Different demographics need to be addressed appropriately. Is the audience teens or an older generation? What kind of tone should be given for each of these audiences?

• You also need to keep the motive of the entire production in mind. Depending on what the production is trying to accomplish, whether that be humor or something more serious, you’ll need to adjust your tone and projection for such, which ultimately comes down to how you read the script.

• Of course, you also need to keep the company and brand in mind, as they’ll often have an established public image or reputation. And you need to match that in reading the script. You’re not just meeting the demands of the audience, you also have to keep the brand in mind. This will directly affect the tone and projection as your read the script.

For further information on voice over, be sure to check out our additional resources. We’ve provided a few pages below:

• Tips for Voice Acting

• Voice Over Lessons

• Getting Started in VO

Add Voice Over Classes to the Mix

Again, the way in which you read a script and project your voice is essential the overall tone of any production. However, there are many other important aspects in regards to becoming a successful voice over actor. While you can do your research and work to perfect your voice at home, voice over classes are often necessary to fully understand the discipline and industry.

If you’d like to learn more about our classes, click here. If you’re interested in signing up, you can give us a call at 212-213-9487 or contact us online.

Voice Acting Tips

Getting Started: 11 Voice Acting Tips

Here at The Voice Shop in New York City, we offer voice over classes for those seeking a career in the industry, whether that's narration or voice over acting. While our classes cover a range of important topics and information for all levels of aspiring voice talent, we also like to provide necessary information here on our website to get an idea of what the classes offer in moving along your voice acting career. Of course, we don’t want to give too much information away, as you’ll need to sign up for classes to truly learn voice acting, as well as the industry. However, we’d still like to fill our aspiring voice talents in on a few tips for voice acting.

Though the tips provided below will give you some great insight into the voice over industry and how you can better develop your voice, our classes led by professional voice over coaches offer much more. In fact, a few classes from our voice acting coach could be just what you need to find and develop your voice, as well as start landing gigs as a voice actor! If you're interested in our classes, view the pages below:

• Voice Over Classes

• Class Schedule

11 Tips for Voice Acting

In an effort to cater to all levels of voice over talent, from beginners to the more advanced, we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks ranging from developing your voice to in-studio practices and voice acting exercises. No matter your skill level, however, these tips will surely benefit you in your endeavors, as well as give you a taste of what to expect in our voice over classes. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some great tips for voice acting:

1. First, you need to find your voice. Sit down and record some lines, then listen to the recording and consider what you can do with it. Think about what you’d like to do with your voice—are you considering narration or acting? How can you manipulate your voice for such?

2. When it comes to changing your voice, stand straight, drink some water and start working on pitch. Work on changing the volume of your voice, and exercise your breathing (it needs to be controlled). When you hear something you’re going for, take note and work on retaining that voice.

3. No matter the type of work, you need to speak clearly. When speaking, focus on pronunciation and enunciation. Remember, you need to be clear for the listeners.

4. A good way to improve your voice is by working with or around others, preferably with a little more skill. You’ll pick up techniques from them, as well as be more motivated to improve your voice and get on par with other talent. Classes from The Voice Shop in NYC are great for this.

5. Moving past beginner tips, focus on warm up exercises. Whether you’re working on a demo or have already landed a job, you’ve got to prepare for each session. Get your facial muscles moving, practice lip rolls and breathing exercises, and hum to get warmed up.

6. On your initial read through for any project or job, don’t simply read through to get an idea of the content. Go ahead and practice your voice any time you read through a script. While we’re on the subject, a few practice reads are always a good measure before recording—know the material!

7. Keep your voice in shape. In addition to constant practice, from developing your voice or techniques, you need to treat your voice well. Before recording, get some good sleep and drink plenty of water, then run through your warm-ups, of course.

8. Focus on inflection, which is how you change the form of a word. If you’re reading a statement, avoid changing the tone at the end to sound like a question. It seems like a no brainer, but this happens all the time. In short, your tone needs to agree with the content.

9. Don’t forget variety. Work with different types of emotion in your speaking and vary specific emotions. Expressing anger doesn’t always have to be loud, express it through emotion rather than volume.

10. Be theatrical when speaking into the mic. Without debate, voice acting is still physical. By moving your arms and changing facial expressions, the projection of your voice will follow suit. Think of it this way: you need to bring the voice to life.

11. Don’t rush into creating a demo. Demos cost money and take time, so get the most out of it by mastering your voice prior. You can record and review your voice all you want on your own, but hold up for the demo once you feel comfortable with the voice(s) you’re working on.

Bonus Tip for Voice Acting: Take Classes!

Of course, this list of tips for voice acting is far from comprehensive. A quality microphone is obviously a must have, and there’s plenty more to practice and develop before you start seeking work. The best way to attain this information and best develop your voice is through the classes we offer here at The Voice Shop in New York City. In our classes, you’ll be working with industry professionals, have access to our state-of-the-art recording studio (in our demo class), and be surrounded by fellow, aspiring voice over talent. 

If you’re interested in finding your voice, developing it, and working with industry professionals to land a job in the voice over industry, sign up for class today! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. You can also give us a call at 212-213-9487. 

Voice Over Evaluations

Why Voice Over Evaluations Are Essential

When it comes to perfecting your voice in aspiring to find work as a voice over artist, there’s a variety of tasks and practices to employ. Whether you’re just finding your voice or are working to perfect it, there’s always ways to continue to improve your voice, whether it be through taking voice acting classes, reading information online, or simply practicing your techniques at home. However, one of the most beneficial practices you can take on is sitting down with a professional voice coach for evaluations. Voice over evaluations are crucial for anyone interested in working as a voice actor, as you can gain invaluable insight as to how you can alter your voice, improve your technique, and more.

Here at The Voice Shop, helping our aspiring voice over talents discover and improve their voices is at the heart of what we do. Though classes are also quite necessary in learning voice over and maintaining a career in such, voice over evaluations are a must—as many voice over coaches will tell you. With this, let’s take a look at what a VO evaluation entails and how it can benefit you as an aspiring voice actor.

If you'd like to find more information on voice over or sign up for classes with the Voice Shop, take a look at the pages provided below:

• Creating Your Voice Over Demo

• Resources for Voice Actors

• Voice Over Classes & Workshops

What is a Voice Over Evaluation?

Just like it sounds, a voice over evaluation involves sitting down 1-on-1 with a professional coach to allow them to hear your voice and watch you speak first hand. This gives the coaches the ability to listen to your voice while actually watching your technique, breathing, and body movements—all of which can impact the way in which you project your voice. Of course, these evaluations don’t only pertain to the sound of your voice and how you speak. Given that voice over requires more than simply a great voice, your coach must also assess the the way you read lines, your knowledge, and other factors.

Additionally, voice over evaluations can also be set in place to assess demos. Because your demo will ultimately define you as a voice actor and your abilities, it’s important to ensure your demo meets the general requirements. Not only that, but it should also perfectly demonstrate your abilities and the best of your voice. So, in having a professional evaluate your voice over demo, you can ensure it meets expectations and best displays your voice and skills.

Whether you seek an evaluation for your voice or voice over demo, each will cover similar disciplines.

How Do Voice Over Evaluations Work?

Depending on who you seek to evaluate your voice and/or demo, the evaluation process will vary. For the most part, you can either sit down face-to-face with a coach, who will then have you run through exercises and project your voice for them to assess. Similarly, and the way we do it here at the Voice Shop, you often have the option to sit down with your coach via web chat, such as Skype. As mentioned previously, it’s not just your voice the coach will assess in your evaluation, as there are other factors that will ultimately impact your success as a voice over artist. Typically, the voice over coach will consider the following aspects in your evaluation:

• Your voice

• Your skill level

• Your technique and delivery

• Your existing knowledge the necessary software for the industry

• How well you can read from scripts and voice over copy

• How willing you are to commit to the trade

• The feasibility of you becoming a working artist

• Disciplines suited for your voice (narration, animation, promo, etc.)

In regards to demos, the evaluation process can work a bit different. Quite often, you can simply send your demo to your coach, who can assess its content before calling you or sitting down with you face-to-face. Since any professional voice over coach will have examined countless VO demos, they’ll be able to compare yours with successful demos. Then, when speaking with you, they’ll go over a variety of ways you can improve your demo, whether it be leaving out a specific clip, or adding something in to make it more appealing.  

Benefits of Evaluations

Needless to say, the benefits of a voice over evaluation are far reaching. By having a professional assess your voice, skill, knowledge of the industry, among other factors, you’ll have a great idea of where you need to improve your trade and what direction you should go within the industry—which can ultimately help you land the perfect job.

Sign Up for a 1-on-1 Class Today

While we have a range of classes for every level of voice actor at the Voice Shop, many of which are geared specifically to those just getting started in the industry. If you’re interested in sitting down with our coaches privately, via Skype, you can sign up for our Private Lessons today. You might also consider our workshop webinars.

If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 212-213-9487 or contact us.