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Voiceover in 2024 – where do I start?

Voiceover in 2024 – where do I start?

If you’re interested in becoming a voice actor, here’s what you need to know to get started. There are a few things you need to know before you begin.

Voiceover in 2024 – where do I start?

If you’re interested in becoming a voice actor, here’s what you need to know to get started. There are a few things you need to know before you begin.

By VoicesUS
23 January 2024

Voiceover is a fascinating and exciting career, but it can be difficult to know where to begin. Voiceovers are used in a variety of media, including commercials, video games, movies, and animated series, and can be a great way to make a living while expressing your creativity.

Voice acting has been a popular form of entertainment for decades, and is used in everything from animation to video games to commercials. It’s a highly competitive industry, but also one that can be incredibly rewarding. If you’re thinking of giving voice acting a try, there are a few things you need to know before you begin.

If you’re interested in becoming a voice actor, here’s what you need to know to get started.

Is it hard to get into voice acting?
The answer to this question is both yes and no. While the competition can be fierce, there’s also a high demand for talented voice actors. To get started, you’ll need to work on your voice, develop your skills, and create a portfolio that showcases your best work. With determination, persistence, and a little luck, you can land your first voiceover job and begin building your career.

What is the best age to start voice acting?
There is no one answer to this question, as the best age to start voice acting can vary greatly depending on your goals and circumstances. Some people start voiceover work as young as six, while others don’t get into voice acting until later in life. Ultimately, the best time to start voice acting is when you’re ready and have the resources and support you need to succeed.

Can anyone be a voice actor?
Yes. Whether you’re naturally gifted with a voice that stands out or you work hard to develop your skills, voice acting is a career that is open to anyone who has a passion for storytelling and the ability to bring characters to life.

Anyone can be a voice actor, regardless of their age, gender, or background. The key to success in voice acting is having a unique and distinct voice, as well as the ability to bring your voice to life.— Joe Wakeford, VoicesUK

Image by thepaintedsquare from Pixabay

Is voice acting stressful?
Voice acting can be stressful, especially if you’re just starting out. There’s a lot of pressure to perform well and meet the expectations of clients and fans. The good news is that with practice and experience, the stress becomes easier to manage. Some voice actors even find the stress of performance to be a rush.

Is voice acting a natural talent?
While some people are naturally gifted with good voices, voice acting is not just about having a great voice. It’s also about the ability to use your voice in different ways and to bring characters to life. Voice acting is a learned skill, and with practice, anyone can become a successful voice actor.

What skills do voice actors need?
Voice control – Voice actors must be able to control their voices to sound like different characters.

Acting ability – Voice actors need to be able to bring a character to life, using only their voice.

Flexibility – Voice actors must be able to switch between characters and styles quickly and effectively.

Diction – Clear and precise diction is important for voice actors, as their words are often the only way to communicate a character’s personality and emotions.

Acting skills – Voice actors need to have strong acting skills, as they are often called upon to deliver a wide range of emotions and styles.

Image by 7Stonesgfx from Pixabay

What Makes a Voice Sound Attractive?
A voice that is pleasant to listen to and easy on the ear is often considered attractive. Here are some of the key qualities that contribute to making a voice sound attractive:

Pitch and Tone: A voice with a warm and rich tone that is not too high or too low in pitch is generally considered attractive. A voice that is too high or too low in pitch can be distracting and difficult to listen to.

Clarity and Enunciation: A clear and well-articulated voice is important in making a voiceover sound attractive. Good enunciation helps listeners understand what is being said, while slurred or mumbled speech can make the voiceover difficult to follow.

Tempo and Pacing: A voiceover with a moderate tempo and pacing is generally considered attractive. A slow tempo can make the voiceover sound monotonous and dull, while a fast tempo can make the voiceover difficult to follow.

Emotion and Inflection: A voice that conveys emotion and uses inflection effectively can add depth and interest to a voiceover. Inflection is the variation in the tone and pitch of the voice that helps to convey meaning and emphasize certain words or phrases.

How Can I Make My Voiceover Interesting?
Making a voiceover interesting is crucial to its success, and there are several things you can do to make your voiceover stand out:

Find Your Unique Voice: The key to making your voiceover interesting is to find your unique voice. This could mean experimenting with different speaking styles, accents, or inflections to find what works best for you.

Be Authentic: Be yourself and let your personality shine through in your voiceover. Don’t try to imitate someone else or put on a fake voice. Authenticity will make your voiceover more engaging and appealing to listeners.

Use Emotion: Use your voice to convey emotion and bring the script to life. This could mean using inflection to emphasize certain words or phrases, or using your tone to convey different emotions such as excitement, sadness, or humor.

Practice: The more you practice, the better you will become at voiceover work. Try recording yourself and listen to the playback to identify areas for improvement. Practice regularly to build up your confidence and refine your skills.

How Do You Know If Voice Acting is for You?
Voice acting can be a challenging and rewarding career, but it’s not for everyone. Here are some signs that voice acting may be for you:

You Enjoy Public Speaking: If you enjoy public speaking and being in front of an audience, voice acting may be for you. Voice acting involves speaking in front of a microphone, and the ability to perform in front of others is crucial to success in this field.

You Have a Unique Voice: If you have a unique voice that stands out, voice acting may be a good fit for you. Voice actors are often hired for their distinctive vocal qualities, so having a unique voice can help you stand out in a crowded field.

You Are Versatile: Voice actors need to be versatile in their vocal abilities and be able to bring a variety of characters to life. If you have the ability to mimic different accents, emotions, and inflections, voice acting may be for you.

You Are Committed to Improving: Voice acting requires a lot of practice and dedication to improve. If you are willing to put in the time and effort to continually develop your skills, voice acting may be for you.

You Have a Passion for Acting: Voice acting is a form of acting, and if you have a passion for acting and enjoy performing, voice acting may be the right career choice for you.

In conclusion, voiceover is an exciting career that requires hard work, dedication, and a unique voice. There is no right age to start voice acting, and anyone with a passion for storytelling and the ability to bring characters to life can succeed in this field. To get started, work on your voice, develop your skills, and create a portfolio that showcases your best work. With determination and persistence, you can break into the world of voiceovers and make a living while doing what you love.


Welcome to the VoicesUS blog. Here we explore all facets of the amazing world that is the voiceover industry. We feature guest authors on topics such as how to get started, what equipment is best for your recordings, how to find clients and how to best show off your skills on VoicesUS. To join our family of North American voiceover artists please click here. To audition the perfect voice for your project click here.

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