Mar 25, 2021 | Voice Over
What’s the difference between a Voice Actor and a Voice Over Talent?
Seems like an odd question but depending on who you ask in the industry, it could mean a lot.
According to the dictionary I grew up with, Merriam-Webster, a “voice actor” is defined as “an actor who provides voice-overs or who voices characters in animated films, video games, etc.” So, if you don’t provide characters in animated films, video games or the like, are you then still considered a voice actor or a voice over artist?
Ironically, “voice over talent,” “voice talent,” “voice over artist,” “voice artist” or their variations aren’t listed in the dictionary.
Consider the Genre
If you provide narration voice over for corporate videos, e-Learning voiceover or training video narration, would you be considered a voice actor (voice over actor) or voice over talent? Again, depends on one’s perspective. Since the voice talent/actor is not playing themselves in these genres – including commercials – there is still a need for acting ability to make those narrations believable to the listener.
However, the demands for an actor (which again, according to Merriam-Webster defines as “one who behaves as if acting a part”) would appear greater in dialogue-based performances than narrative ones. (Though I can hear my audiobook brethren shrieking in outrage by that statement as they would in all likelihood say there is a tremendous amount of acting required for audiobooks – which I have no doubt given the complexities of fiction audiobooks).
An e-Learning voiceover can be from the perspective of a company leader, department head, or even a colleague imparting either helpful tips or urgent compliance information. A narration voice over for a corporate video would generally be regarding something the company is proud of (an achievement), historical journey, or to inform, educate or inspire about a new product, service or new corporate direction.
Either way, the voice over talent needs to assume the correct role (who) of the person speaking, fully understand what they are saying, who they are saying it to, why they are saying it, and even when and where they are saying during the voice over narration.
Video Game Voice Over
Considering genres like video games, animated series or movies where the “content” of the narration is primarily dialogue, most would argue you need to be a good actor first before becoming a voice actor.
Without good acting skills and abilities, you wouldn’t be able to bring those characters to life in a believable way. How should a toy spaceman with build-in wings who thinks he’s more powerful than he really is sound? What would a space alien battling army dude sound like when he’s talking to his commander? Definitely more than just reading words off a page.
Commercial Voice Acting
A commercial voice actor, on the other hand, may or may not be playing as richly developed a character as you’d find in a video game for, say, a commercial voice over about financial services. And yet, a commercial voice actor many times will have to believably portray a multitude of fictional characters in 15, 30 or even 60-second mini-movies, clearly and believably imparting an emotional point of view relating to the product, service or organization telling their story.
Also, if the commercial voice over is not presented in a believable way, the intent of the commercial will lose its impact and not be as effective for the advertiser. Have you ever listened to a radio or TV commercial and not “believed” what they are saying?
And audiences have grown weary of the old-style “announcer,” preferring to hear words spoken in a very conversational way. Believe me, narrating someone else’s words – especially very “salesy” scripts – in a conversational way is not an easy task!
Looking around at other genres from training video narration, explainer videos, whiteboard videos, telephone system messaging/IVR (interactive voice response) systems, museum tours, transit system announcements, voiceovers for toys, apps and even film and TV dubbing, it’s clear there is a wide spectrum of “acting” abilities required by the voice over talent (or voice over artist).
Ultimately, a voice over talent shares many of the same skillsets with a voice actor, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to this; does the audience “buy” what the voice over talent or actor is selling. If they are believable in the role they are paid to play, then that’s all that really matters.
David Gilbert immersed himself in the wonderful world of voiceover after a 20+ year career in sales and marketing. He brings business acumen, marketing experience, and solid work ethic to every audition, project and client interaction. Call David to discuss your next voice over or narration project.
Feb 12, 2021 | eLearning
In this strange new world of global pandemics and remote working, the importance of online training is increasing exponentially. In fact, Data Bridge predicts the Massive Open Online Course market is going to grow by over 40% by 2027. For businesses, this is great news. Online training is more convenient, more accessible and cheaper. It eliminates the need to bring in expensive external training agencies and allows in-house training to be simplified. Yet there is a catch. How do you ensure that trainees are truly engaged with your online training strategy? That’s where a voice actor can help.
Learning and the contiguity principle
We all know that everyone learns differently. So how can an online training program effectively impart information to all types of learner?
The contiguity principle means aligning text, graphics and audio. So, a graphic that relates to some text should be aligned with that text. Then to add another layer of learning reinforcement, audio relating to that information needs to play at the same time.
This basic concept allows trainers to develop e-learning delivery that engages multiple parts of the trainee’s brain. So, not only does adding voice to your course make it more personal and interesting, but it also helps learners to take in the information faster.
5 tips for using voice overs to enhance e-learning packages
1 – Keep it light! A monotonous or automated narrator is enough to drive anybody to distraction. You’re looking for a voice actor with an inviting, conversational tone that makes people want to listen. This voice will boost engagement and motivation by holding their attention.
2 – Align the script to the text and graphics. Adding voice to a training program is a delicate process. If too much is going on at the same time, the learner won’t take any of it in. Follow the contiguity principle to ensure that the actor’s words are in sync with what’s on the screen.
3 – Work with music and sound effects if they are relevant. Sound effects and music can add to the atmosphere and assist with attention span. However, this requires further alignment. The mood and subject must match with voice, text and graphics. Remember to make sure you have the right license to use any sound effects or music you’re uploading too.
4 – Don’t go overboard. Audio is there to serve a purpose whether it be speech, music or sound effects. Too much can be as bad as too little if it distracts from the project at hand. If you are looking into voiceover for e-learning, you probably know that you’ll likely need to outsource professional editing and voice recording. Audio specialists will also be able to help you to determine the right amount of audio for your online course.
5 – Speak to your target audience. Identifying your target audience is the first rule of business. E-learning is no different. Young professionals, board directors, students and new employees will all need something different from your online course. Knowing your audience allows you to tailor it to them.
The true value of training
While designing and developing online training can involve a significant financial outlay, it is an effective and cost-productive way of ensuring employees remain up to date with business trends, learning and technology. Learning can lead to improved staff retention, improved morale and ultimately an increase in bottom-line performance. So, investing in effective online training using voice actors can enhance your business more than you might imagine.
Contact me any time for a no-obligation quote and custom audition for your next eLearning voiceover project!
Jan 12, 2021 | eLearning
In this strange new world of global pandemics and remote working, the importance of online training is increasing exponentially. In fact, Data Bridge predicts the Massive Open Online Course market is going to grow by over 40% by 2027. For businesses, this is great news. Online training is more convenient, more accessible and cheaper. It eliminates the need to bring in expensive external training agencies and allows in-house training to be simplified. Yet there is a catch. How do you ensure that trainees are truly engaged with your online training strategy? That’s where a professional voice actor can help.
Learning and the contiguity principle
We all know that everyone learns differently. So how can an online training program effectively impart information to all types of learner?
The contiguity principle means aligning text, graphics and audio. So, a graphic that relates to some text should be aligned with that text. Then to add another layer of learning reinforcement, audio relating to that information needs to play at the same time.
This basic concept allows trainers to develop e-learning delivery that engages multiple parts of the trainee’s brain. So, not only does adding voice to your course make it more personal and interesting, but it also helps learners to take in the information faster.
5 tips for using voice overs to enhance e-learning packages
1. Keep it light! A monotonous or automated narrator is enough to drive anybody to distraction. You’re looking for a professional voice actor with an inviting, conversational tone that makes people want to listen. This voice will boost engagement and motivation by holding their attention.
2. Align the script to the text and graphics. Adding voice to a training program is a delicate process. If too much is going on at the same time, the learner won’t take any of it in. Follow the contiguity principle to ensure that the actor’s words are in sync with what’s on the screen.
3. Work with music and sound effects if they are relevant. Sound effects and music can add to the atmosphere and assist with attention span. However, this requires further alignment. The mood and subject must match with voice, text and graphics. Remember to make sure you have the right license to use any sound effects or music you’re uploading too.
4. Don’t go overboard. Audio is there to serve a purpose whether it be speech, music or sound effects. Too much can be as bad as too little if it distracts from the project at hand. If you are looking into voiceover for e-learning, you probably know that you’ll likely need to outsource professional editing and voice recording. Audio specialists will also be able to help you to determine the right amount of audio for your online course.
5. Speak to your target audience. Identifying your target audience is the first rule of business. E-learning is no different. Young professionals, board directors, students and new employees will all need something different from your online course. Knowing your audience allows you to tailor it to them.
The true value of training
While designing and developing online training can involve a significant financial outlay, it is an effective and cost-productive way of ensuring employees remain up to date with business trends, learning and technology. Learning can lead to improved staff retention, improved morale and ultimately an increase in bottom-line performance. So, investing in effective online training using a professional voice actor can enhance your business more than you might imagine.
Get in touch with me to talk about your needs for a professional voice actor. Call 1-888-DGVO-PRO or contact me via the web.