Stephanie Stephens

Voice Over Talent

best female voice over talent

A Guide to Promo Voice Over

Voice Over Blog

Promo voice over work is one of the most dynamic and varied categories within the voice over industry. Whether it’s for television shows, networks, movies, or digital platforms, promo voice overs are crucial in capturing the attention of viewers and enticing them to tune in. In this blog, a guide to promo voice over, we will explore the opportunities in promo voice over. This includes the types of promos, and what it takes to succeed in this exciting field.

What Is Promo Voice Over?

Promo voice overs are short, impactful narrations designed to promote content such as television shows, films, upcoming events, network brands, and streaming platforms. The purpose of these voice overs is to entice the audience, build excitement, and increase viewership or engagement. Promo voice overs often rely on a unique tone and pacing to deliver a message quickly and effectively. This makes them one of the most demanding and rewarding areas of voice acting.

Types of Promo Voice Overs

There are several types of promo voice over work, each with its own distinct style and purpose. Let’s break them down:

  1. Television Show Promos

Television show promos are the bread and butter of the promo voice over industry. These voice overs typically focus on upcoming episodes, seasons, or series of TV shows. The goal is to grab the attention of viewers and get them excited about the upcoming content.

  • Drama Series Promos – These promos often require a deep, serious tone. The voice over artist must capture the gravity of the show, whether it’s a high-stakes drama or an emotional thriller. Pacing and intensity are key to drawing the audience in and creating anticipation for what’s to come.
  • Comedy Series Promos – In contrast, comedy promos call for a lighter, more energetic tone. Voice actors in this category need to bring humor, charm, and wit to their delivery. Timing is essential to ensure that the comedic elements are emphasized.
  • Reality Shows and Documentaries – These promos require a conversational and often fast-paced delivery. The voice over artist should sound relatable, building a connection with the audience while keeping things exciting and engaging.

  1. Network Promos

Network promos are used by television stations to promote the network itself. This could be promoting the network’s upcoming programming lineup, branding, or overall tone and image. The voice over for network promos is often more general and includes promotional tags like “Only on [Network Name]” or “Tune in tonight!”

  • General Network Promos – These voice overs are broad and can range from dramatic and authoritative to upbeat and energetic. The voice over talent needs to embody the essence of the network and make it feel like an event that viewers don’t want to miss.
  • Seasonal and Special Event Promos – These are focused on major events like holiday programming, live events, or network anniversaries. The tone can be more celebratory, with emphasis on the special nature of the event.

  1. Movie Trailers and Film Promos

Promos for movies and films are often a bit longer than traditional TV promos, but they serve the same function of exciting the viewer and drawing them in. Movie trailer voice over artists must create a sense of intrigue and drama, while also highlighting key themes or plot points without giving away too much.

  • Blockbuster Trailers – A deep, rich, and dramatic voice is typically used here. The delivery should build tension, excitement, and anticipation for the release of a major film.
  • Independent Film Promos – These may require a more conversational, authentic voice, aimed at a niche audience. The tone should convey the essence of the film, whether it’s quirky, thought-provoking, or heartfelt.

  1. Streaming Service Promos

With the explosion of digital platforms and streaming services, promo voice over work for platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ has surged. These promos often focus on upcoming releases, original content, and curated collections. The voice over style can vary greatly depending on the brand and target audience.

  • Original Content Promos – These are used to promote exclusive shows or films produced by the streaming platform. The voice over might need to convey a sense of excitement and exclusivity, often with a contemporary, relatable tone.
  • Featured Collections – Voice over artists also work on promos for specific collections, such as “Movies for the Whole Family” or “New Releases This Week.” These voice overs need to be flexible, adapting to different themes and genres.

  1. Social Media and Digital Promos

In the digital age, promos extend beyond traditional TV and movies to online platforms like social media and websites. These types of promos are often brief, highly engaging, and created with specific target audiences in mind. They’re likely there to strengthen a brand.

  • Social Media Video Promos – These promos are often short, punchy, and designed to be shared across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. The voice over must capture attention in the first few seconds, using an energetic, engaging tone.
  • YouTube and Web Series Promos – Voice overs for web series or YouTube channels may require a more conversational and down-to-earth delivery, appealing directly to online viewers. These voice overs must be fast-paced, creative, and sometimes even a little quirky.

The Skills Needed for Promo Voice Over

To succeed in the world of promo voice over, an artist must master several key skills:

  1. Pacing and Timing: Promo voice overs often must convey a lot of information in a very short amount of time. The ability to read scripts quickly while maintaining clarity and emotional impact is crucial.
  2. Tone and Delivery: Different types of promos require different tones – from serious and authoritative to light and comedic. Voice over artists need to be adaptable and able to shift their delivery style based on the project.
  3. Energy and Engagement: Promo work is all about grabbing attention and maintaining it. The voice needs to have energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of urgency, especially for high action shows or events.
  4. Brand Consistency: Promo voice over artists often need to match the tone and style of the network or show they are promoting. Familiarity with the brand and understanding of its audience can help ensure consistency across all promos.

Opportunities in Promo Voice Over

The opportunities in promo voice over are vast, ranging from traditional television and film to the growing world of digital media and streaming platforms. Voice over artists can find work with television networks, production studios, advertising agencies, and even social media brands. The demand for strong, unique voices is higher than ever as more networks and streaming platforms compete for viewers.

With the increasing fragmentation of media and the rise of niche audiences, there are more opportunities than ever for voice over talent to specialize in particular genres or demographics. From reality TV to video game trailers, the promo industry offers exciting opportunities for those who are versatile and ready to adapt to changing trends. There’s so much, we just had to do a guide to promo voice over!

Conclusion

A this guide to promo voice over has shared, promo voice over work is a dynamic and exciting field with endless opportunities for talented voice artists. Whether you’re voicing a gripping drama series promo, an upbeat commercial for a new streaming show, or a network branding spot, there’s a niche for every voice.

The key to success is mastering the skills of pacing, timing, tone, and energy to create promos that grab attention and make viewers excited for what’s to come. With the ever-evolving media landscape, the world of promo voice over continues to grow, making it an ideal career choice for those looking to break into the voice over industry.

A Promo Voice for You

Stephanie Stephens has done lots of promo work in radio and television. She’ll dig into your copy, follow your specific direction, and inject that excitement you want for a promo read. She gets that all the different genres of promo require a different approach, and she’ll bring it.

Per this guide to promo voice over, the idea is to use the voice to move mini mountains, the viewer or listener’s opinion. Her job is to compel that, and she will, as a seasoned professional voice talent. Reach out to Stephanie today.

 

 

How to Build a Successful Relationship with Your Voice Over Agent

Voice Over Blog

You want to build a successful relationship with your voice over agent. Navigating the competitive world of voice over work can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding and working with an agent.

A good voice over agent can be your biggest ally, opening doors to opportunities and helping you grow your career. However, it’s essential to establish a solid working relationship. Here are some key strategies to ensure that you and your agent are on the same page.

Whether you’re doing commercial voice over, focusing on corporate narration, or another VO genre, you may really appreciate working with a great agent.

Understand Your Voicer Over Agent’s Role

Before diving into the specifics of how to work effectively with your agent, it’s crucial to understand their role in your career. Your agent is there to:

  • Market Your Talent: They present you to potential clients and auditions, showcasing your unique skills.
  • Negotiate Contracts: Your agent will handle the nitty-gritty of contract negotiations, ensuring you get fair pay and terms.
  • Provide Industry Insight: Agents often have years of experience and can offer valuable advice on trends, skills to develop, and networking opportunities.

Recognizing this will help you appreciate their expertise and build a collaborative relationship.

Maintain Open Communication in the Relationship

Communication is the cornerstone of any successful partnership. Here are some ways to keep the lines of communication open with your agent:

  • Regular Check-ins: Schedule periodic updates to discuss your career goals, recent auditions, and any changes in the industry. This ensures that both you and your agent are aligned in your pursuits.
  • Feedback Loop: Encourage your agent to provide feedback on your auditions, and be open to constructive criticism. This will help you improve and stay competitive.
  • Be Proactive: Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, ideas, or interests. If there’s a specific type of work you’re passionate about, let your agent know. They may be able to align opportunities that fit your aspirations.

Set Clear Expectations in the Relationship

From the onset, it’s vital to establish clear expectations between you and your agent. Discuss your goals, availability, and preferred communication style to avoid misunderstandings. Here are some areas to cover:

  • Career Goals: Share your long-term and short-term goals. Whether you aspire to work in audiobooks, or animation, your agent can tailor their efforts to suit your aspirations.
  • Availability: Be upfront about your availability for auditions and projects. If you have a busy schedule, let your agent know when you can realistically take on new work.
  • Response Time: Discuss how quickly you expect to hear back about auditions or opportunities. Agreeing on a timeline can help manage expectations on both sides.

By setting these expectations early on, you lay a strong foundation for a productive working relationship.

Be Professional and Respectful in the Relationship

In the creative industry, professionalism goes a long way. Here are some best practices to keep your relationship with your agent positive:

  • Timeliness: Always be punctual for auditions and meetings, and meet deadlines for any required materials. If you need to cancel or reschedule, do so with plenty of notice.
  • Respect Their Time: Understand that agents often juggle multiple clients. If you have questions or concerns, try to consolidate them into fewer communications to avoid overwhelming your agent.
  • Express Gratitude: Simple acts of appreciation can make a big difference. Whether it’s a thank-you note after landing a gig or a message acknowledging their hard work, expressing gratitude fosters goodwill.

Keep Improving Your Skills

Lastly, your personal growth as a voice over artist can enhance your relationship with your agent. Here are some ways to invest in your skills:

  • Training: Regularly attend workshops, classes, or seminars to refine your craft. This not only improves your abilities but also demonstrates your commitment to growth, which agents appreciate.
  • Diversify Your Skill Set: Explore different genres or styles of voice acting. Being versatile can make you more marketable and open up more opportunities.
  • Stay Informed: Keep abreast of industry trends, technology, and changing client needs. This knowledge can be invaluable during discussions with your agent and can help you both stay ahead of the competition.

It’s a Two-Way Street in the Relationship

You can build a successful relationship with your voice over agent, and it requires effort and collaboration. I’ve learned that by understanding their role, maintaining open communication, setting clear expectations, demonstrating professionalism, and continually improving your skills, you can create a dynamic partnership that propels your career forward. Remember, your agent is there to advocate for you, but it’s a two-way street. Investing in this relationship will pay off as you navigate the exciting world of voice over work.

May you and your agent book the most coveted spot in this week’s auditions! Go get it!

 

 

What Makes an Effective Commercial Voice Over

Voice Over Blog

Doing an effective commercial voice over means being an influencer—and doesn’t everyone want to be that? A commercial voice over promotes a business or a brand and its products or services—it influences. In other words, it’s selling, and an effective commercial voice over can mean more sales.

Maybe you’re a client needing commercial voice over talent, or you’re a talent wanting to do more of them. Now the marketplace has expanded far beyond radio and television, more traditional mediums. Social media, including YouTube, along with podcasts and websites, mean more opportunities to promote a business, and more need for great commercial voice over.

The voice of a commercial voice over must be many things to many people but needs to sound like the most important person—and voice—to one person. The best commercial voice actors have finely honed the art of talking to a person in a relatable way—and not as though it’s a stadium full of people.

The Right ‘Type’ of Commercial Voice Talent

The agency or script writer knows exactly who the target audience is for any commercial. It’s the group of people who’ll buy that product or service, usually heavily researched if it’s a major corporation or brand name. Creatives know for sure whether a millennial, GenX or mature adult will be buying, so it only makes sense to cast someone in that  same age group. The target audience needs to hear a voice that “sounds like” them, at least age-wise.

Be Informed About That Script

If you’re auditioning, do your homework and think about the industry you’ll be talking about, the tone of past commercials and their target audience. What does the advertiser really want to happen here, and how can you finesse the way you deliver the words to accomplish that mission? You want to carefully analyze and interpret those words like a scientist, with thorough preparation and thought—not just jump into the booth and read whatever comes to mind.

You’re telling a story, connecting with the target audience, engaging, and massaging the words. And guess what: The client may listen to only the first 10 seconds of your audition, because after all, they’ve probably got at least 50 other auditions that also deserve their attention. That’s why thorough preparation is so important to a successful commercial read.

Types of Effective Commercial Reads

Hard Sell

You know that commercial that shouts at you from the radio or television, and maybe you turn it off. But maybe it’s selling the thing you’ve been considering buying, so now, it has your attention. And maybe there’s a timeline or deadline to get “this once-a-year price.” Maybe the read is really fast because of so many details considered “necessary” to fit in. And maybe it’s not only loud, but highly energetic and a big forceful.

Soft Sell

This type of commercial voice over predominates in the current marketplace. And that’s why so many voice talents see “not announcery” in the specs detailing what the client wants in a read. Miss that mark, and that voice talent’s audition won’t get through the gate. The read is subtle, non-aggressive, sensitive, realistic, and much more conversational. It may be delivered with very little inflection, almost flat, and may require the listener to use their imagination.

Stay ‘On Trend’

Before you dive into the words, think about what you’re hearing from other commercial spots. Successful commercial voice talents keep their ears open to trends. The voice of 10 or 20 years ago is certainly not the voice of the 2020’s. Like fashion, voice over styles change, too.

Be Truthful with Yourself

Don’t be afraid to practice sounding like someone whose commercial voice talent you admire. Record yourself in the booth and listen back. Then do it again, and although it can be painful, be your harshest critic and practice until you’re happy with that read.

The most successful commercial talents break the rule about “no comparison” to other voices. At the top levels, voice talents often audition for the same job, and then they hear “who got it” when the spot plays. If you can go back to your initial audition and compare notes with the actual booked spot, veterans say that’s a great way to learn what you did right—and wrong, especially if you kept the copy and specs.

Get Pro Help for Your Commercial Voice Over

The biggest money is always in commercials, so it’s no wonder the market is so competitive. There’s no shortage of great voice over coaches, so spend a few sessions brushing up if you’re seasoned, and plan to do that a few times a year. And if you’re new, getting excellent coaching out of the gate is absolutely critical. It can save you time and despair and help keep you on track. Sometimes, your favorite commercial voice talent also does coaching, so check out their websites to see if that’s the case.

You can learn to deliver effective commercial voice over every time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Conversational Read for Commercial Voice Over

Voice Over Blog

The conversational read for commercial voice over remains the “darling” of the voice over business. Let’s look at how this impacts both client and talent, both in pursuit of the perfect read.

Why Clients Want a Conversational Read

If you seek a conversational read for your next commercial voice over, you’re not alone among voice over clients. This perennially popular style involves no shouting or “pushing” that copy. For sure, it does not sound forced or stiff—quite the opposite. No yelling about that super sale on a car right now.

You want your next commercial to resonate, so you want a conversational read for commercial voice over when you produce that message. You’ve made it clear in the specs for your product or service that you don’t want anything to sound “announcery.” You want it to be real, informal, relaxed, relatable, and anything over the top just won’t cut it for this voice over project.

You know you’ve got that perfect conversational read when the voice sounds believable, and really connects with the listener, like you. It comes across like a good friend talking to another friend, and although it may not sound super-professional or “perfect,” that’s fine because we humans don’t always speak perfectly, do we?

This voice sounds smooth, delivering words at a pace that doesn’t include lots of pauses that shouldn’t be there anyway. It can be authoritative, and a voice of experience, but not preachy or bossy. the voice doesn’t “talk at” the person but “talks to” them without forcing it. It makes the listener think, “I want this person to tell me more.”

Voice Over Talent Delivers a Conversational Read

If you’re a voice over talent, the conversational read for commercial voice over keeps appearing on almost every script you audition these days. And it helps you so much if the script has been written well, enabling you to deliver that read.

You read the copy through a few times, but maybe you think, “I just don’t have this yet, and I need to get it NOW.”

Let’s ask a few questions and come up with the answers to help you master this conversational voice over read.

Who are you in the commercial read?

If you’ve taken acting or improv classes, good for you! You can apply some of the same principles you used in assessing a theatrical script or improv assignment. And yes, voice over acting is acting, so get yourself “into character.”

Start by thinking about “who” you should emulate in this script. Why is this person there and what should they do? What is their motivation? And what is their connection or relationship to the audience?

Although space is tight, use your hands as you would in a conversation. Just don’t bang the mic! Do what you need to do, including making noises a nd faces, to get into that character mode.

Who is your audience?

So, there you are, squished into a tight studio booth, and you’re alone, with no “Atta’ girl!” or applause. Turn on that active imagination and let it flow. Who’s listening and why do they care? Better yet, how do you, as a voice over talent, engage them and get them to care?

Who was the script writer thinking of as their target when the writer penned the masterpiece you get to voice? Can you envision a relative or friend as the one who will listen? Maybe it’s a celebrity or VIP or someone else who inspires you, or otherwise affects you.

Who do you know who feels like the target of the script? You will tell this person the story in the script and tell it like you mean it. If you get too “announcery,” this person would consider it a huge turn-off, right, and call you out?

How do you structure the read?

Put a pause, or put a breath, where it occurs naturally in the copy. You’d do this in a “normal conversation.” Maybe you want to add a contraction because the copy sounds too stilted. Most directors don’t mind this, but they don’t want you going too far off-script. That remains a no-no in any session as it seems disrespectful to the copy.

Show your magnetic personality, while adhering to that delivery that talks to your “person.” Don’t feel like you have to shout or use a loud voice. That can happen in front of the mic. Think “one-on-one,” sitting next to your “person” in their living room, talking intently and sincerely about something.

Where can you find help?

If developing a conversational read for commercial voice over feels like a high hurdle, get some help. Choose from the many experienced, talented voice over coaches available to help you, within your budget. But don’t rely on someone to do the work for you. Read, record, and listen. And do it again. Practice really does make perfect, and today’s super-successful voice over talents have read thousands of scripts.

You can do it. Just don’t over think it. And practice. More.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Choose a Medical Voice Over Talent

Voice Over Blog

Looking for a medical voice over talent? Maybe you work for one of the more than 6,000 hospitals in America. Maybe you aim for  the future phenomenal success of your newest life-changing medical device, or a new pharmaceutical medication. And now you need the very best health or medical narration voice over talent you can find for a video that can help achieve your goals. You want a professional voice talent who’s done this before, many times, and for whom long or difficult words or terms aren’t a challenge.

Why not start—and end—your search with someone who “speaks medical” for the very specific audience that will consider your video? You may have heard a certain voice over artist’s medical narration demo. You like it, but you wonder about a few things, as you should.

Know Health and Medical Industry Categories

You need a strong, experienced, knowledgeable medical narration voice talent, whether you’re seeking it for a:

  • Hospital or health system
  • Pharmaceutical company
  • Medical device developer and manufacturer
  • Health insurance company
  • Research laboratory
  • Health or medical association or organization

Ask Questions of Your Medical Voice Over Talent

  • How much experience do they have?
  • Will the product they deliver to you sound as good as what’s on their demo?
  • Can they read pages (and pages) of long-form copy, or are they better suited to commercial reads?
  • Do they understand this audience? If you’re a hospital or health system, you’re targeting consumers, or maybe you’re producing a training video on safe handling of medical waste. If you’re a medical device company, you may be targeting investors, or buyers including hospitals and physicians’ practices.
  • Does your talent have a quality, professional home studio, or will they need to go elsewhere to record—and you’ll foot the bill?
  • Who will edit your medical voiceover?

Know Your Medical Voice Over Talent’s History

You want someone who shows up in the booth well prepared to do your job. Why not look at the list of clients your talent has shown on their website—they should have a website—and reach out to one of them. You can ask, “How was it to work with this talent?” or “Did they understand your directions well and follow through on them?” Or ask “How was their pricing—was it competitive?”

Consider their time in the voice over industry.

You’ll feel so much more confident with someone who’s been doing voice over—successfully—for a longer time. This is true if you’re giving them medical narration copy. It’s not for beginners. These types of projects can sometimes require updates or changes, several months or a few years from the time of original recording. You want to be sure the talent you work with today, will also be the talent you work with later. You need help now when you need something “right away.”

Pay attention to their preparation.

You don’t want someone who walks in and hasn’t taken time to evaluate and mark the copy. Medical narration is particularly challenging, with multisyllabic words, and often, longer sentences because, well, the terminology is just lengthier, often with repeated complex words in a row. That’s not copy that can easily be delivered perfectly in one take without preparation. Your medical narration voice talent will need to read through the copy several times and be sure of pronunciation and syntax. It’s better to learn the correct way to pronounce now, than to put everyone through frustrating repeated mistakes and edits. A professional medical voice talent won’t be embarrassed to ask about something they don’t know right off the bat.

Think about who’s going to be listening.

Does your audience expect a male or female, someone young, in-between, or mature? Do you want no accent at all, or would a local or regional accent help deliver a more effective read? Do you want a talent with a higher pitch, or someone with a deep, commanding timbre?

Meanwhile, a voice over artist known for comedic reads may not be the best delivery for an audience of MDs or PhDs, for example. Leave that casual style for commercials or animation.

Choose the Best Medical Voice Over Talent

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a seasoned medical voice over talent who also has years of writing for the nation’s top health and medical publications and websites, as well as for hospitals and health systems? Who’s written for pharmaceutical companies, medical device developers and manufacturers? And who’s crafted copy for health insurance companies, research laboratories, and health or medical associations and organizations?

Because she’s written so much about medical careers, as a result, Steph understands the structure of those organizations, who does what and why. Therefore, she understands the specific language that is so definitive of healthcare and medicine in the 21st century. She’s interviewed hundreds of doctors and patients. Steph’s written so many of those longer and complex words and terms. Those may intimidate a less-experienced medical voice over talent.

Find a Medical Script Writer

In addition, while we’re on the subject, if you seek added value with your medical voice over talent, ask Stephanie to write your script because she’s done many. She’s a seasoned writer with 20 years’ experience in this art form, too.

Above all, for her, there’s just something about taking one of your most challenging health or medical scripts, and “knocking it out of the park.” She’ll do it efficiently, correctly, and sounding great, in her next recording session with you.