I was thinking  recently  about something that Chuck Blore said in a workshop I attended a while back. He spoke of the listener,  and the fact that he/she will tune out  unless you (the Voice) conveys the message to that listener exactly “what’s in it for him/her”.

Clearly, the purpose of a voiceover is to connect with your audience, so number one, always know who your audience is. If you can’t figure it out from the words on the page, ask your producer or who hired you.

The reasons for a lack of connection usually happens within the mind set of the voiceover artist. If the voice actor doesn’t bond with the words and literally lift them off the page, then the listener certainly won’t connect fully with the message being told. Those who record alone in their home studios left to self-direct with no audience,  producer, or director to prompt you to remain connected to the vo, the layers and delivery can become a problem. And the end result, is mediocrity at best.

Ways to “Reconnect”
Remember that in  voiceover you’re not just reading the words. The words and the voice need to integrate to become a singular experience. After reading the script, turn it over, and say it from memory. What’s the gist? The mood? The melody of the copy, or the statement of facts modulating throughout?

Notice how some voiceovers sound utterly disconnected when they are “READING”? versus speaking? Or some just  aren’t believable when overly emote or even scream , supposedly getting the point across, when in fact, they’re forgetting what they’re supposed to be saying.

Being a Sales Person
When you’re doing voiceover, you’re a salesperson. You’ve been hired to sell the concept that you actually believe what you’re saying, so the listener will believe you. Believing in the words is critical. If you’re just going through the motions and flapping your gums, stop it! There’s no point if you’re not worth listening to.

Make Contact
Being alone all day in the studio talking to no-one in close proximity is a challenge, and you can make it fun. It’s make believe time to the ultimate degree, and it’s time to look into the eyes of your audience. Imaging where they are, what are they doing, and what they look like. You could post pictures in the booth to help. Imagine the mic is someone’s ear, and you’re speaking to that person, and then move closer to add intimacy and warmth. (watch your levels- no clipping please) Obviously the script must lend itself to this type of read/effect. Many national commercials do. You can also be farther back from the mic and still have an intimate style read. See what works for the copy.

Keep Going
,Remember that mistakes, stumbles, errant breaths, are all part of the process, and you can ruin every take if you are too judgemental and beat yourself up. Let the voice naturally  flow with those words you are giving voice to, and focus all energy into the read, and always keep your audience in sight. There are so many ways to phrase.

Chances are, it’ll sound great in playback. Then picking the best takes will be the goal.