{"id":20998,"date":"2022-06-19T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-19T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voice123.com\/blog\/?p=20998"},"modified":"2023-01-27T04:37:26","modified_gmt":"2023-01-27T12:37:26","slug":"most-out-of-a-voice-actor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voice123.com\/blog\/hiring-freelancers\/most-out-of-a-voice-actor\/","title":{"rendered":"How to get the most out of a voice actor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While Voice123<\/a> has a global roster of superlative talent, how to get the most out of a voice actor <\/em>is a question that our Customer Success team gets asked surprisingly frequently. Because there are so many variables in the recording equation, it’s not a simple question to answer either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider this…<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever had a new coworker step into your workplace, and work uncomfortably close to you? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by NESA by Makers<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not that you mind people in general, but they\u2019re new, they\u2019re shy, and maybe even inexperienced. It\u2019s a bit of teeth-pulling, hand-holding, and maybe something of a pain bringing them up to speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

True story, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But you bite the bullet, chug down your coffee and take the lead, hoping they\u2019re one of the keeners that learns quickly. But as you work through the process – heck, you realize it\u2019s a ton of work onboarding someone!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The business of onboarding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re familiar with such an experience (or can at least imagine it), remember to take the insights you’ve gained from it into the recording studio. Working with a voice actor for the first time is a little different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, if they\u2019re truly professional<\/a>, they will show their enthusiasm and keen attitude and provide value. Chances are they won\u2019t be shy, and they\u2019ll probably be experienced. But that doesn\u2019t mean there isn\u2019t work to be done! It can be a bit of a process, but with the right setup, most of the work can be taken care of. Then, it\u2019s all about creativity in the studio. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the fact that so many of us have adapted to working from our own space over the past couple of years, and voice actors working from their own studios has become the rule rather than the exception, the process of ‘onboarding’ your voice actor hasn’t really changed. Instead of a live in-studio prep, it’s virtual. The same rules of engagement apply. Let’s take a closer look at 5 steps to help you choose the best voice actor for your projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Choose your actor wisely<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo by Sandra Tenschert<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pick the right voice actor<\/a>. No – we’re not kidding. First and foremost, you have to find the right voice. So, what\u2019s right for you and your project? Only you can answer that. But if you know your project well \u2014 maybe it\u2019s an ad, a promo, or an eLearning video \u2014 you\u2019ll know what you’re looking for in your voice actor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Say, for example, an ad read for something exciting like the\u00a0Super Soaker<\/a>\u00a0collection. Naturally, you\u2019ll gravitate towards a voice actor who has an energetic and dramatic voice rather than a friendly and engaging kind of voice suitable for more conversational eLearning videos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking at voice actors, their profiles or bios will highlight what they\u2019re good at and what their voice is generally suited for. They may even say what they prefer. Voice123<\/a> offers an array of handy filters that can bring you as near as dammit to the voice you need – instantly! Give it a try, and you’ll instantly see what we mean. While many clients tend to shoot from the hip in the sense that they will ask for anything up to fifty auditions<\/a>, it’s sometimes better – especially if you’re pressed for time – to do the legwork yourself and find that perfect voice you need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure to listen to a variety of voice actors\u2019 samples, as well as the versatility and flexibility of their voices. The precise vocal tone you want may not be showcased in the first sample you listen to. Listening to several samples will also better inform you of what they actually sound like by providing you with a sound portrait. It\u2019s the best way to choose the right voice actor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Perfect the brief<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An essential part of a voice actor\u2019s work is the brief<\/a>. Consider what you want to convey to your audience. What kind of voice does your video demand\u2014young or old, male or\u00a0female? Get this right, and you\u2019re prepping your voice actor to fly! Getting the best out of them means preparing them to the best of your ability. And that means answering these questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n