Turning water into wine isn’t only a task for miracle workers! Taking the ordinary and shocking the world with the extraordinary is what helps you raise eyebrows. So whether you need advice on grasping the attention of your audience or just want tips on how to turn your voiceover into something that will stand out to get you a recording assignment, look no further! Here we have a few steps on how to make your voice, namely your VO samples, as Barney Stinson would say, legend -wait for it- dary!
Let’s be clear on what ‘extraordinary’ actually means. As we all know the VO industry is growing (7.5% back in 2009 and still increasing), and as it grows more and more voice talents are battling it out to land jobs. After listening to endless demos of the same ordinary vibe, nothing stands out more than something different! Okay, so you have a great voice and you’ve sent in great excerpts of shampoo and car advertisements, but where is the pizzazz?
Well, here you are! This is the almighty step 1!
Take out a pen, paper, tablet, smart phone etch-a-sketch or whatever means of list preparation you have available! Jot down a list of voice deliveries you have! Here are a few examples to get you started:
– I can do children’s voices
– I can sing jingles
– I am really good at articulating at a fast pace
– I can do accents
– I do a great fake laugh
– I always get great reviews on hair advertisements
Things like this! Express that you possess variety!
Now for the not so almighty, but equally as important step 2!
Do research and find scripts suited to expose your different voice deliveries! Remember you always want to keep it well timed so make sure it’s short, sweet and ready to impress! Just make sure you don’t step too far out of the box, keep it professional as well. You never know exactly who will listen to your demos, so make sure to give a variety, don’t jump straight in with a singing number and close with a coffee commercial portraying your great Colombian accent!
And now step 3!
Record yourself! Show off your knowledge of editing software and make sure the quality of your recording is decent! Use your editing software to its full potential, showing knowledge in multiple elements of creating a VO demo is already a check mark on the road to impress! Make sure the audio quality is top notch. If you are not certain, ask around! Let audio engineers or just an experienced colleague listen to your demo and give you their feedback!
Always keep in mind that you want to impress! Don’t just be another apple to not fall far from the tree! You may be familiar with the new voice of Kraft Mac n Cheese, Ted Williams, but if not this is one voice that is definitely extraordinary and grasped the attention of the world! He is living proof that it’s the extraordinary voices that catch the attention or VO employers! Read his story here!
Still lacking inspiration? Check out this voice coaching video!
Let us know what steps you take to make your demos extraordinary!
Your comments below are appreciated !
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Some very good advice that I followed, a long time ago. Regarding Ted Williams, we have to remember, he has a unique voice, for sure, but, he was the beneficiary of being in the right place at the right time. He would’ve remained homeless and addicted had it not been for that video going viral, which created the human interest/sympathy story that got him the job offer from ESPN, initially, until he fell off the wagon. His success now, I admit, is because of his talent. But, he didn’t grind it out every day like the rest of us in the VO world, learning how to be an audio engineer and building a home studio within a meager budget. Performing-wise, I have many more years of experience than he does. I have also done the due diligence it takes to move forward. Marketing is something I’m trying to master, as well. I audition most every day, yet, I’d dearly love to catch the break Ted Williams did, without having to be homeless and addicted, of course. Am I jealous? Yes, I admit it, I am. Am I sympathetic with someone who has to deal with his addiction and recovery on a daily basis? Yes, absolutely. My question is, where do I go to catch the break Ted Williams did?
It is true that someone who seemed to be going down in life all of the sudden made it to the top! It’s unnerving for us VO talents who have worked and educated ourselves to where we are now! But let’s keep in mind a simple fact of life; not everyone hits the jackpot! As you said it is a question of the right place and the right time and fortunately for him he had the extraordinary golden voice to back him up!
I agree and coach and teach regarding finding and creating scripts that are uniquely for you. Howver, I sense that this post implies creating your own demo (I hope not). Yes, you will need a good sounding recording space, and you’ll have to learn how to operate that equipment or hire or team up with a real engineer. First, are you even ready to record this demo? Got a good coach/demo director? Listen to sample demos that they’ve produced. Do they all sound ‘cookie cutter’! Make sure that your personality shines through in your demo. Best of luck!
In an ideal world absolutely you need a coach, an experienced artistic director, but if you can’t afford to hire one get someone who listens and give you feedback. Some demos are just excerpts from previous recording jobs, that’s also a good path to follow. Best
Making a demo from actual work is a great idea – but only if the work is demo worthy. Just because you booked a gig and even got a copy, does not mean that it showcases you at your best. The copy wasn’t written for you, the direction may have been weak or non-existent, OR perhaps the client was just too easily satisfied, not knowing that there may have been a better take in you still. You want your demo to KICK ASS, as it will be up against some stiff competition. Showcase your best work! If the copy is good you can always re-record it, specifically as an element of your demo.
Great article, beautiful looking page.
I’m colombian, and have a great accent, also in english! 🙂
Congratulations.
Juan Cuevas.