Breaking into the voice over industry can be exciting yet daunting. You’re ready to start, but how do you actually get better? How do you refine your skills and stand out in a competitive market? One of the best ways to improve is by listening, watching, and replicating successful voice overs.
Study Commercials to Improve Your Voice Over Skills
One of the easiest and most effective ways to hone your voice over skills is by watching commercials. Pay close attention to what the voice actor is doing. Analyze their tone, pace, and emotional delivery. Ask yourself these key questions:
• How does the voice actor sound?
• What emotions are they bringing to the table?
• Is the voice over loud or soft?
• Does the actor sound happy, sad, authoritative, or are they playing a character?
• Is the commercial funny? If so, why? Is it because the actor is laughing, or is the humor in the words?
By dissecting how professionals approach their work, you can start to understand what makes a voice over effective. Then, head into your studio and try to replicate what you heard.
Practice Different Styles to Become a Better Voice Over Artist
Once you’ve analyzed commercials, it’s time to put it into practice. Can you match the delivery of the voice actor? Try to recreate spots across different genres—whether it’s a heartfelt charity ad, a humorous commercial, or a corporate video. Each type will require different emotional deliveries, tones, and pacing.
I used to listen to the radio all the time when I was commuting to work, back when I was a radio host for Qmusic Belgium. I’d constantly ask myself: Is this a good commercial? Does it resonate with me and why? What can I learn from it? This daily practice helped me refine my ear for what works in a voice over.
Learn by Replicating What You Hear
If you hear something that resonates with you—whether on TV, YouTube, or the radio—ask yourself why it works. What is the actor doing that’s so effective? Try replicating it in your own recording studio. You’ll quickly learn where you need improvement and what comes naturally to you.
Final Thoughts on How to Improve Your Voice Over Skills
Improving your voice over skills takes time and practice. By actively listening to professional voice overs, analyzing their delivery, and practicing different genres, you can grow as a voice actor. Keep experimenting, keep learning, and remember to always push yourself to do better. Eventually, you’ll find your own unique voice and style.
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