Voice acting. Lots of people want to try it, few ever do.
Many people think voice acting is about accents, impressions, and funny voices.
But it’s so much more.
After months of online study and research, classes, and private lessons, I’m still learning more and more each day. And the one thing that stands out the most is this: accents, impressions, and funny voices are only part of it.
First off, there are several kinds of voice acting work which each require a different set of skills. These areas include:
- Animation
- ADR
- Commercial
- Corporate
- Dubbing
- Narration
- Video Games
When most people consider voice acting, their first thoughts go straight to animation and/or video games. But some of the most plentiful work is in all of those other areas. Most voice actors spend the greater part of their day using their own voice.
So how is that different from just talking?
Voice actors have to focus on aspects of speech that ordinary people don’t think about when they’re in an everyday conversation:
- Enunciation
- Timing
- Intonation
- Subtext
- Emotional context
- Vocal placement
- Energy levels
- Microphone technique
- Texture
- Volume
- Pitch
On top of that, voice acting works out the entire body. Voice over talents manipulate their breath, core muscles, and posture to produce the desired effect. But they also have to be aware of all the tiny muscles of the face, neck, and throat. Even the slightest shift in these areas can completely change the sound of any given line. When I’ve finished a full day of recording, I’m sweaty, exhausted, and don’t want to speak to anyone about anything for at least two hours.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ditrie Marie Bowie 