6 Mistakes Voiceover Actors Make And How To Avoid Them

Don’t be mistaken for thinking audio components are less important than visuals. Remember that in the field of advertising, voiceover actors are as valuable as the content of their material. Voiceover actors play a significant role in capturing stories with the right blend of emotions to keep listeners wanting to hear more.

That said, bad audio quality is the last thing you have in mind. However, there are instances where the voiceover actor makes mistakes that render their efforts to produce an excellent audio recording. This article discusses some of them and what you can do to avoid them.

Use Of Wrong Equipment

The worst thing to happen to a voiceover actor is producing low-quality sounds. It ultimately reduces professionalism and the interest and attention a listener gives to the audio. Hence, whether you’re a male or female voice actor, choosing the best equipment to achieve a great sound is crucial. Remember, using the wrong equipment can instantly affect your work and output.

For example, if you use the internal microphone of your desktop for a recording, it can pick up background noises that may interfere with your audio. This can produce an unpleasant and unprofessional recording.

To prevent this, look for voiceover studios or invest in high-quality voiceover equipment such as a microphone, headphones, and pop-screen. Besides this, it’s best to use premium recording and editing voice software to produce the best sound possible.

Lack Of Proper Soundproof

As a voiceover actor, you don’t want interferences in your voiceovers. You wouldn’t be able to control this if you don’t correctly soundproof your space. In addition, most voiceover actors neglect the importance of soundproofing their space; they just proceed with their recordings. This will surely affect the quality of the audio produced. Thus, to prevent this, you need to invest in soundproofing materials like soundproofing blankets and acoustic panels. Try these and see the magic they would do for you.

Use Of Wrong Tone

The tone you would use for a voiceover recording depends on the message you are trying to pass across. If you are telling a sad story, your tone should set the mood and atmosphere for the listener. In a sense, you’re translating the story and the emotions through your voice. This makes it more real and alive to the listeners.

Some voiceover actors go ahead to record without actually setting the best tone. For example, imagine you want to portray a sage giving out advice or telling a story to young ones. Would a childish animated or cartoon voice be appropriate? Definitely not! It doesn’t fit into the picture you’re painting. Therefore, to avoid this, take your time to look into the message you want to pass and use the best tone for it.

Pitching Yourself Before You Are Ready

This is one common mistake often made by voiceover actors. Maybe after your first trial at voiceover recordings, you get too excited at the outcome and start pitching yourself. There are many grounds to gain; until you fine-tune your work, you should stay low and keep learning.

Agents want to ensure that you provide recordings up to standard before they can start giving you jobs. Hence, you must ensure strong quality reels and demos before putting your work out for agents. Moreover, it’s best to do your research and follow up professionally. You will help you get the best deals.

Failure To Identify The Target Audience

Voiceovers are meant to be engaging. They are supposed to occupy the listener’s thoughts, imaginations, and emotions. Most voiceover actors often forget this and their target audience. This often results in non-conversational language or improper approach, which may appeal to some listeners as adverse or boring.

Therefore, whenever you’re writing your script, remember your target audience. Through this, you’ll be more aware of your choice of words and how they should sound as if you are directly communicating to your listeners. Moreover, you can engage your listeners and directly appeal to them through a first- or second-person point of view. Likewise, you’ll know which registers and jargon to use so your message will be more relatable to them.

Losing Consciousness Of Time

If you are doing a voiceover recording for a video, you must ensure that your words are in line with the display per second. Some voiceover actor makes their recordings without putting the scenes on-screen per time in mind. This makes it challenging and confusing for the audience to watch, listen, and understand. Hence, it’s best to properly understand the pace and timing of the material you’re working with.

Conclusion

These are some of the mistakes that may seem minor but could significantly affect the quality of your production. Therefore, ensure to put things in place even before you start recording. Doing so can save you from trouble, like having to redo the voiceovers. As a voiceover actor, your aim should be the best quality possible and nothing less.

Author Profile

Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com