Finding your voice

As with singers, voiceover artists often specialise in a specific genre. Pursuit of a particular specialty might be decided on a passionate preference or be dictated by the strengths and/or limitations of the artist’s skills, talent or voice profile.

Commercial voiceovers are used in the commercial advertisements we hear incessantly aired over our radio and television networks and the internet. This genre can be serviced by various read styles, one of which will usually be preselected by the author of the copy, according to the subject matter.

Corporate voiceovers are commonly used in video presentations for in-house training programs, instructional videos or pre-recorded directives for clientele.

Narration is typically used for voicing documentaries and e-books. Narrating for e-books can be challenging where it involves playing all character roles within a novel.

Promo is the genre employed for promotions of broadcasting networks or their forthcoming programs.

Trailer is a species of promo originating from the cinema industry. Its name depicts the traditional practice of trailing promotions for forthcoming films immediately after the viewing of a feature film. Ironically, trailers now typically precede the showing of the feature film and are often aired on television in promotion of cinema attendance.

Character is used within commercial advertising and involves acting out a specific character role. It may involve the use of acquired foreign accents.

Animation is specifically used for the voicing of a cartoons and video and computer games. It is a specialised form of voice acting not dissimilar in nature to the Character genre.

Artists entering the industry usually attempt to cover the entire gamut of genres as they search out their niche in the marketplace. But spreading oneself too broadly can eventually lead to an artist becoming seen as a Jack of all but master of none. Established artists will often specialise in a one or two genres in order to master the specific skill sets peculiar to that area of voiceover. Being a specialist raises the profile of the artist and furthers their likelihood of becoming known as the ‘go to’ person of choice within a particular field.