ALL ABOUT NARRATORS
Narration Voice Over is one of the top genres to do in the aspects of voiceover as a whole. If you are searching for a narrator to give your project a professional edge, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you need an audiobook narrator to bring the pages of your book to life, a narrator to guide learners through eLearning content, or a narrator to bring an extra layer of context to a documentary film, these voiceover professionals are just what you need.
Narrators voice a broad range of projects, including podcasts, medical shows, museum tours, and more. A narrator’s goal isn’t to sell a product but to deliver a message and provide context to video and other media through the power of voice. Narrators can be used in almost any voiceover application to inform, entertain, and keep audiences dialed in for hours at a time. These voice actors are not only experts at telling a story, but they imbue a sense of trustworthiness and familiarity with their confident yet conversational tone.
Voiceover plays an integral role in influencing emotion. After all, the human voice carries meaning and intent in every spoken word, making it one of the most effective ways to communicate. Narration rarely takes a backseat in video production, advertising, or when used in any other media. In many cases, voice is used to drive home the message, to persuade or engage, or to drive the audience to action. For instance, a political documentary narrator harnesses the expressive power of their voice to not only inform viewers and provide necessary context but also to inspire the audience to think differently and take action where they can. An audiobook narrator, on the other hand, may use warm and conversational vocal qualities intended to keep listeners hanging on to every word, fostering a connection that spans throughout the entire audiobook.
Narration is more than a voice reading words off a page. A narrator’s ability to deliver a conversational read that sounds effortless is an acquired skill honed through countless hours in the studio, voicing an array of narration projects, from explainer videos to presentations and everything in between. As successful narrators, these professional voice actors know how to break down a script to deliver a performance that captivates their audience using pacing, emotion, and tone to get the message across in a digestible format that audiences can relate to.
When it comes to hiring a narrator for your project, consider the run time or word count of your project to ensure you work with a voiceover professional who is best suited for the task. For example, while audiobook narration and documentary narration both require a skilled narrator capable of delivering a compelling read, their needs can be quite different. Compared to a documentary film, an audiobook project requires much longer hours in the studio — meaning stamina and consistency in reading over a long period, even over weeks or months, is critical. Because narration projects do tend to vary so widely, many narrators often choose to focus on a niche and will tag their demos accordingly. By using the search feature on Voices, you can listen to demos that fit what you’re looking for, so you can find the right experienced narrator for your project in no time.
Not only is it important to hire a narrator who is experienced in the style of narration your project requires, but it is also important to consider how the narrator fits the project itself. For example, a deadpan or overly animated style of reading would not be well suited for a project like an audiobook or long-form e-learning content that requires a listener’s attention for hours at a time. Instead, opt for a narrator who is articulate, warm, and authentic in style or who best fits your creative direction.
No matter the type of narration your project requires, you can find what you’re looking for on Voices. Browse our narrator’s voiceover demos to find the right sound for your project, and get started today.
Voiceover narration is used in presentations, commercials, radio programs, webinars, podcasts, explainer videos, and social media apps like TikTok. Voiceover narration can also be used for educational purposes and e-learning. In addition, there’s a special type of narration called audiobook narration, typically used for narrating audiobooks.
Depending on the content of the video, narrators can describe, explain, highlight, or provide the audience with additional information. There are two main types of voiceovers: human voiceover artists and text-to-speech (TTS) narration.
SKILLS REQUIRED FOR VOICE NARRATION
Becoming a professional voice narrator requires a range of skills. First and foremost, you need exceptional oral communication skills. Clear diction, proper pronunciation, and effective delivery are crucial for engaging listeners. A well-modulated voice with the ability to convey emotions convincingly is also essential. This is where having the best voice can set you apart.
Furthermore, developing your acting skills is pivotal in becoming a top-notch voice narrator. The ability to create distinct character voices, evoke emotions, and maintain consistent energy throughout the narration will set you apart from the competition. Voice narrators are like actors behind the microphone, using their voice as a tool to bring the story to life. It’s about capturing the voice of the narrator in every tale.
Additionally, having a good understanding of pacing, timing, and the ability to interpret and understand different types of scripts is essential for delivering captivating voiceover performances. Each script requires a unique approach, whether it’s a fast-paced action scene or a heartfelt monologue. It is where understanding the nuances of the narrator’s voice becomes crucial.
Moreover, being adaptable and versatile is crucial in the voice narration industry. Voice narrators often work across various genres and mediums, from audiobooks to video games. The ability to adapt your voice and style to suit different projects will make you a sought-after professional in the field. This adaptability can lead to numerous voice narrator jobs in diverse sectors.
MASTERING DIFFERENT NARRATION STYLES
Versatility is key for a professional voice narrator. Let’s explore the different narration styles you may encounter.
When it comes to audiobook narration, it’s not just about reading the words on the page. It’s about bringing characters and stories to life purely through your voice. Each character should have a distinct voice and personality, enabling listeners to differentiate between them.
Whether it’s a gruff and rugged detective or a sweet and innocent child, your ability to embody these characters is what makes the story come alive. And it’s not just about the voices. It’s also about the emotions. Mastering this style requires the ability to maintain consistency throughout long recording sessions and effectively convey the emotions of the story, whether it’s joy, sadness, or suspense.
Documentary narration, on the other hand, is a different ballgame. It involves conveying factual information engagingly and authoritatively. You are the voice that guides viewers through the journey of discovery, providing them with valuable insights and knowledge.
The key is to strike a balance between being informative and captivating, ensuring that viewers stay engaged throughout the documentary. It’s not just about reciting facts but about adding your personal touch to make the information come alive. Your voice should have a sense of authority and credibility, making viewers trust in what you’re saying. Commercial narration is all about selling a product or service. It requires the ability to persuade and captivate listeners in a short period. In this genre, every word count. Voice narrators need to use a tone appropriate for the message they are delivering in order to properly explain the features and advantages of a commodity or service.
Whether it’s a high-energy and enthusiastic tone for a sports car commercial or a soothing and comforting tone for a relaxation app, your voice should be able to grab the attention of the audience and make them believe in what you’re selling. It’s about creating a connection with the listeners and making them feel like they need what you’re offering.
GETTING GREAT NARRATION – WHERE TO LOOK
Consider adding narration if you’ve created a video or a presentation. Here are a few different ways you can add narration to your video:
Record your voice: If you feel you have voice talent, you can be your narrator. Content creators on YouTube and TikTok usually record their voices for their videos. However, if you want to use your voice for the narration, you will need to know how to record, edit, and upload it. Not to mention that you need to have a high-quality microphone and audio software.
The right equipment and voice are more important than you think. If you need the right voiceover or if the sound is low-quality, it will impact your views and engagement.
Hire a professional voice actor: Only some have a good voice for narration, and that’s okay. That’s why professional voice actors are for hire. If you’re prepared to make this step, ensure to hire a voice actor with experience.
There are many voiceover narrators to choose from, but you’ll need to find one with a voice that matches your content. It’s best to look for a professional voice actor with a wide vocal range.
Voice actors are usually hired for larger projects like audiobook adaptations or important videos that will reach a wider audience. There’s no need to take this step for school projects, presentations, and similar video productions.