The Art of Voice Acting: Tips from a Pro
Voice acting is one of the most mysterious, yet glorious forms of performance in the entertainment industry, but it is also not as easy as it looks. Whether you’re voicing a beloved animated character, narrating an audiobook, or lending your voice to a commercial, the power of the human voice can bring stories to life in ways that words alone never could – but ONLY if it’s done properly. If you’re looking to dive into the world of voice acting or elevate your existing skills, this blog will provide you with valuable tips from someone who is a working professional in this industry.
Working on multiple projects for clients all around the world, I have had the privilege of creating and collaborating with different companies from telephony and internal corporate videos, to medical eLearning to children’s audiobooks, to commercials, videogames and animation. I have learned a lot in my career and am still growing, but one thing’s for certain – I love my job and want to share some of the tips I’ve learned on my journey with other aspiring actors in the world looking to learn more about this crazy-cool industry I have the privilege to be a part of!
So, What is Voice Acting?
Even if people don’t know the terminology, EVERYONE has heard a voiceover at some point in their lives. Whether it’s the friendly voice guiding you through an on-hold message while you’re on the phone, the narrator in your favorite video game, or the instructor in an eLearning course teaching you a new skill—voiceovers are a constant presence in our daily experiences. From ads to audiobooks, animation to podcasts, these voices shape how we connect with stories, products, and information in ways we might not even realize.
So, what exactly is voice acting? It’s a question we get asked a lot as voice actors. In essence, we’re actors who use our voices as our instrument. Unlike traditional actors who can express emotion through body language and facial expressions, we rely solely on the power of our voices to bring characters to life and tell the story. Every tone, pitch, and pause plays a crucial role in conveying emotion and driving the narrative forward.
Voice acting involves providing the voice for characters in various media, including animated films, video games, commercials, radio, and audiobooks. Unlike traditional acting (like mentioned above), voice actors perform their roles without the benefit of physical presence, relying solely on their vocal range, tone, and emotional delivery. This means that voice acting demands a unique set of skills, from clear enunciation to the ability to convey emotion through sound alone. As a voice actor, you have to master your craft and become one with your microphone and your mentality!
1. Master Your Craft: Practice, Practice, Practice
Speaking of mastering your craft, one of the most important tips for aspiring voice actors is to never stop practicing. Like any other form of acting, voice acting requires constant growth, skill, and versatility. You need to be able to perform across various styles, tones, and character types. Whether you’re voicing a grumpy old man, a bubbly cartoon hero, or a villain with a dark secret, it’s essential to adapt your voice to match the character’s personality.
But beyond just nailing the voice, you also need to make your performance relatable. Authenticity is key and your audience should feel connected to your character. This is where working with a good coach can make all the difference, helping you refine your craft and bring genuine emotion to every performance.
Pro Tip:
Set aside time each day to practice different vocal exercises. Start by warming up your vocal cords with humming or tongue twisters, then work on breathing techniques, pitch control, and modulation. The more you practice, the more control you’ll gain over your voice. Something I like to do is a simple yawn to get the face, throat and chest muscles working for the task ahead!
2. Know Your Character Inside and Out
When approaching a voiceover role, it’s crucial to fully understand the character you’re portraying. A great voice actor breathes life into the character by aligning their vocal choices with the character’s personality, motivations, and backstory. Ask yourself questions like: What is the character doing? How do they feel about the person they’re talking to? Where are they?
These questions allow you to dive deeper into the character and bring out nuances that make your performance stand out. This is something I still work on myself every day, because there’s always something new to discover about each character. Remember, you’ll always find ways to bring your character to life, but you have to ask the right questions to unlock that magic!
Pro Tip:
If you’re provided with character breakdowns or scripts, take the time to really get into the character’s mindset. I know it’s tempting to rush through, but trust me – take your time. Keep asking questions! What’s their backstory? How do they feel in this moment? What emotions are they trying to convey? The more you can dig into their world and understand their motivations, the more depth and authenticity you’ll bring to your performance. This process might take time, but it’s what helps transform your voice from just sound into a character with real emotional weight
3. Understand the Importance of Pacing and Timing
Voice acting isn’t just about delivering lines, it’s about delivering them with the right pacing and timing. If you rush through lines too quickly or speak too slowly, you risk losing the emotional impact or comedic timing needed to make the scene work. Understanding when to pause, speed up, or slow down is a key element in creating a captivating performance. You want to capture your audience and let the story unfold from start to finish.
Pro Tip:
Listen to professional voice actors in your favorite shows or commercials. Notice how they vary their pacing to build tension, deliver punchlines, or give space for dramatic moments. Practice with different scripts to see if you can identify those key words and moments that need that extra care, love and devotion in your reads.
4. Develop Your Vocal Range and Flexibility
The beauty of voice acting is that you can portray a range of characters from a wide variety of backgrounds and personalities. To be successful in this field, it’s important to develop a versatile vocal range. The more voices you can perform – whether it’s different accents, tones, or characters, the more marketable you’ll be as a voice actor. Don’t get me wrong though, there are plenty of voice actors out there who making a great living with their beautiful, everyday voice. Do what works for you, but always be open to growing your skills.
Pro Tip:
Experiment with different voices by mimicking characters from movies, TV shows, or video games. Play with pitch, accent, rhythm, and tone to discover how you can alter your voice. Keep a recording device (aka your phone) handy to track your progress and experiment with new ideas. Have fun with it!
5. Record Your Voice and Listen Back
Recording your voice is an essential part of the process in voice acting. It’s not just about getting your lines down, it’s about evaluating your performance and recognizing areas for improvement. We all have unique rhythms in our speaking patterns, and listening back gives you the opportunity to hear what makes your voice distinctive. It’s also a chance to identify where you can grow. Whether it’s pacing, tone, or clarity, the more you listen and reflect, the better equipped you’ll be to continue honing your craft and making your performances stronger
Pro Tip:
Set up a basic recording space. This could be as simple as a quiet room and a decent microphone or even your phone if it’s all you have at the moment. Once you record your lines, listen back to identify areas where your tone, timing, or delivery could be improved. This self-reflection is essential for growth as a voice actor. You can also just record a conversation of you talking with a friend. This is really beneficial in learning the real you – which is what every casting director, agent and director out there really want. YOU!
6. Build Your Portfolio and Network
Like any other acting profession, voice acting requires you to build a solid portfolio of work. This includes recording demos for potential employers, networking with casting directors, and gaining experience in various voice acting jobs. The more you immerse yourself in the industry, the more opportunities you’ll have to showcase your talents.
Pro Tip:
Create a professional demo reel that showcases your best work, but don’t do it until you are 100% ready. Once you feel confident and get the green light from a trusted coach, then you can invest in a professional demo to promote yourself as a working voice actor. Include a variety of voices and styles to demonstrate your versatility. Don’t forget to network with industry professionals, attend workshops, and join online forums or groups for voice actors to expand your connections.
7. Take Care of Your Voice
As a voice actor, your voice is your most valuable asset, and taking care of it is essential. Just like a musician or athlete has to protect their instrument, we must prioritize our vocal health to avoid strain and injury. It can be tempting to push through long sessions, but don’t forget that your voice needs rest – especially after intense video game recordings or marathon audiobook sessions.
Don’t be a hero and push yourself too hard without breaks. Give your voice the care it deserves, and it’ll help you deliver your best performance, no matter how big the project.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to stay hydrated and rest your vocal cords between sessions. You can also practice vocal exercises to strengthen your voice and ensure longevity in your career. If you feel any discomfort, consult with a vocal coach or speech therapist to maintain the health of your voice. This is your career and you have to protect your instrument.
8. Embrace the Power of Emotion
If you haven’t already realized, voice acting is so much more than just speaking words. It’s about stirring emotion in your audience. Great voice actors have the power to evoke feelings with even the slightest change in tone or volume. Whether it’s excitement, sadness, anger, or joy, the secret lies in connecting deeply with the character’s emotions and letting them guide your performance. No matter what project you’re working on, always remember that your purpose is to bring the story to life. Trust yourself, feel the words on the page, and embrace the full power of your emotions
Pro Tip:
When you’re working on a character, try to embody their emotions before you even speak the first line. Imagine what it would feel like to be in that character’s shoes. This emotional preparation will bring authenticity and depth to your performance. It’s a lot of work, but I promise it will all be worth it in the end when you see everything come together.
Final Thoughts: The Path to Success in Voice Acting
Voice acting is an exciting and ever-growing field, and with dedication, practice, and the right mindset, you can excel in this industry. The most important thing is to never stop learning, keep experimenting with your voice, and always trust in your abilities. Embrace the power of storytelling through your voice, and remember that every rejection or mistake is an opportunity to grow and improve.
Another important thing to remember is that you are a part of a team, and team-work always makes the dream work.
Are you ready to start your journey in the world of voice acting? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, keep honing your skills, stay connected with the voice acting community, and most importantly, NEVER give up on your dreams.
BONUS: If you don’t know how to begin your career as an entertainer, you can always start creating your own content on YouTube like I did for Simply Shannon Entertainment, LLC. It can be a space for you to have fun, let go and create something magical for others to see. It will also allow you to connect with more people all around the world!
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start chasing your dreams. Happy voice acting my friend!
If you are searching for a female voice for your next project, please feel free to reach out at thatgirl@simplyshannonscott.com or request a quote.
Wishing you lots of success and happiness in all you do.
