Ready to shine in your next commercial voiceover audition? Want to know how to beat the competition? We’re here to share the four key factors that will make your auditions jump from good to irresistible.
In the last round of commercial voiceover auditions, thousands of talented actors are trying to get a few spots. How do you stand out?
It’s not just about having the right sound or acting well. There’s more to it. The “intangibles”– those special things that make you different- are key.
Don’t worry! We’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll cover the four key factors for a great commercial voiceover audition. The best part? You can do these steps in just 10-15 minutes, so you use your audition time well.
Ready to make your voice sparkle? Let’s get started!
Study the Script
One big tip for voiceover auditions is to really get to know the script. Knowing the script well helps you act convincingly. It grabs the audience’s attention, crucial in today’s short attention spans. (Statistics source: Studies show 38 percent of a message comes from your tone of voice.)
Good voice actors keep their 15-second lines clear and easy to understand. They use questions and talk like in a chat to keep the message strong. Don’t start slow; think of it like writing a catchy headline. (Statistics source: Around 60 percent of a recent survey’s respondents think good sound quality is key in hiring a voice actor.)
When you’re learning the script, watch for changes in feelings and the story’s flow. Stories from commercials often have 2-5 moments that change emotion. They usually go from a problem to a happy solution. By getting how the script’s feelings change, you can do your job much better. (First source: 8 Tips to Perfect Your Voice Over Audition)
The script might also have details like who or what it’s for, how it should sound, and more. Knowing this helps you act just like the client wants. Voice actors get paid different amounts, based on things like how many people hear it and if they’re in a union. (Statistics source: Rates change due to audience, how long the voice is used, etc. Union actors often get more money.)
It’s good to work with the same voice actors for a long time. This helps your brand sound the same, which is great. Agents help pick the right voice actor, maybe someone who’s worked on similar things. They also help you change the script to be even better. (Statistics source: Long relationships with voice actors help keep a consistent brand sound.)
For your audition, really understanding the script is important. Spend time studying it. Know the story, emotions, and all the important stuff. This lets you show your skills well. (Statistics source: Good voiceover is crucial in successful projects.)
Vocal Warmups
Before you start your voiceover audition, it’s key to warm up your voice. Do lip trills and tongue twisters to get your face muscles moving. These warmups are a must to get your voice ready. They help make your lines sound clear and confident.
Voice actors often perform alone in auditions. It can be tough to imagine your scene partner. Reading out loud boosts your acting skills. It makes you better at performing by yourself. This way, you prepare your voice for any role.
When you audition for a voiceover job, reading difficult texts can help. Try “Mastering Shakespeare: An Acting Class in Seven Scenes” by Scott Kaiser. It sharpens your acting and storytelling skills for the audition. Also, being early for your audition lets you warm up and focus.
Physicality in voice acting can make you stand out in auditions. It’s about more than just your voice. Try showing a different side of the character. This shows off your flexibility as an actor. Casting directors might really notice you this way.
Excellent voice acting exercises are recommended to warm up your voice. Try The Humming Exercise, Straw Phonation, and others. They boost your range, making you a better voice actor. These exercises help your voice sound better and feel stronger.
Use these vocal warmups and exercises before your audition. They can lift your performance and chance at getting the part. By showing off your well-practiced voice, you stand out to those who choose the actors.
Get into Character
To do well in a voiceover audition, getting into character is key. Voice artists should dive deep into their roles. They need to really become their character. Here’s how you can make them come alive:
Craft a Backstory
Creating a backstory for your character is important, like in movies or on TV. This means knowing why they act the way they do and what they’ve been through. It helps you make your performance feel real. So, spend time figuring out who your character is.
Grasp the Nuances
It’s the small things that make your character stand out. A casting director notes that once you own a character’s voice, it sticks with you. So, nail down the unique things about how they talk, like their accent or any special quirks.
Adapt to the Visuals
Seeing the character can help you voice them better. Sometimes, the way a character looks can suggest how they should sound. So, if you see a picture of your character, let it guide how you voice them. This makes your performance more believable.
Practice Vocal Versatility
Being able to do many different voices is crucial. Warner Entertainment says it can get you more work in cartoons and such. Usually, you might need to do a few voices for one job. So, keep practicing new ways to use your voice. This makes you ready for a variety of roles.
For a voiceover audition, knowing your character inside and out is a must. Make up a backstory, pick out the special things about them, match their voice to their looks, and practice different voices. Doing these things makes your performance really stand out. And that’s what casting directors notice.
Act it Out
Once you’ve learned your script and warmed up, it’s time to act. Acting well is key to voiceover jobs. You need to sound like you’re really there, connecting with the listeners.
Remember, people can’t see you when you perform a voiceover. It’s all in your voice to show feelings and grab their attention. Let your voice bring the character to life with its traits, mood, and goals.
Physical acting also helps your voice work. Your face and body can show what your character feels and does. Doing this makes your voice sound real and brings a better performance.
Feel free to go big with your character’s expressions and moves. Since no one sees you act, you have the freedom to go wild. This shows your diverse skills as a voiceover talent.
Really get into your character and let your physical actions help your voice. This way, your audition will be hard to forget.
Follow Directions
For voiceover auditions, following directions is key to success. This is true whether you’re trying out online or in-person. It’s essential to follow the given instructions closely. Doing this shows you’re professional and can meet the project’s needs well.
Ignoring the technical side of voiceover work can lead to mistakes. You might want to jump right into auditions, but it won’t help much. It’s better to take your time learning about voice acting. Also, get training from a voiceover coach.
Hiring a coach can really help you get further in the voiceover world fast. Even if you’re skilled, coaching can make you better. It helps you keep your skills sharp and stay updated with the latest industry trends.
Today, it’s easier to record quality audio thanks to new technology. But, having a good microphone and setup is a must. Without the right gear, you might not do well in auditions. Remember, your recording levels should be between -12db and -9db to sound good.
Knowing how to record and deliver audio files is also very important. Learn about recording software and how to use it. Put markers in your auditions to make editing and polishing the audio easier.
Efficient auditioning is crucial for all voice talents. Many actors submit their auditions online through platforms like Voices. Some submit more than 15 auditions every week. The best voice actors might do even more. To be productive, it’s good to “chunk” your auditions, grouping similar tasks together.
So, for a voiceover audition, first study the script and warm up your voice. Get into character and really act it out. But, above all, follow the given directions. This is vital for any audition. It shows you are professional and versatile in the voiceover world.
Briefly Slate in Character
Start your voiceover audition with a brief slate introduction. Tell them who you are and what character you’re playing. It helps the casting director get to know you and your role.
Make your slate short and stay in character. This way, the casting director can see how well you fit the part. It also helps them remember you for the role.
Voiceover slating has mixed views. Some think it’s good, some don’t, and others like it in character. Everyone has their own way. So, do what feels right for that audition.
At a voiceover conference, the talk on slating was all over. Some said yes, some said in character, and some said no. The key is to do what the director or platform asks.
A clear and good slate can improve your voiceover chances. It makes the director picture you in the part. It also shows your voice acting skills.
Voices.com says no slates for their auditions. Make sure to read and follow all the rules on every platform.
If you’re not sure on slating, ask for advice. It’s best to know what each audition requires.
Another good thing about slating is for your name. It helps others say your name right. A good slate makes sure they know your name clearly.
To wrap up, slate shortly in character at your voiceover audition’s start. It gives the casting director needed info and helps you stand out. Remember, follow the rules for each audition you do.
Make Multiple Takes
Having many takes might be better than just a few in a voiceover audition. When sending to auditions, pick your best take to show casting directors. If the script lets you, send a few takes to show you can do more. This might help you stand out.
Doing auditions online means you can take many tries. You can try different ways the character might sound. This shows how well you can change your voice and act like the character needs.
If you’re in an audition room, keep your tries to just two. This makes things simpler for everyone. It means the person watching won’t have too much to look at.
For each line in the script, it’s good to send two or three takes. This gives them options but not too many. Two takes for each line makes it easy for them to choose.
When you send your final takes, pick the best from each one. This makes your audition sound smooth and shows off your best work. It shows how well you can make the character your own.
Showing different takes can prove your skill in voiceover work. It shows you have many talents. This could get the attention of the people hiring. It might even help you get more jobs doing voiceovers for commercials.
Be Efficient, Don’t Waste Time
Being efficient is very important in voiceover auditions. To do well and build your career, make good use of your time and submit many auditions.
It’s said that voice actors who send out 15 or more auditions a week are more likely to get jobs. The right amount of auditions weekly is 15-20. But, the best actors send even more.
Setting goals for how many auditions you submit is key. It keeps you focused and helps you get more jobs.
For auditions, aim to spend about 5 minutes on each, but some do it in just 2. Being ready with the script and giving a strong performance quickly is crucial.
The quality of your recording is also vital. Make sure it meets industry standards to not miss out on jobs. Use the right equipment and watch out for common audio problems.
Juggling tasks can also boost your efficiency. Editing several auditions at once can be a big time-saver. And, using markers and presets keeps things organized.
Getting better at auditioning means you’ll be faster and more effective. With more practice, preparing and sending in auditions becomes smoother.
After you send in an audition, move on. Worrying too much about past auditions wastes time. Focus on finding new chances to audition.
Keep learning to stay top in the field. Classes like voiceover coaching and improv can really help improve your skills. They’ll put you ahead of others.
Being efficient with your time helps you win more voiceover jobs. So, have clear goals, keep organized, and continue sending in auditions. You’re on your way to a great career in voiceover.
Knowing Your Audience and the Commercial Types
Before you step in the recording booth for a voiceover audition, understand your audience. Know what kind of commercial it is. Make sure your style matches what the viewers like. This way, you might do better. Different commercials need different ways of speaking. Knowing this can help you do well.
Understanding Your Commercial Audience
For voiceover auditions, knowing who’s listening is super important. 38 percent of a message comes from how your voice sounds. So, figure out who will listen. Understand what they like. This helps you talk to them in a way they will understand.
In hard-sell ads, you hear a lot of men’s voices. These ads want you to buy something right away. They make you feel like you need it now. Soft-sell ads are different. They are more calm and talk like you’re having a chat. They want to gain your trust. This is for ads that want older, smarter viewers.
The Different Commercial Types
Commercials take on lots of shapes. Each one needs a different voiceover style. Some popular types are:
- Hard Sell: Loud with lots of energy. They hurry you into buying something.
- Soft Sell: They’re more laid back. They tell stories. They want you to like the brand over time.
- Testimonials: Real people share their love for a product or service. The voiceover should sound genuine. This makes the ads more believable.
Knowing what each type wants helps in your audition. It makes you better at speaking for the brand. Plus, it helps you connect with the people who will hear the ad.
Getting a voiceover role is more than just having a great voice. It’s about knowing who you’re talking to and the ad’s goal. Work on these skills. Learn how to approach different ads. This can make you really good in the voiceover world.
Getting the Translation Right and Working With Voice Talents
When doing voiceover auditions for commercials, getting the script right is key. Translators need to carefully change the text to fit the video’s timing and look. This makes the whole thing gel together well, making it interesting for the audience.
Talented voice actors help the translated script jump off the page. They add feelings and character, getting strong reactions from people.
Voice actors, directors, and producers work together closely to get a great voiceover. This makes the message hit just right for the listeners. It also shows off the actors’ skills, making the whole thing a hit with the audience.
It’s good to have the translator at the recording session for any commercial project. This way, they can change things on the spot to fix mistakes. Also, consider using transcreation. It can make the translation even better, keeping everything aligned with the video.