Want to get the best from your voiceover talent? Discover six expert tips for directing voice actors, from script prep to clear feedback, for smoother sessions, professional voice over results, and recordings that truly connect with your audience.
Fully preparing and proofreading your script before the recording session will help avoid unnecessary delays or the need to schedule retakes.
Verifying script timing ahead of the session will ensure that the recording fits ad slots and any accompanying visual content.
Voice actors will be better prepared if clients provide them with a time-coded script that highlights visual cues and other pacing requirements.
The more details you can give the voice actor, from character history to storyboards, video drafts, and examples of similar voice overs, the more confident and prepared they will be.
Prepping yourself and everyone involved in the recording well in advance helps create a more relaxed, positive environment during the recording itself.
Always schedule enough time to record several different takes of each section of the script.
Directing voiceover talent is easier when you follow a few simple steps.
These include setting clear expectations and giving concrete feedback, all while creating an environment where collaboration can thrive.
Voiceover artists all have different styles, and as the voice director, it’s your responsibility to make sure everyone has what they need and is prepared for a successful recording session.
So, read on.
Whether you’re working in person or on a live call, the 6 proven tips in this article will help you get the performance you’re looking for, turning your copy into an audio work of art!
1. Why is script preparation important before the session?
Script preparation is important because it minimizes pronunciation and/or direction errors a voice actor can make during the recording, and reduces back and forth due to script changes after-the-fact.
Make sure to comprehensively review your script and remove any imperfections before the session.
Otherwise, you may end up wasting the time of everyone involved.
The way you format a script will affect how it’s perceived by your voiceover talent.
New changes may need to be approved by a variety of stakeholders, leading to a time-consuming back and forth and a rescheduled session.
The voiceactor should have all the information they need as soon as you get started.
Along with basic editing and proofreading, it’s also important to clarify anything that could be ambiguous.
Use your smartphone to record pronunciations for unusual names, places, abbreviations, proprietary terms, and other uncommon words.
2. Why is verifying timing necessary when directing voiceover talent?
Voice over work is often tied to time constraints like ad slots and accompanying visual content.
If the voice over is for a timed spot, read it yourself before the session to make sure it hits your target.
You should also prep a time-coded script for the actor’s reference.
Time coding involves matching up each section of the script to a specific time.
For example, you might list the time markers for visual cuts that need to be aligned with specific parts of the script.
According to research from Barusch College, the average English speaker speaks at roughly 150 words per minute, so a 30-second ad slot is enough time for around 75 spoken words.
Of course, the actual speech rate will vary depending on the style of content and the professional voiceactor you work with.
3. What does the voice actor need to know before the session?
Your script may not be enough to communicate your expectations on its own.
Remember that the voice actor won’t have as much context regarding your project goals.
You’ll need to provide guidance and background information to help them match what you’re looking for.
For example, let’s say they’re recording lines for a character in a TV show.
On top of the script itself, they’ll need some details about the character‘s history, motivations, and relationships to other characters.
Some directors supplement that basic information with storyboards, video drafts, or examples of similar voice overs.
If there’s anything that stood out to you in their audition tape, make sure to let them know so they can focus on that during the actual session.
The more details you can offer, the easier it will be for them to fine-tune their style based on your goals.
4. Why does a positive atmosphere matter?
Vocal recording sessions can become tense surprisingly quickly.
The client is looking for the perfect take, the artist is anxious to do a good job, and both sides have their own deadlines and other priorities to consider.
Breaking up that tension will lead to a better recording and make the actor want to work with you again in the future.
If you need them to adjust their approach, remember to offer positive feedback along with any constructive criticism.
Don’t forget to give them enough space to ask their own questions about your ideas for the recording.
Of course, it’s easier to be positive and relaxed when you’ve ironed out timing, typos, and other issues before the session.
5. How can you be specific with your voiceover feedback?
Having a clear idea in your head is one thing, but getting someone else to understand that idea is another.
In fact, understanding the client’s expectations is one of the most difficult aspects of voice over work.
But clear, constructive feedback is crucial to ensuring the recording is a success… and doesn’t involve three days of pickups!
And if you’re not sure of the exact words to use in your feedback, just read the script out loud. It is often the best way to demonstrate what you have in mind.
6. Why should you try more ideas in a voice over session?
You’ll have your own ideas and expectations for the project, but remember that voice actors offer unique experience and insights.
Make sure to schedule enough time to record several takes of each section of the script.
You should also have some extra time to experiment with any inspiration that comes to you or the actor during the session.
Don’t hesitate to make edits to the script if you come up with anything that may be more effective than the original idea.
You can always mix and match takes at the end, so don’t worry about getting everything right on the first try.
If you have any agents, engineers, or other people on the call, see if they can offer any other suggestions.
These professionals are regularly involved in voice over work and may provide a unique perspective on the script or delivery.
Final words
Directing voiceover talent is a challenge, and it takes time to feel more comfortable with the process of writing a script, recording audio, and editing into a final product.
Fortunately, you can make the job easier by preparing in advance and setting clear expectations.
These tips will help you avoid common mistakes and lead more fruitful recording sessions.
Maintaining a positive atmosphere while offering specific feedback and staying open to new ideas will go a long way toward making your next project a resounding success.
Did you like this article? Have any questions or other ideas? Leave a comment below.
FAQS
How can I be a good voiceover director?
Prepare for each recording session in advance.
That means comprehensively checking the script and ensuring your voice actors have all the information they need.
Be clear in how you communicate your expectations and in the feedback that you give during the recording, and make the effort to create a positive working environment.
What should you check when preparing a voiceover script?
Review your script for typos, confusing or overly long sentences, ambiguous wording, and anything else that stops it from flowing naturally.
Record difficult place names, proprietary terms, and other uncommon words on your smartphone as a reference guide for you and the voice actor.
What are common mistakes when directing voiceover talent?
Common mistakes when directing voiceover talent include not preparing voice actors enough ahead of time, being unclear about how you want the voiceover to sound, providing vague feedback, and not time-coding the script.
What is a time-coded script?
A time-coded script is a script where each section is given a specific timestamp, so the timing stays clear.
For example, a voiceover for a TV ad may need to be aligned to visual cues like scene changes or cuts, so everything lines up with the visual footage.
Why schedule time to record several takes in your voiceover session?
Scheduling enough time to record several takes of each section of the script allows everyone to relax into the recording without worrying about getting it right on the first take.
Doing different takes also allows you to experiment with any new ideas that come up during the recording.
The more audio you have, the more chances of creating something really special without the need for any additional, and often costly, pickups.
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