Intro To Voice Over Commercials

By Roseann Hudson


Many people have vocal talents that could serve them well as a career choice. Perhaps it is a speaking timbre that is soothing, captivating, or alluring enough to command an audience, or maybe they simply have a very unique sound. For these individuals, working in voice over commercials, a field that is actually rather diverse, just may be the perfect option.

In this field, individuals use their vocal abilities to sell products, services or ideas, pass on information, or provide a source of entertainment. This is a career in acting where a person's physical appearance actually does not matter since it is never shown in the work. The point is to effectively complete the assignment communicating emotions, ambiance or impressions using just speech and sound.

The recorded piece may be aired under several different circumstances and situations. What immediately comes to mind for most people are radio spots and television clips that require a narrator or character actor. These skills are also put to use in ads placed on websites, those played prior to the start of a movie and even the ones heard when a caller is put on hold during a telephone call as a few more examples.

It takes a particular type of person to excel at this job because they must possess and master certain qualities and skills. Great vocals are necessary, though not enough if they do not sound as good when electronically recorded as they do when used for conversation. Enunciation and clear speaking is essential, particularly when one has, or is utilizing a noticeable accent.

Most people do not realize that it takes a lot more than just a great vocal ability to find success in this career field. In reality, just as film and theater call for a cast of actors with a wide range of looks, auditory spots often requires varied voices. As important as one's sound is their acting skills because this type of role generally means painting visuals for the audience using only words and inflection.

The three main categories to this genre are animation, narration and commercial work. The branch of this trio that deals with advertising is then split into the levels of national, regional and local. One is no more important than the other, though they each come with different employment requirements and varied pros and cons.

Local level jobs usually include doing spots that will be aired just within a generalized area for clients such as car dealerships and privately owned businesses. Regional gigs are those that usually require the actor to work out of a large city and deals with ads that will be shared over multiple closely positioned broadcast zones. National positions are heard throughout a country and are commonly based in major metropolises and often call for union membership.

Whichever level an actor decides to focus on, they will need to follow the same general protocols. It starts with hiring reputable vocal and acting coaches to perfect the necessary skills required for most jobs. A quality demo tape is a must and it is mostly a matter of submitting copies of it with a resume' to as many ad agencies and open calls as possible.




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