What Type of Voice Over Suits Your Voice?

Determining the type of voice over that suits your voice involves understanding your natural vocal qualities, strengths, and preferences. Here are some steps to help you identify the type of voice over that aligns well with your voice:

1. Self-Assessment: Start by listening to your own voice recordings and analyzing your vocal characteristics. Consider factors such as your pitch, tone, timbre, accents, and natural delivery style.
2. Identify Strengths: Pay attention to the aspects of your voice that stand out. Are you particularly good at conveying emotions, delivering authoritative narration, or performing character voices? Identify your strengths and use them as a starting point.
3. Research Voice Over Genres: Explore different genres within the voice over industry. Some common genres include:
   • Commercial: Clear, relatable, and persuasive voices for advertisements.
   • Narration: Authoritative and engaging voices for documentaries, e-learning, audiobooks, etc.
   • Animation/Character: Versatile voices for animated characters, video games, cartoons, and more.
   • Promo/Trailer: Energetic and captivating voices for movie trailers, TV promos, and events.
   • IVR/Phone Systems: Professional and pleasant voices for automated phone systems.
   • Corporate/Industrial: Professional and informative voices for corporate videos and presentations.
4. Consider Your Voice Qualities: Think about how your voice qualities fit different genres. For example, if you have a warm and soothing voice, it might be well-suited for narration or audiobooks. If you can modulate your voice well, character work could be your forte.
5. Experiment with Styles: Try different delivery styles within each genre. For example, a commercial voice over might require an energetic and enthusiastic style for some products, while a calming and informative style for others.
6. Receive Feedback: Share your voice recordings with friends, family, or fellow voice actors and ask for their feedback on which genres or styles suit your voice best.
7. Practice and Develop: Once you’ve identified a genre that suits your voice, practice and refine your skills in that area. Study professionals in that genre to understand their techniques and nuances.
8. Build Your Portfolio: Create sample recordings for the selected genre to build your portfolio. These recordings can be included in your voice reel.
9. Stay Open to Opportunities: While it’s good to specialize in a specific genre, don’t limit yourself entirely. Be open to exploring other opportunities and genres as well. Some voice actors find success in multiple areas.
10. Seek Professional Guidance: If you’re unsure about which type of voice over suits you best, consider working with a voice over coach or mentor who can provide personalized guidance based on your voice and goals.

Remember that versatility can be a valuable asset in the voice over industry. While it’s important to focus on your strengths and preferences, being able to adapt to different styles and genres can help you secure a wider range of opportunities.