Drop the mic!

A voice professional sometimes has to mold it suddenly depending on the needs. The thing is, the same sonic instrument can be played in different ways according to how the voice-over is going to be used.

(The funny part is when your posture at the microphone is completely different for two gigs done back-to-back. For instance, it’s has just happened having to record two Portuguese voice-overs for different clients in the same studio session, being the styles and approaches in polar opposites. Just a moment ago I recorded a super energetic VO for a toy store’s in-store PA system, and right after that I did a warm and intimate voice-over for a corporate video about a calming medication. The voice molds itself to each situation, sure, but the brain takes a little time to untangle itself. I had to slow down, step out of the vocal booth, breathe, “flip the switch,” and only then move on to the second job.)

But getting back to the point, molding the tone, rhythm, and intent of a professional voice-over is more than an artistic choice. It is a communication strategy to ensure the message reaches the recipient.

Experts say that the process of Communication involves a Sender transmitting a Message to a Receiver through a Channel (sound), a Code (language), and a Context. And this process is only successful if the recipient understands the message. To achieve this, the sender must do everything in their power to master the communication process to guarantee the message reaches its destination.

(I knew four years of a college degree in Mass Communication would be good for something!)

A professional voice actor has to keep this in mind. We have to deliver the voice-over while simultaneously putting ourselves in the shoes – well, ears-, of the recipients to confirm that the communication is being effective. It’s a hybrid psychological state that’s hard to explain, where you can be talking into the microphone while, at the same time, feeling what the listener is absorbing.

In remote live recording sessions, with the client listening in, they end up being the one to confirm that the communication is hitting the mark, taking into account the “context” of the brand they represent. It makes my job easier.

In what ways does a voice actor molds the voice? Well, for commercials, clients in Portugal often want a velvety and seductive tone for premium brands, or an enthusiastic one for promos. For corporate videos, Portuguese brands usually want a serene voice-over that inspires trust and credibility. For e-learning, a didactic and informative tone is expected, without slipping into monotony. For toys store Pas – you guessed it! -, I have to be super hyped! Yeah!

I’ll leave you with some examples of commercials here, corporate narration here, tutorials here, and “Voice of God” (VOG) here.

And now, I’ll leave you to it.