When you are producing a creative project, whether that be a video ad, a podcast episode, an explainer video, or an e-learning course, the voice you select is as important as the visuals. A voice over artist delivers your message to your audience in a way that will directly connect with them. They also bring personality, emotion, and professionalism into your work, which are essential for the overall impact of the finished product. However, picking the correct voice talent can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you are not sure what to consider. This guide outlines the process step-by-step, and will help you feel confident again about your selection for the best voice talent for your project.

Understand Your Project Needs

Before searching for voice talent, take the time to understand your own recording. Each type of content has a unique tone and audience, and consequently the voice will play a part in helping establish that. For example, if you are creating a corporate training video, the voice talent should register as professional, clear and calm. Whereas a social media video meant for entertainment, could be more energetic and a sense of fun in the voice. Think about what emotion you wish to convey. Is it warm and friendly? Serious and authoritative? Also consider with whom the voice talent is talking to.

Keep in mind who the audience will be. If the voice needs to resonate with young adults, it will probably sound more conversational, while a message directed to professionals may require a more formal tone. Considering these factors will help you figure out exactly what you need to ask for as you begin your search.

Decide the Language and Accent

Additionally, the language used as well as the accent can be quite impactful. If your target audience speaks a language, your voice over must match that language. However, language is not the only factor to consider–accent is also important. If you are aiming to reach British customers, using a voice over with a British accent might sound more relatable and authentic to your audience. Likewise, for an American audience, a neutral or North American accent is usually most effective. 

Set Your Budget

Voiceover projects can have a wide range of price points depending on the experience of the artist, the length of the project, and whether or not the audio will be widely used. For example, a voiceover for a small internal training video will usually cost much less than a  voiceover for a national TV commercial.

That said, you will want to have a clear budget in mind as you begin reaching out to artists. This will help narrow down your list of potential candidates, while also considering the quality of your output. An artist with a lot of experience may cost a bit more, but their quality and performance will save you time in terms of production and ultimately money in your budget.

Also remember to confirm whether your pricing includes revisions and editing; many will charge more for re-recording or major changes. Others will build one or two rounds of feedback into their fees. Clarifying this point at the front will help you avoid any surprises along the way.

Listen to Voice Samples

One of the crucial factors in recruiting the appropriate voice over artist is to hear voice samples. Almost all professionals possess a demo reel emphasizing their capability and range. Samples may include samples of commercial advertisements, narration, animation, or e-learning.

The first thing you want to notice is how the voice sounds. Is it clear and easy to understand? Does the tone fit the intention of your project? Did the voice artist vary pitch, pace, and energy, or did the voice sound flat? A good voiceover artist is able to modify their delivery to fit the intention of the script. If you find a voice you like, but are uncertain how they will sound with your material, consider asking for a short custom demo. Many voice artists are open to recording a small part of your script, to help you consider how their voice would sound. This can be a fantastic way to compare artists and feel more confident in your decision.

Check Experience and Reviews

Experience is important, especially when a project has a technical or emotional requirement. Not every voice over artist is an expert at every type of work. An artist who specializes in animation voices may not be a good fit for medical training videos, just like an artist who only does e-learning might not have the right sound for a movie trailer.

Look at the artist’s prior work. Many voice over artists will either cite clients they have done work for, or share a link to their prior work. This will give you a general idea to evaluate the talent’s strengths. Online reviews, ratings, and testimonials can also provide help. Look for mentions of the artist being easy to work with, turning around projects on time, and/or taking feedback well.An artist with a solid way of working with clients enhances the probability of a successful outcome.

Ask About Turnaround Time

Deadlines are a reality for any job, so be sure your voice-over artist is clear about when they can deliver. Ask the artist how long they typically take on projects of your size. Some artists can provide a read within 24-48 hours, while it could take other artists a few days, especially if the script is lengthy or complex. Make your deadlines clear from the start. If you need a quick turnaround, be sure to ask if the artist has rush delivery and if it comes with an additional fee. Setting expectations is the most helpful thing to do so that you continue the process smoothly, and are not delayed at the end of the project because of a misunderstanding. 

You should also ask about the revision process. If you require changes to the voice-over, how long will it take before the artist can provide an update? Will the artist charge for any revisions? The more you understand the process, the better you will manage your time, and that will lower the chances of unnecessary stress at the last minute.