One of the primary responsibilities of the voiceover actor is to effectively convey the intent of the writer to the listener! If you think about it, it’s an awesome responsibility – through our voices comes meaning…

But those written words go through some processes before you, the voiceover actor, can start to convey that meaning. And that’s where the concept of direction comes in – because we all have different notions of the best way to get that “meaning” across to the listener, writers and producers will give you direction to indicate how they feel the words should be ideally delivered. And that’s where the fun starts…

Some of my favorite directions include the ubiquitous, “conversational, like you’re talking to a friend.” Really? Have you ever just wanted to yell out – I would never say that to a friend!

Then there’s another that makes me scratch my head, “friendly but with authority.” What? So, you want me to sound authoritative but in a friendly sort of way!

And who hasn’t come across the old, “articulate but not announcer-y…” Sound smart, like you know what you’re talking about but… not like you’re reading. Okay then.

Others that are used, dare I say too often, include warm, comforting, articulate and caring… The list goes on and on. Regardless of whether or not they’re overused, these are the current language tools directors and producers utilize to try and assist us voice actors to get message across in the way they want! If your interpretation of those directions hits a cord, then you get the booking and that awesome responsibility is yours!

Now imagine this blog post read in a conversational tone. Real. Not announcer-y. Almost like talking to a friend. Think Morgan Freeman or Allison Janney…