Commercials
Animation
Video Games
Audiobooks
E-Learning
Corporate/Industrial
Promo
Trailers
Narration
Radio Imaging
IVR/Telephony
Live Announce
Dubbing
There are so many voice over genres.
So, how do you find YOUR voice over niche?
EXPLORE
Explore the different genres.
This could be through
- classes or workshops or webinars (ones we offer are hyperlinked above)
- podcast episodes featuring industry professionals in that genre
- YouTube videos about that genre
- VO conferences
As you learn about them, ask “What feels fun and exciting? What makes me want to learn more?”
IDENTIFY
Identify your strengths and personality. How do those align with the different genres?
You may not completely know this. Ask instructors/coaches/friends for feedback on what they hear from you.
REFLECT
Reflect on your background outside of voiceover. Did you work in the medical field? Were you in radio? Are you incredible at improv? All of that can contribute skills needed for specific genres.
Also reflect on what you’ve booked or gotten shortlisted for. Even if it may be in one genre, pay attention to the audition breakdown. How does it describe the voice they were looking for? That will give you good vocabulary to describe your strengths.
EXERCISE
Here’s a fun exercise to give you more insight.
1| Choose the potential genres you’re leaning toward.
2| Read and record a script from each genre.
3| Rate each recording 1-10, based on if you think your voice fits that genre and it serves the script/message well, with 1 being the least and 10 being the most.
4| Send the recordings to a friend/fellow voice actor or coach and ask them to rate them as well based on those metrics.
The highest rated genre/s will probably be the one/s you should pursue.
