Can we make money from our voices? It may seem strange or impossible at first glance, but it is a reality because of the existence of the voice-over profession. With serious and proper training, some people become able to use different layers of their voices, which qualifies them to take voice-over as a profession.
In this article, we will learn about the field of voice-over and its requirements.
It is also called “off-camera commentary”, in which the voice is the main tool. It can be in radio, television production, football, and many other fields. In off-camera commentary, a pre-written text is read, and the person who performs this task does not have to be present at the event location. In other cases, the presenter performs voice-over on live shows such as sports games or award ceremonies. In documentaries or news bulletins, the commentary is recorded in advance. It is also used in video games, voicemails, and advertisements.
In order to become a successful voice-over artist, one must have several skills, including:
And with practice and training these skills will improve.
It is worth noting that some daily practices of the commentary have a direct impact on their work. For example, avoiding hot foods with strong flavors that irritate the vocal cords, as well as drinking cold water. The most important thing is patience and commitment because continuity comes from commitment.
Like any profession, one should not practice it until they have sufficient knowledge about it. Therefore, you must search for the requirements of this profession and figure out if it is suitable for you. If you want to take it as a freelance job, you need to make sure that the wages are suitable for our living conditions.
Have you ever wondered about the owner of your favorite character’s voice in animated programs? Yes, these are people who have chosen voice-over as a career in their lives.
Like Dahouk Kasem, one of the people who have experienced this field and it became part of their lives. Here is what Dahouk told us about her experience in this field:
At first, I am always asked about the reason I chose the commentary and whether working in this field is talent-related. I will answer these questions with honesty according to my humble experience. Since I was a little girl, I was looking for my talent at school because I was not good at any artistic or athletic field. However, I discovered my ability to control my voice layers and change them by chance. With training and effort to develop this talent, I reached high levels of progress, deserving the title of “voice-over artist.” Despite that, I still need to train more to obtain the honor of the title of “professional voice-over.”
I do not want you to take my words as a source of pessimism or fear of entering the field. Instead, let it be a motivation for you to improve, practice, and try to reach – as many have done before you – the title of professionalism.
At the beginning of working in any of the freelancing fields, the opportunity to win your first client is difficult. And your earnings are not enough or even stable enough to suffice as your main income. However, having a rich portfolio where you showcase your passion and talent in any of the fields that are widespread at the moment, as well as personal marketing of this talent and showing it on social media platforms, will create a name for you and provide you with countless opportunities. Recently, I got the opportunity to work in a company where I have always dreamed of working only because of my personal marketing of myself and daring to show my talent.
Just be bold, passionate, and patient and commit to your plan to achieve what you aspired to.
Supervision: Dahouk Kasem – Freelancer voice-over.
For contact and inquiries: Dahoukkasem@gmail.com
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