Most people have nice-enough voices; it’s what you DO with it that matters. A voice-over artist needs to be able to be transparent when interpreting the author’s words and intent of any script so that you are the best service provider to the client. I think anyone who “evaluates your voice” would tell you that you have potential and then would be more than willing to take your money. A voice talent must be able to create their own characters rather than mimic someone else.

Voice-over is a business that is built on self-promotion and marketing. Like any business, you can expect it to have start-up costs. Before you can market yourself, you need to have a demo. Before spending time and money to make a demo, you need appropriate training.

I refer you to the wealth of information I have written on my web site and blog, especially this entry:

http://www.blog.KarenCommins.com/2007/06/a-plan-to-break-into-voiceover.html

Note that it includes a link to my recommended reading list. I always recommend that people start first with a book to get a broad overview of the industry.

If you decide to get a class, this post has 10 questions you should ask a prospective voice-over teacher:

http://www.blog.KarenCommins.com/2008/03/10-questions-to-ask-coaches-an.html

You may wish to contact the teachers I have listed on this page for their schedules and pricing:

Listed on the right panel of my blog are some national teachers. Susan Berkley and Nancy Wolfson do offer coaching via telephone. If you work with Nancy, please tell her that I referred you as I would get a free session. 🙂 I also list a few blogs that I like, but a quick search on-line will show you plenty more.

Although you will want to record auditions from home, I wouldn’t rush out to buy equipment immediately. I would first buy a digital voice recorder for practice. I have an Olympus WS-300M. Then, after you have developed some skills and are ready to market yourself, you can set up a home recording system. Pat Fraley outlines an economical setup in his The Gypsy’s Guide to Professional Home Recording Workbook and Companion CD.

Also, I know that it seems like voice-over is not work, but you should realize that it takes a lot of work to generate jobs and a steady client base! A voice-over actor must market himself and perform auditions continuously in order to get attention and jobs from others. This point is true whether you follow the path outlined above with specialized training, sign up with a site like Voice.123, and/or perform voiceover for presentations (e-learning, marketing, etc.) on your day job for no additional pay. You also can create your own recordings. Practicing in this manner has a lot of value in terms of artistry, improvement and self-esteem. These recordings may or may not be used for promotion or payment.

Actions like volunteering to read for the blind, contacting production companies, and getting a profile on pay-to-play sites like Voice123.com are also worth pursuing. No one can tell you the exact path you must follow, but just know that the dictionary is the only place where SUCCESS comes before WORK! 🙂 However, taking continual steps on your dream — whatever you decide to do — will bring fulfillment to your life! In any case, you must be the one to put forth action to MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. If you don’t believe me, read this page with some advice from Barry Manilow:

http://www.karencommins.com/2010/05/3_cs_of_branding_illustrated_b.html

One last piece of advice — read everything ALOUD and practice every chance you can!

I hope this info is helpful to you. Best wishes for your success in all of your pursuits!

Karen

Thanks for the blog. I came across it today for the first time. Love the Paradoxical Intent entry. Sooo true. What would you suggest for newbies coming into this arena of voice talent. Like resources, books, classes and if there was one piece of equipment to get me started, what would it be? I have always had a weird liking to reading outloud.(I love the sound of my voice and inflections when I read). I love reading to children and doing character voices. I sing, and write. My intention is to use all of the gifts that the universe has given me and create a wonderful life. Thanks again for the blog. I will be following your words for encourgement, education, A-ha’s, and insight.

Be Well.

Best wishes for your continued success!

Karen

An unrelated PS — I forgot to give credit for the picture of the battery in my article to Andrey Shchekalev, iStockPhoto.com

Stick at it this could be a good time for you! 🙂

I have a vision board about my VoiceOver career. One of the things on it is a quote from Eileen Hutton, VP at Brilliance Audio:

You don’t have to risk everything just to get what you want.

I wrote the last 2 posts with that quote in mind. I am glad something in my words was helpful to you.

Thanks for stopping by the blog, and best wishes for your success!

Karen

Should I apply jumper cables to reverse my polarities, or will a fresh set of batteries do?

I jest.

Just wanted you to know.