When it comes to voice-over, what do you hear yourself doing? Commercials? Narrations? Documentaries? eLearning? How about museum audio tours? Promos? Movie trailers? Computer games? Animation/character? Audiobooks?
There are so many possibilities, it’s hard to know what you’re best suited for! And it can feel a bit overwhelming. So first, B-R-E-A-T-H-E! Let’s take this in small doses.
What does your INNER voice sound like? When you really listen, it’s speaking to you from within. It’s asking “what are you passionate about?” “What spins your dials?” “What is it you’d really like to say?” Remember, there’s an audience out there for everything, it’s really more a matter of connecting your passion with your prosperity. But your outlook, definitions and approach can, and likely will, change over time.
Also, consider this: how would you describe your voice in three adjectives? Calming, compassionate, sophisticated, intense, energetic, friendly and playful are just a few ideas to get you started. I think you’ll find your voice descriptions often match your personalities. I often wonder if the voice is the soundtrack of your soul. But you have to listen to hear it… So record often and playback often, then compare with voices you hear on radio, TV, the Internet and the myriad of other sources where voice-overs dominate.
The key is to be flexible, and adapt to the changes with a varied enough skill set that you can tackle whatever comes along. This is the calling of a true voice-over actor, just as screen actor Meryl Streep can adapt to Florence Foster Jenkins, Sophie’s Choice, Out of Africa, Mamma Mia, Iron Lady, Silkwood, River Wild, Lions for Lambs, Ricki Flash and Devil Wears Prada.
Students of the voice-over craft study related disciplines. Students of mine have taken a 6-week improv class, studied acting at a community theatre, write poetry. Others dabble in writing and voicing animation. How about visiting a film set, working as an extra or on the crew? Ever read a screenplay? Write poetry? Sing in an acapella group? Visit an art museum? Learn music theory? Feed your creative fires! And always keep learning, growing and opening yourself up to new experiences and new opportunities. As hockey great Wayne Gretzky put it: “You miss 100% of the shots you never take.”
Your “niche” may emerge in different colors and flavors but it will emerge over time, if you’re paying attention to the topics, subjects and conversations that really click. Be ready to flex with the process and try not to pigeonhole yourself. You never know when another path may be running parallel to the one you’re on…or think you should be on. Sometimes you’ll run across copy that fits you to a T; other times, the script or assignment may really stretch your comfort zones. That’s okay, as long as you feel comfortable stretching with it.
I prefer to think of niche as what’s in your wheelhouse, what are you best suited to do and would enjoy doing. Most importantly, be open to the transitions, personally and professionally. Just as your prospects (writers/directors/producers/clients) will appreciate your vocal flexibility, so too will your strengths emerge and acclimate to the job at hand. But don’t just settle; stretch yourself, use your imagination, push the limits of what you think you can do with your voice; you may be pleasantly surprised when pre-conceived notions give way to new possibilities.
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Nick Kaiser is a veteran voice talent, and coach/producer at Such A Voice.
