Vocal Direction

​The Voice in the Booth
 
Vocal Direction …
 
Tone, style, texture, emotion – All part of the direction and guidance given to a Voice Artist on how to interpret the script. It’s this vital information between the writer, directors, creative and the voice talent that ensures the desired feel is portrayed.
 
For example if you’re instructed to make it a little ‘darker’ – it’s time to lower the eye brows a bit, find some resonance and lower the tone, without scaring too many children.
 
‘Make it brighter’ means reach for that smile, conjure up Mr. Friendly and lift the pitch slightly.
 
‘More sell’ – Think “it’s all got to go, time is running out, you’ll never see anything like this again in your lifetime”.
 
‘Softer’ – try thinking of beautiful butterflies, beds of roses and dreamy white fluffy clouds – without putting everyone to sleep of course.
 
‘Make it Real’ – this requires a more personable approach, how do you talk day to day, out side the studio without the sell or the white fluffy clouds. Sometimes this can be the hardest to master!
 
It’s also so important to understand the audience you’ll talking to and mentally putting yourself in front of that audience as you deliver the words in a tone they can relate to.
 
Understanding the direction and audience you’re talking to are key. It can be the difference between a good read and something special, a client that is happy and client that is already booking you for the next voice over session.
 
But what if you’re asked to ‘add a squeeze of tangerine’ to the read? That’s a story for next time.
 
If you’ve got any handy tips on vocal direction – please share.