Okay, so my wondering did not end to just thinking of 5 tips. I thought it will be best to tackle the next obvious first step… recording your first demo.
A recording demo is not just to showcase how your voice sounds or how well you would be able to “perform” a script. Your demo is your resume; it is an accurate representation of your sound, style and ability to deliver a copy. It should not misrepresent or exaggerate your abilities as a voice artist. That first demo is your ice breaker; it is critical to make it great.
But before you start recording your first demo, ask yourself these questions to check how prepared you are:
1) Have you practiced long enough? The first thing you should do before hitting the studio is practice, practice and practice. Record your own voice and listen. If you don’t have your own materials, use scripts that you have used in workshops you have attended. (This is me assuming — hoping that you have gone through voice and/or acting workshops.) Doing practice reads can help you find out if you can effectively communicate the message of the script. If you find yourself stumbling often when reading it would translate that on actual recording you would require multiple takes. You have to feel comfortable and able to deliver with the correct energy and inflections in one recording. Only you can tell if you are ready for the next step.
2) Do you know someone who has voice over experience? Your parents and friends may have told you many times that your voice is fit for the radio, but unless they are experts, their opinion (sorry) doesn’t count. Do you know a sound engineer, a casting director or experienced voice over actor? You need a second pair of ears who would tell you honestly how well you have delivered. Reach out to the industry by attending seminars and workshops. That’s the best place to start creating a network and possibly meeting a mentor who can teach you the ropes.
3) Do you have the necessary equipment? Or access to it? Or more importantly, know how to use it? You should have access to good quality equipment where you can record and produce your voice without noise or distortion. Look for studios in your area that can help you do so; better yet invest on your own proper equipment. Also, you should know how each basic tool of the trade works. These days, more than having a great voice, you would need the skills to record and edit.
If you say YES to all of these, then you are one step closer to recording that demo — next up is planning your demo. Hmmm, that makes part three then.
You can also read: 5 Tips for a Budding Voice Actor
