Whether you’re recording an explainer video, audiobook, commercial or documentary, voice over is the sound track that supports the visuals of the production. The best voice over artists are able to read the script and deliver it without pauses or mistakes, and they understand how the pace of speech needs to change depending on the type of production.

While much of this work can be done from home using the same tools as most other creative industries, many projects still need to be recorded in a studio. For example, a voice actor may be hired to record dialogue for an animated series or video game, and directors want to hear them in person so they can perfect the vision they have of a talking bear or ninja warrior.

A great voice actor has a variety of different vocal qualities. They can be lighthearted or technical and excitable or calm. It’s important for clients to know they can do all of these things so that when a project calls for one type of voice over, the director knows they’ve got the right guy or girl.

The first thing you’ll need to get started is a microphone, an audio editing program and headphones. A mic will help you to achieve a better sound quality than the built-in microphone on your laptop, and good headphones will reduce background noise and help you listen for things like long silences or sounds that might need fixing. The next step is to practice your recordings, and don’t be afraid to do a few takes. You can always edit out small errors later. voice over