| First, I want to debunk the myth that a really heavy baritone is a really good voice. It's not. The criteria of using certain kinds of voices depends on the script. Every time I get a final script, it's the directors, producers and sound engineers decide what kind of voices they want to use and send me a few short list samples of that same voice texture. That's why I never listen to very heavy baritones for character voices, or for such promos (like insurance type ads). Yes, for programs like Discovery and NGC, I tend to listen to heavy baritones because they tend to convey authority, command through their speech.. |
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| To be a voice artist, you first need to have a good command of the language you are speaking. You need to know how the word is said and what it means. You also need to have fluency in the speech. You need to be able to read it and speak it without stuttering, lisping or stuttering. You also need clarity in your diction. For example, you need to know the proper form of spoken language in your area.lso the easiest as you can train yourself rather quickly than overcoming any natural problem. |
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The third aspect I would like to explain is the third aspect of delivery, modulation. Many people think modulation comes from the throat, but it comes more from our minds. The most crucial aspect of delivery is to fully analyse and comprehend the script. If you don't understand every sentence of a script, you won't be able to deliver justice. That's why it's essential to have some practical voice skills before you start working on professional assignments. You should learn about breathing techniques, improving your voice, increasing voice stamina, throat and delivery exercises, what to do and what not to do for intake and so much more. More than that, you should do actual recording or train yourself in this aspect of voice. Observe voicing in different kinds of documentaries and programs and then practice with the same scripts to correct yourself. Spend some time observing voice artists in sound studies. Always spend 15-20 minutes in script reading. Most importantly, get opinions from experts, not amateurs and friends, because they will always praise you, and you will never learn your weaknesses.
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| Prepare your DEMOS with the help of the professionals in the sound studio. Remember that this is like preparing a strong CV for a job so that you can at least be shortlisted for an interview. The demo should be no more than 3 to 4 minutes and should include the best take. You can then promote your voice by sending these DEMOS to the various sound studios via email and promote your voice profile to different websites. You can also subscribe to voice centric websites to get voice leads so that you can apply for jobs and get jobs. |
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| The best thing about being a voice artist is that you don't have to quit your current job. You can work freelance, part time, on weekends, or if you have been getting voice assignments consistently, you can take it as a full-time career. There's no age or gender bar, anyone from 3 to 80 years old can be a voice artist. Since there's no camera involved, anyone can be part of the process. You can sell your voice and that's it. If you've just thought about it, you can live your passion. |
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| We are always with the aspiring Voice Talent in every aspect mentioned above. Hope to bring smile on your face, always. |
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| Neeraj M. Mehra |
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