The audio voice over can be an impactful production technique. It provides a great tool that effectively conveys information, while engaging multiple senses as that narration plays over dynamic video. However, a voice over recording has the power to make or break your video, and it all comes down to quality. Gain the most value by taking time early in the process to get a good grasp on some of the more important factors you’ll need to consider before your next voice over session begins.
What video styles benefit from voice overs? Certain corporate video styles lend themselves to voice over use. Let’s examine a few of those styles, and take a look at examples of videos that successfully employ the technique.
Company Overview Video
FramesDirect.com wanted a modern and fun company overview video that would highlight their products and illustrate the satisfying ease of ordering eyewear from their site. The resulting script and video production brought their vision to life. The powerful studio-quality voice over, traction-building split screens, on-screen text and graphics, and live-action imagery was the icing on the cake of this innovative production.
Animated Explainer Video
Planview needed a short video that would explain how their services help their customers achieve solutions for the product innovation lifecycle. Sparksight wrote the script, produced an effective voice over narration and animated this ad in a style that’s clean and simple, and drives home that information.
Event Opener Video
In need of a conference opener content, Exact Macola sought video production for their Exact Macola Evolve customer conference. The conference theme was “Dare to Do.” The opening was shot in an airplane hangar with a voice over that nicely set the tone and premise for the powerful video that would follow—an ambitious production in which Exact Macola’s Managing Director went up 10,000 ft. in the air in a stunt plane to twirl madly through the clouds in the Florida sky!
Event Highlight Reel
This event highlight reel video was shot while on location in Boca Rotan for Exact Macola Evolve 2015. The footage was captured on Day 1 of the conference, and the highlight reel was produced and turned around to present on Day 2. Note how the big, bold voice choice of the narrator, combined with the dramatic music enhances the video content by heightening the excitement of the message.
Now that you’ve seen some good examples of just how impactful a strong voice over can be in helping to produce a quality video, what else should you be weighing?
Start with a great script, and commit to the copy to avoid multiple recording sessions.
According to the Greek Philosopher, Plato, “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” Heed the words of such a learned man and start out with a great script. After some initial brainstorming, a well-written script will be the foundation for getting the delivery that you want— a delivery that effectively conveys your intended key message and sets the mood that you desire. A voice over script should consider the flow and pace of the overall production. It should be easy for the voice talent to read. The copy should be clean and simple, and include notes with direction for emphasis, feeling and inflection. It’s valuable to read the script out loud in advance, and work out any bumps with timing up front. Ideally, the session will include a director/producer who will help to guide, provide direction, and keep everything moving along as it should, ensuring the best possible recording of the script.
$$ Money saving tip $$! Recording artists will charge per session. That means if you have to go back and re-record a script because of copy changes, you will pay extra for the additional recording. Therefore, once it is written, be certain you are 100% satisfied with your final script prior to giving approval, hiring your voice over talent and moving forward with the recording session. Start with a great script, and commit to the copy so that you will avoid multiple recording charges.
Who will be the voice?
You’ve got a great script, what’s next? You need to decide who will be the voice that brings that script to life. When electing whether to use an amateur or to hire a voice professional, remember: the difference between a success or a total flop all comes down to quality. A professional talent is experienced and skilled at using his or her voice as a vehicle for your vision. These are actors, trained at conveying emotion, knowing when to pause and when to inject energy, and are able to take constructive direction as necessary.
In making your choice of voice, you must decide what type will be most appealing to your audience, and will best be able to establish the intended mood of the production. Are you looking for a voice that’s enthusiastic and exciting, or one that’s soothing, comforting and calm? Is your message bold and powerful or thoughtful and laid back? Consider male or female, youthful or wise—which voice best fits for your recording? Think of your script, the video content, and the overall message and tone of the production, and make your decision accordingly.
Quality equipment results in superior audio—hire a professional
The audio voice over recording runs hand-in-hand with video in terms of importance to production. Stunning video must be backed up and complemented by quality audio content that is delivered well. Top-notch equipment and skilled people really come into play in producing superior audio. By hiring professionals, you will be assured that studio quality audio recording equipment will be used. In addition, you will then have a team that will be able to generate a brilliant script, assist with voice talent, and will have the pre-production know-how that will lessen post-production headaches and stress.
The takeaway? Create a powerful voice over that blends seamlessly with gorgeous video. Make the story of your video come alive by creating perfect harmony between these two elements. Know when to let the professionals take the wheel and drive your message home. With a nod to the iconic voice over talent Don LaFontaine: “In a world” where a great audio can make or break your production, give it the right voice and make it a masterpiece.
