How do you approach finding the right tone and character for different projects?

This is an interesting one!

For audiobooks, I find that most of the time, the client has selected my voice based on their main character, and in order to prevent vocal strain (since the main character usually has the most dialogue) I usually talk naturally for their lines.

For other characters, I generally have 3 female voices and 3 male voices, with the greatest variation in pitch, which generally fit most characters for an audiobook. Younger characters will always have lighter voices, and older characters get deeper. Once I've fit those to characters, I like to play with accents. Some clients want a consistent accent throughout a book, but I find it brings the characters to life even more when you can play around with their accents too!

Books with a large cast of characters can be challenging, but playing with my voice to find different ways to differentiate them - whether through accents, modulation, or even making them more growly/gruff - can be a lot of fun!

The things I always ask is...

Who am I speaking as? Am I speaking as an owner, employee, satisfied customer, a father, a friend, etc.

Who am I speaking to and where am I speaking? Once again, I can be speaking to any of the above. For example, the way you speak to a child would be completely different to the way you speak to an executive or a group of people. Similarly, the setting is just as important. the way you speak to a board of directors might not be as appropriate when your speaking to a single mother over a cup of coffee, a packed exhibition hall or a neighbour on the street.

What emotion or call to action do you want to elicit from your intended audience? Emotion is one of most powerful things when delivering a speech, sales pitch or singing a song. It's not enough to simply ask for an "emotional speech" because as humans, we are capable of a multitude of emotions. Happy, sad, loving, calming, anger, etc. are all emotions. So by being more descriptive with your instructions can ensure that I can specifically target the emotional response that you want from the audience. The call for action is extremely helpful in a corporate setting, for documentaries, elearning, etc. as unlike in a commercial which usually want the listener to purchase a product. In the aforementioned areas, the CTA can be more nuanced. For instance. Do you want people to become involved in your programme, educate people so they are more aware of potential hazards in a workplace, create a more caring environment within a community or make people aware of support  organisations in their area.

If you intend to use background music, by including a mp3 or link to the music, this will help a voiceover to pitch their voice and in some cases influence the speed of the read. For example. imagine a documentary about countryside walks paired with the theme of the mission impossible movies? Suddenly, the whole mood of the documentary would shift. My point is by providing the music or giving an idea of the type of music you intend to use will help your voiceover artist to understand the mood of the script. If on the other hand you've never thought of using background music, Ask your voice over for suggestions as some (me included), offer this service as an option.

The same can be said if you have prior video footage available. This too can help a voiceover to visualise what they are speaking about and elicit that all important emotional response from the intended audience.

By booking a 15 minute video consultation with me, where we can discuss your project in detail. My clients have found this option incredibly helpful. Here I can put their minds at ease by letting them know that I'm just as invested in a successful outcome as they are. Particularly If they are new to working with a voice over or have a lot riding on their project

Finally, Some clients prefer to book a live directed recording session with me. Here, they can listen into the recording session via a video call. This way they can make suggestions in real time. ensuring that they receive the exact tone and emotion they require for their project.

I always ask my clients for their inspiration, who informed this character, and how it makes your audience feel. We are voice actors who have to formulate characters and scenes, impact all in our heads, and imagine an audience reacting to our voices.

When I'm preparing my script and VO, I engage in multiple takes and with multiple tones. If someone wants something authoritative, I think of my best Oprah or Viola Davis. I think of the late, great Maya Angelou if it's something inspirational. I feel as if I have an imaginary repertoire of great actors and actresses who meet the moment for that project. 

But, the most important character is the audience -right beyond the fourth wall, with my voice in their ear. Whatever rings true for them is what I try to deliver. 

For me the most effective way to find the right tone is through empathetic listening with my clients, asking them to be very detailed in their briefs.

For example, if a client wants my voice to sound commercial and capture the interest of their target audience, I imagine myself as part of that audience, then I conduct tests with different inflections and interpretations to determine which one generates the greatest interest in the product or service they wish to promote through my voice.

I integrate these findings with the brief provided by the client.

This technique has proven effective in the majority of cases.

Reading the client's brief and script is the first priority, however it's also important to give the client feedback on scripting and/or tone of voice if it doesn't sound quite right. With more than 15 years' experience in script writing and 20+ years in recording professional voice overs, my clients have been so grateful for the things I've pointed out and guided them with - after all - the written word for reading versus the written word (to be voiced/ spoken aloud) can come across very differently. So in term's of key messaging, I want to make sure I am hitting the right target for my client's and their relevant audience.

I'll often also provide alternative closing tag line options to give my client's variety and choice. I personally believe these are the small things we can continue to do as voice over artists that AI cannot do (a little customer service/ go the extra mile), and so far, my client's are really appreciative of this.

Needless to say, read the directions from your client first. Try to understand where they are coming from and what they are looking for as best you can. ASK QUESTIONS if you are unclear or need to clarify. Asking questions up front helps save time on revisions or pick ups later.

Once I have a general understanding of what the client is looking for, I sometimes hit the record button and record the first few sentences a couple of times, trying out different tones, voices, styles, and deliveries. I just play around with it - both what I think the client is looking for and what I think would work for the script. If there is time, I might send these to the client and ask them which one they like. Often, they choose the one I like the most, even if it's different from what they were originally envisioning! They also love to hear a sample of their own script in your voice, too. And providing a couple of different reads demonstrates your chops as a voice actor.

If the client is on a tight deadline, you might not have time to send a sample. In that case, just do your best and send it to them, but be available after the delivery in case they come back with revisions. Being available and responsive will win you BIG points with your client, whether it's upfront with samples or on the back end with quick revisions.

Finding the right tone and character for a project starts with understanding the script and listening  carefully to what the client is trying to communicate to the audience - sometimes they know exactly what they want, but most times they honestly don't have a clue - they want me (the professional) to know what to do with the words as I speak to an invisible audience in my studio. It can be challenging but it is a blast developing that skill.

Being able to voice ACT is very important. Being natural and not sounding like an announcer is probably the most challenging part to be honest. Trust and know your voice and your range, have fun experimenting.

Slipping out of my skin and into that "character" I need to be takes some practice. Think of it as playing or using your imagination as a kid - remember what that felt like? I picture the character in my head when I am speaking and if I have a piece of art or graphic showing me that they look like I will keep it on a split screen as inspiration.

Most of my work is in commercial, corporate and elearning, so it's less about creating a character and more about being myself... in an appropriate situation.

For instance, when I'm doing an explainer video and they ask for an excited, enthusiastic read, I read the script as if I am telling my best friend about something excited she needs to try.

When I do a concerned read, I am telling a family member about something they should be careful of.

Often when I do phone systems, I am opening the door to an old friend who I'm excited to see after a long time.

This approach has served me well, because I don't need to understand or develop a character... I'm me! But I can always pull up a perspective from my own life into the script. In 15+ years, I don't think I've ever been unable to find a point of view inspired by my own lived experiences.