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VOICE ACTING
Voice acting is often misunderstood as being easier than on-camera or stage acting. After all, you only have your voice to work with, right? But that's what makes it so challenging – and so powerful when done well. Your voice is the only tool you have to connect with your audience, to make them feel something, to bring the story to life. The goal of any kind of acting, including voice acting, is to create a genuine emotional connection with your audience. When you're on camera or on stage, you have the benefit of body language, facial expressions, and physical action to convey meaning and build that connection. With voice acting, it's all about the voice. But that doesn't make it less impactful. In fact, the intimacy and immediacy of the voice can make it even more potent. ACCESS YOUR POTENTIAL So, how do you tap into that power and create real empathy and connection through your voice? 1. Strong Acting Fundamentals I'm not just talking about voice acting classes, but full-on acting training. On-camera work, theater, improv, opera, singing, stand-up comedy – all these forms of storytelling and performance can help you learn to connect with an audience in different ways. Once you have that solid foundation, you can layer on specific voice acting techniques. 2. Be You Authenticity is key in voice acting. You don't need to hide behind silly voices or accents. Just bring your real, unique self to the mic, and let your audience connect with that. MAKING THE CONNECTION I do a lot of e-learning work, which some voice actors might dismiss as boring. But I see the potential for real connection in those scripts, too. Like when I'm narrating modules to help employees choose their insurance benefits, I'm thinking about that single parent with kids, including one with special needs, who's terrified of making the wrong choice. That's who I'm talking to, who I'm trying to reassure with my voice, to let them know I'm here to help and we'll get through this together. That kind of connection isn't about fantasy or entertainment stakes, it's about real life. And if you can make that kind of connection with a stranger, just through your voice, that's incredibly powerful. It can change lives. So next time you get a script for an e-learning or corporate project that might not be your dream job, don't dismiss it. Think about who you can connect with, who you can help. Make it matter to you, and that will make it matter to your audience. Voice acting is acting, and it has the power to touch hearts and minds in unique and profound ways. Embrace the challenge, tap into your own empathy and authenticity, and you'll be amazed at what you can achieve, one voice over at a time. Web: www.TomDheere.com |
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By Tom Dheere
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