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Why Voiceover is Far More About Listening Than Talking
When you’re looking to hire a professional voiceover artist, you’re obviously looking for a great voice. But, I’d argue that it’s just as important to find a great listener. In my nearly three decades in the industry, I’ve learned that listening is the most crucial skill a voice artist can have. It’s a key part of what sets a true professional apart from a beginner, and it’s a quality you can expect from an experienced voiceover.
More Listening, Less Talking
From a purely practical standpoint, a huge amount of a voice artist’s time is spent listening, not talking. In today’s world of home studios, a voice actor must also be a competent sound engineer, which means far more time is dedicated to post-production and editing than to the actual voicing of the script. To deliver a flawless final product that’s ready to go, an experienced voiceover must listen back to their recordings to ensure they have the perfect take. They need to check for any intrusive background noise, hums, or hisses that could ruin the production and cause a headache for the client.
Beyond the technical side, a professional voiceover artist must listen intently to your direction during a session. They should be able to hear your feedback, understand your brand’s ethos, and adapt their performance in the moment. When a client says, “That’s exactly how I heard it in my head!” it’s a direct result of that collaborative listening. The ability to take purposeful direction and make minor, crucial adjustments is what truly elevates a performance. This is a hallmark of an experienced voiceover.
Listening to the Market
An experienced voiceover is always listening to the wider industry. They’re constantly developing their ‘ear’ for recording quality and listening to other voices to understand their competition and what’s in demand. They’re also continuously engaged in professional development. Whether it’s working with a voice coach, attending workshops, or taking classes, a professional is always listening to feedback and seeking ways to improve their craft. It’s about being flexible and playful with your performance, while also trusting your professional instincts, all of which come from a place of deep listening and experience. A successful experienced voice over knows that they need an element of continuing professional development (CPD) to stay ahead.
In short, a true voiceover expert is a great communicator not just when they are at the microphone, but because they have the skill to genuinely listen to you and your needs. It’s this commitment to listening that makes a collaboration seamless and ensures the final product is perfectly aligned with your vision. This commitment is what makes an experienced voiceover an essential part of your creative team, not just a temporary faceless voice.
What Do You Need?
I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what an experienced voiceover really brings to the table. If you’re looking for a professional who can not only speak for your brand but also truly listen to your needs, I’d be happy to provide a custom audition with a read of your script.
Have you ever heard of the International Listening Association?