Skip to content
by Guy Michaels
The Rise of the “VoiceOver Voice”
Here’s a confession: As a professional voiceover artist, I can’t stand the sound of the typical “VoiceOver Voice.” We’ve all heard it – that disconnected style where the voice just goes up and down in pitch, trying to feign expression. To me, it always feels like a failed attempt to connect with the audience.
I’ve lost count of the times I’ve cringed at something on the radio, TV, or even while walking through the supermarket. “What the hell is this?” I think to myself.
Here’s an example of what I mean:
The disconnected sound of the “VoiceOver Voice.” I actually find this very difficult.
But pretty awful, right?
I remember working with a voiceover artist who came into my studio a few years ago. We were recording a number of TV commercials. In the read-through before we hit record, this voiceover artist gave quite natural reads that connected with the material. I was certain it would deliver the results desired by the client and work in terms of delivering the message to the end-customer. However, as soon as he got up to the microphone to record for real, he went into ‘performance mode’.
This ‘performance mode’ is when the voice artist ups their game at the microphone, often to pleasing effect. Unfortunately, performance mode for this voice actor meant discarding any sense of naturalism. He simply went up and down in pitch, much like my audio example. It was an exaggerated and very unnatural way. This pattern simply doesn’t work.
I’ve often wondered why this occurs so much in professional voiceover. I know some VO tutors, voice acting coaches, and training organisations teach these techniques. They are in line with this specific approach. In this case, I simply asked the voice actor, “What are you doing?” He responded with, “Well, it’s a commercial, so I’m giving it a commercial feel.”
The “VoiceOver Voice” vs. Human Connection
I’ll always fight against that sound. Even when a client thinks they want it, I’ll argue (gently) for a more natural, everyday human tone..
Why Authenticity Matters in Voiceover Work
In a world saturated with artificiality, authenticity cuts through the noise. Genuine human connection in voiceover resonates with listeners, building trust and forging deeper engagement. When you connect with the message, your voice becomes a conduit for emotion, making the words truly come alive. What sets human voiceovers apart? It’s their ability to convey nuance, empathy, and a real sense of shared experience.”
Robots Can Easily Replicate the “VoiceOver Voice”
As a voiceover artist, I am well aware of the looming threat of AI. I’ve had recent conversations with people in instructional design and e-learning. They reinforce a feeling: certain voiceover work areas will soon be done by AI models alone. There are so many other areas of voicing that I don’t believe will or should be replaced by AI.
Therefore, it is the responsibility of the voice actor to be as authentic as possible in their delivery.
A computer can replicate a full orchestral performance note for note, but no one is paying for tickets to Carnegie Hall to listen to AI playing Tchaikovsky because it lacks the human touch, the emotional resonance, and the intangible spark that elevates music to art.
Revoicing AI Voice Jobs
Even though there’s so much excitement around what AI can do, it’s been fascinating to see clients returning to the human touch in voiceover already! Lately, a third of my work has been re-recording AI projects where clients found the synthetic voices lacked the nuance and genuine connection needed to truly resonate with their audience.
This has been for explainer videos, voicing presentations, and various narration work, including a documentary that was initially recorded using an AI tool.
This proves that even with rapid AI advancements, nothing can replace the power and artistry of a real human voice. So, fellow voice actors, remember YOUR value – true creativity isn’t about the tech, it’s about the artist behind it.
And as for that disconnected “VoiceOver Voice,” whether you are a voice actor, producer, audio engineer, or marketing team…demand better. Choose human connection!
Follow me on LinkedIn: Guy Michaels