What is Conversational Voice Over?
Conversational voice over is the most common approach in the voice over industry today.
Gone are the days of the ever present announcer which for decades was the go-to choice for all commercial and corporate projects. These days, most buyers want a more natural, easy-going approach.
Conversational is approachable, relatable and will build trust with your brand and make your listeners feel like they’re listening to a friend, not a salesman!
Join the Voice Over Conversation
Conversational voice over invites people in to join the story, to be a part of the journey!
Modern scripts are written to sound the way normal people actually talk to one another in day-to-day conversation. Successful voice over talent must be well versed in the nuances of conversing and the laid-back, casual flavors of the informal, colloquial read. The conversational approach creates intimacy and can help your business connect with your audience.
More Than Casual and Approachable Voice Over Acting
It seems easy. Just be casual, right? Yes, casual is important, but to voice copy successfully in a conversational way takes a lot more than that — it takes acting. Bringing a familiar tone to a TV or radio script that’s written to sell takes more skill than meets the eye.
The voice over actor must be a trained storyteller who knows when and where to push and pull the narrative to captivate the listener, while simultaneously convincing them to take interest in a product or service. Sometimes a script requires a personable, one-on-one approach, as if speaking to a close friend, confident or perhaps a relative. Other times the client, producer, or copywriter may suggest that the voice over actor project more, as if on stage speaking to a group of people. A good actor can still sound approachable while using an authoritative tone, and at the same time connect with the audience in a meaningful way.
Many directors are looking for the crossroads of nonchalance and confidence. As if to say “Hey, I’m gonna let you in on a secret. I’ve got some incredible stuff here. I know it’s good, but it’s up to you…take it or leave it.” This casual but confident approach in voice over brings people in, piques their curiosity about the product or service and often drives them to action. It say’s, “this guy has something interesting to say, so I better listen.”He also sounds like the guy-next-door, so I’m not intimidated. The voice over is easy going, never condescending. Who doesn’t want to buy what that guy’s selling?!?
YEAH!
Conversational Voice Over for Every Genre
The conversational read can be applied to every genre and sector of voice over. Scripts often call for an “everyday male voice over” approach. However, “everyday” doesn’t always mean upbeat and happy, or even super casual. Every script has a unique mood that a professional voice over actor must accommodate.
Voice Over for Sports and Luxury Brands
Sometimes your “everyday guy” may sound bold and animated because he’s talking about sports. A good male voice over actor may also come across as downright sexy and provocative, with a smoky undertone reserved for a luxury car ad or a hospitality client.
Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Voice Over
Healthcare or big pharma clients are often looking for a more empathetic, soft-spoken read. But not always, those buyers also want to instill hope and an uplifting message. Perhaps the voice over actor is explaining a new medical procedure to a patient, or carefully reviewing the side effects of medication in a TV ad. It’s critical that this type of information comes across in an approachable way that’s easy to digest.
Corporate Narration Voice Over
Corporate narration often calls for a very clear, concise, and buttoned-up approach, but more and more the direction is leaning towards conversational. In many modern corporate environments, casual Fridays have been extended to every day of the week. Now that the ties and pantsuits are often left in the closet, a more casual voice over style, much like the water cooler chats in office kitchens, has found its way into the corporate narrative.
Voice Over for Elearning and Explainer Videos
Elearning and explainer videos are a kaleidoscope of conversational voice over. As these genres are in the business of education and explanation, many clients are looking for the voice of a trustworthy teacher. Properly trained male voice over talent can connect with learners, capture their attention and deliver new information with ease. This ability to connect with and retain a student’s interest is absolutely critical in these settings, and the easiest way to do that is by using a conversational approach!
Attributes of Conversational Voice Over
- Casual
- Guy next door
- World’s greatest dad
- Best friend
- Joke-cracking dad
- Goofy, casual
- Empathetic
- Authoritative
- Wry, sarcastic
Looking for a Conversational Male Voice Over Actor ?
If you’re looking for someone who has immersed himself in the craft, trained with the best people in the industry and mastered leading-edge tactics, including the nuances of the conversational read, Alex is your guy. With a professional home studio and a flexible schedule, Alex delivers on-time and on-budget with the casual yet competent voice you’ve been looking for. Let’s go!