For anyone starting out in Voice Over over the past 18 months, understandably it’s been a frustrating time. Access to courses & coaching has been limited not just by complete lockdowns (like the one we’re in now) but even by restrictions such as social distancing and indoor mask wearing which make studio work difficult.

So while we continue to navigate the new normal of the COVID-19 landscape you may be wondering what you can do to get started on your voice over journey while you wait to do a workshop / course or some coaching.

Well, here are some ideas.

Do some research.
If there’s a particular area of Voice Over that you are interested in, finding others already working in that area and listening to their work is a great place to start and can help you form some goals for the future.
For example for Radio / TV & Corporate work you could visit Voice Over agent websites such as www.emvoices.com.au or www.RMK.com.au and listen to the Voice Over Demos of the individual talent. These people are all working professionally as voice over artists so will give you great examples of the skills you’ll need in action.

Practise.
While you may not be ready to share your voice with the world or audition for jobs, getting your hands on scripts to read is really useful. One of the key skills needed for a voice over artist is the ability to read a script from beginning to end fluidly, giving the words meaning and without error. This sounds easier than it is.

Think about how much printed matter you read out loud, word for word everyday and you may realise that it’s not something that many people do very often.
You don’t even need to record yourself reading practise scripts, though it can be useful, it still counts and practise and will help when you do get into the studio.
If you’re already signed up for a workshop will us we can send you some practise scripts, otherwise Google can help you find some also.

Make some recordings
On your phone, using a basic headset or USB Microphone. It doesn’t need to be high quality and you don’t need to share it but try recording a few of your practise scripts and listen back to them. Make note of anything you’re struggling with or feel that you do well and learn from that as a start.

Do some online coaching
Online voice over courses and coaching has become very popular over the past few years and it can be a great way to get started if you can’t get into a studio.
We feel that online learning can be a component of learning voice over however the in-studio experience is still a really important part of your voice over journey. This is why we don’t offer a full voice over workshop or course online however we do offer short 1 on 1 sessions that are designed to start or compliment your learning in this area.

A 1-Hour coaching session via zoom can be a great to getting an introduction to the industry and how it works, asking lots of questions or just running over some of the basic skills in voice over. At the moment you can do a 1 on 1 online session with us for just $50 by using the code LOCKDOWN.

So what are Voice Over Artists doing during the current COVID-19 lockdown?

We’re still working. When there’s work to be done.

One of the most valuable lessons learned, for even the most experienced voice over artists over the past 18 months is that having a home studio is now a must-have!
With many of the restrictions places on how businesses could operate during the various lockdown periods recording studios were simply not allowed to host recording sessions, but they could virtually connect to and record voice over artists from home studios.
This still continues today with most Voice Over Artists who have a home studio connecting with studios and clients using tools such as Source-Connect and Zoom.

It’s worth mentioning that not everyone is busy with voice over at the moment, in fact some are doing it tough. The Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on the economy has found that in some areas there’s less production work being done or some clients are not spending as much so less voice over work is available.

I hope everyone is staying safe and well and perhaps even getting their vaccinations organised.

If you have any questions about this post or any of the workshops / coaching services offered here feel free to get in contact anytime.

Andy