How to Get a Job Doing Voice-Overs

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Everyone tells you that you have a great voice. Here's how you can parlay that gift into a career.

Step 1: Take a class
Take a voice-over class; there’s a lot more to the field than having a pleasant voice. A good workshop will teach you the technical aspects of the business, like studio terminology and how to use the microphone correctly.

Tip
Find a teacher who is in the business, like a talent agent or someone who works for a major ad agency.

Step 2: Practice
Practice reading out loud, and tape your practice sessions so you can see where you need improvement.

Step 3: Get gigs
Seek out gigs doing voice-over work for indie or student films, where you probably won’t get paid but will get valuable experience and material for your demo.

Tip
Avoid dairy, alcohol, and caffeine before an audition or gig—and eat some green apples slices, which can cut through mucus in the mouth and throat.

Step 4: Embrace your voice
Embrace your voice. If you have an accent, search for work that requires it.

Step 5: Breathe deeply
Practice proper breathing. Don’t breathe from your chest—breathe deeply from your diaphragm.

Step 6: Read
When you’re not working, read, read, read. You’ll improve your vocabulary, which will make you seem more professional—producers don’t enjoy wasting time teaching artists proper pronunciation.

Step 7: Make a demo
Make a short demo tape. Consider using software that enhances your voice by blocking out background noise.

Step 8: Post your demo
Make a profile and post your demo on online voice markets like voices.com. Also, check out schools—some will let you post your demo online for a fee.

Step 9: Find an agent
Do a mass mailing of your demo tape to agents who represent voice-over artists.

Step 10: Follow up
Follow up if you don’t receive a response in a few weeks. Persistence often pays off.

Did You Know?
Julia Roberts is said to have enjoyed a 7 figure payday for taping a voice-over for an AOL commercial in 2006.