Have you ever wondered why some voice actors seem to book job after job while others with similar talent struggle? The answer might be simpler than you think: articulation. Master this crucial skill to stand out from the competition and land more voice over gigs!
Finding Your Articulation Sweet Spot
Articulation in voice acting can be a tricky beast! In my years of coaching voice talent, I’ve observed that people tend to fall into one of three categories – they either over-articulate, under-articulate, something in between which is the sweet spot.
It’s like the Goldilocks of voice work:
- You don’t want to be too crisp (over-articulation can sound unnatural and stuffy)
- You don’t want to be too mushy (under-articulation makes you difficult to understand)
- You want it juuuust right!
How to Tell If Your Articulation Needs Work
Here are some telltale signs you might need to brush up on your articulation exercises for clear speech:
- You move your lips way too much when talking, making your voice sound a bit lethargic and over-pronounced.
- You zip through words so fast they end up sounding all smooshed together, making it difficult for listeners to catch every word.
If you nodded “yes” to either of these observations, don’t worry! This is something that can be improved with consistent practice.
Why Articulation in Voice Acting Matters to Clients
Think about it from a client’s perspective. When they hire a voice actor, they want someone who:
- Can deliver their message clearly without listeners having to strain to understand
- Sounds natural and conversational, not like they’re reading from a script
- Won’t require excessive retakes due to mumbled or overly precise delivery
Perfect articulation in voice acting sits right in the middle – clear enough to be understood easily, but natural enough to sound authentic.
Next Steps: Improve Articulation with Exercises
Pay attention to your articulation when practicing clear speech. Record yourself and listen back critically. Are you over-articulating or under-articulating? Finding that balance is key to booking more voice over gigs.
Your future listeners (and clients) will thank you!
Want personalized feedback on your articulation? Book a coaching session with me through this link.