A Guide to Practicing Voice Acting
So, you're ready to dive into the world of voice acting, but you're not sure where to start. If you're dreaming of narrating audiobooks, lending your voice to animations, or becoming the next big video game character, practice is key. In this guide, I’ll walk you through a few tips to help you start honing your craft before booking your first gig.
Finding Practice Scripts
Before you can start flexing those vocal cords, you'll need some scripts to work with. Luckily, the internet is a treasure trove of resources for aspiring voice actors. Here's where you can find practice scripts to sharpen your skills:
Websites: Numerous websites offer free access to scripts across various genres. Do a quick Google search to find practice scripts for voice actors. You can find scripts ranging from commercials to monologues to scenes from movies and TV shows.
Public Domain Works: Classic literature, such as the works of Shakespeare, Dickens, or Austen, are often in the public domain and can be used freely for practice. These texts provide a diverse range of characters and emotions to explore.
Writing Your Own: If you’re a writer, don't be afraid to get creative and write your own scripts! Craft scenes that challenge you to portray different characters, emotions, and situations. It's an excellent way to tailor your practice to your specific goals and interests.
Practicing with Free Software
Now that you've got your hands on some scripts, it's time to start practicing with a DAW or digital audio workstation. You don't need fancy equipment to get started—there are plenty of free tools available that can help you refine your voice acting skills:
Audacity: Audacity is a free, open-source audio editing software that's perfect for voice actors. You can use it to record, edit, and manipulate your voice recordings with ease. Experiment with different effects, such as pitch modulation and reverb, to add depth to your performances.
Ocenaudio: Another excellent free option is Ocenaudio, which offers a user-friendly interface and powerful editing capabilities. It's ideal for beginners looking to refine their recordings without getting overwhelmed by complex features.
Voice Recorder Apps: If you prefer to practice on the go, there are plenty of free voice recorder apps available for smartphones and tablets. Apps like Voice Memos (iOS) and Voice Recorder (Android) allow you to capture your performances anytime, anywhere.
What to Listen For When Practicing
As you practice, it's essential to develop a critical ear and listen for specific elements of your performance. I do recommend at some point get a coach to help you understand how to break down your copy, but for now you can start to focus on:
Clarity and Articulation: Pay attention to how clearly you're enunciating your words and whether your speech is easy to understand. Practice pronouncing difficult sounds and words to improve your clarity.
Emotional Range: Voice acting is all about conveying emotions convincingly. Experiment with different emotional tones, from joy and excitement to sadness and anger. Can you make your audience feel what your character is feeling?
Characterization: Whether you're voicing a grizzled detective, a quirky sidekick, or a menacing villain, it's essential to develop distinct character voices. Work on creating unique vocal qualities, accents, and speech patterns for each character you portray.
Pacing and Rhythm: Pay attention to the pacing and rhythm of your delivery. Is your speech too fast or too slow? Practice finding the right cadence for each line to ensure it flows naturally.
Breath Control: Proper breath control is crucial for sustaining long passages of dialogue without running out of breath. Practice taking deep breaths and pacing your speech to maintain consistency throughout your performance.
Putting It All Together
Now that you know where to find practice scripts, have software suggestions to get you started, and can tell what to listen for when practicing, it's time to put it all into action. Set aside dedicated time each day to practice your voice acting skills, focusing on different aspects of your performance each session. Don't be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them—it's all part of the journey to becoming a successful voice actor. If you need help on your journey, check out my voiceover training program, Make Money with Your Mouth. It’s a 7-week online coaching that can help you learn how to read copy believably, understand how you should set your rates for each spot, and build up your tools to be a marketable freelance voice actor.
Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a stellar voice acting career. Be patient with yourself, stay persistent, and keep honing your craft. With dedication and practice, you'll be on your way to using your voice as a voice actor in no time. So, get out there and start practicing—you got this!