Mastering the Art of Voiceover
- Aimee Perez
- Apr 23, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 16, 2024
I admit AI automated voiceovers are improving, and I don't doubt they will continue to improve and outwit us all. But until then... I won't budge from my unwavering preference
for real human voiceover, especially when it comes to training.
Now before you protest, hear me out...
When I'm investing my time in completing a training, I really want to feel that same level of dedication from the course developers. AI-generated voices, especially when not done well, can be perceived as a shortcut.
And it's not just about the words a learner hears. It's how they absorb and remember those words. AI still has a way to go before it can match the emotion, pacing, nuances, and natural speech variations that come with a human voiceover. These are all traits that really help connect with your learners and boost their retention.
So for now, I'm sticking with real voices for my training courses and encourage you to do the same! On that note, let's dive into some tips for getting the best quality voiceover.
SET-UP
Believe it or not, your closet is a fantastic place to record. It's carpeted and filled with clothes that absorb sound. Plus, there are little to no reflective surfaces like windows or blank walls to reduce your sound quality.
Don’t forget to turn off fans, air conditioners, washing machines, your neighbor’s lawnmower… basically anything that could make your life harder during editing.
Finally, aim for consistency, and create a recording space that you can easily replicate. This way, if you need to re-record sections or add more audio later, your recordings will match in quality.
EQUIPMENT
If you’re just starting out, I recommend the Blue Snowball iCE mic. It’s affordable, super easy to use (just plug it into your laptop via USB), has great sound quality, and is compact/ portable.
If you're more familiar with narrating, and have more a more flexible budget, I’d suggest the NT1 RØDE mic. I use this one myself, and the sound quality is outstanding. However, it does require an audio interface, and is more of a learning curve than the Snowball.
But whichever mic you choose, I highly recommend getting a pop filter to reduce plosive sounds (p's and b's). The NT1 RØDE mic comes with its own pop filter, and shock mount which helps reduce vibrations.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Read your script out loud several times to get comfortable with the pacing, tone, and tempo so you feel confident when it’s time to hit record!
VOICE PREPARATION
Drink a full glass of water before you start recording, apply some lip balm to prevent any annoying lip smacking, and don’t forget to keep hydrating as you record!
RECORDING
Before you start recording, do a quick test run to check the audio quality and adjust your mic settings as needed. Move your mic to a comfortable position, about 6-12 inches from your mouth.
When I record, I usually read through the script in full about 4 to 5 times. Each time, I get a bit more confident, my tone and pacing become more consistent, and my energy picks up. I’d recommend you do the same!
Finally, don't forget to SMILE! Your smile can be heard in your voice, and can be felt by your learners.
EDITING
Ideally, your raw recording shouldn't require extensive edits. But regardless of the quality of your raw recording, you'll want to get rid of any breaths, mic bumps, and plosive sounds. Once you trim out what you don’t need, you might need to boost the volume or add a compressor, depending on how your recording turned out.
I personally use Adobe Audition for editing my audio. While it has a bit of a learning curve, it’s user-friendly and perfect for giving your audio that studio-quality finish.
YOUR TIME TO SHINE!
Want to level up your skills? Check out these courses:
Pro tip: Many local libraries offer free LinkedIn Learning memberships. Head to your local library’s website to learn how to get access!
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