2 Aug 2026
3 min read
Shouting in a TV commercial just doesn't work. Learn how a natural voice truly connects with viewers. Discover five practical insights from the recording studio.
As soon as an advert break begins, the general sound level on TV often rises. If a voice actor adds to that by shouting, listeners will switch off. A calm, natural tone stands out precisely because of the quiet it brings.
An understated voice, positioned close to the microphone, creates a moment of calm. It works like a confidential conversation in a crowded room: as soon as someone starts to speak more softly, those around them automatically lean in to hear better.
A common misconception is that you need to address an audience of a million people at once. The most effective voice actors speak as if they are talking to someone at their kitchen table.
In the recording studio, we sometimes see a tendency to cut out every breath pause to save time. While this makes the message shorter, it sounds unnatural and rushed.
Here's a practical tip from the director's chair: have the voice actor speak about thirty centimetres from the microphone and keep their natural breathing just before the main brand name. This subtle pause gives the viewer's brain a fraction of a second to process the previous sentence, making the subsequent information more memorable.
The pricing structure for a commercial voice-over assignment differs from non-commercial work, such as a corporate film or e-learning. For non-commercial projects, rates are usually calculated per word or per project.
For a national commercial, the industry works with a fixed basic fee for studio time, supplemented by what's known as a 'buy-out'. This buy-out covers the rights to use the voice on a specific medium for an agreed period. So, your final investment depends on the channels where the advert runs and how long the campaign lasts.
A voice that works well for a Dutch commercial will not necessarily appeal to a Flemish audience. Belgian viewers look for familiarity and an authentic Flemish accent.
Our platform features 94 professional voice actors with diverse experience. For example, our Flemish voice actress Birgit worked for many years doing off-screen announcing for well-known Belgian TV channels such as Eén and Canvas. By choosing a voice with the right background, the feel of your campaign will seamlessly align with your target audience's expectations.
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The rate consists of a fixed fee for the studio recording plus a buy-out for the usage rights. The amount of that buy-out is determined by the channels you choose and the period during which the advert will be broadcast. For an exact calculation, we are happy to provide you with a custom quote.### What languages do you offer? Our voice actors record in their native language. We offer languages including Flemish, French (BE), Dutch, German, English, English (US), French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, and Danish.
Yes, we provide audio samples for all our voices. You can use these to assess their sound. During the recording session, you can also listen in live. This allows you to give direct instructions to the voice actor.
Would you like to discuss the right voice for your next project? Please contact our team for clear advice and a suitable selection of voices.
Short and to the point. Click to see the answer.
How do I order a phone message?
Pick a voice you like for your phone system. Enter your texts. You can also use our simple text generator. Add hold music if you want. Within 3 days at most, you receive the finished audio files.
How does ordering work?
What does a professional phone message cost?
The price depends on how long your text is and which message you need (welcome, menu or hold). As soon as you pick a voice, you see what it costs. Hold music is optional.
What does a professional telephone message cost?
A welcome message or phone menu from a professional voice is surprisingly affordable. The price depends on the length of your text and the type of message (welcome message, phone menu, on-hold message).
At Voices, you can see the price instantly for your chosen voice. On-hold music from our library can be added separately. Most clients receive their audio within 1 to 2 working days.
Can I provide my own music?
How much does it cost to add music on hold?
Are the tracks optimised for telephony?
Do you also record voice prompts for IVR and phone systems?
How long should my telephone message be?
“Request submitted and they review the text again, making some adjustments where necessary. If there's any detail the client finds a bit difficult in the produced audio, they resolve it very quickly and create a new audio on the same day. Highly recommended and very professional service now. Top! I was assisted and recorded by Johfrah.”
Kevin De Nil
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Listen to a selection of voice actors and find the right voice for your project.
“Voices.be is highly recommended for voice-overs in various languages. A professional company with pleasant communication, quick responses, and overall top-notch service. Look no further.”
Anastasia Van der Maas
“If you are looking for a reliable supplier, Voices.Be is definitely a recommendation! Our experience was top-notch - fast delivery, excellent quality, and it gives our company a professional appearance.”
Jelle Kerfs
