Who is your target audience and what do you want to say?
Before you start listening to samples, it is important to clearly define who you are speaking to. A clear instructional video for a new app requires a very different approach than a trendy radio ad for a local summer festival.
Consider the emotion you want to convey. Do you want to sound professional and reliable, or perhaps a bit more relaxed, enthusiastic, and with a touch of humour? Write down a few keywords that describe the desired atmosphere. This will greatly help you in your targeted search for the right voice actor.
Age, gender, and vocal timbre
Should your voice actor sound like a young, dynamic twenty-something, or are you looking for the warm, experienced voice of someone in their sixties? The age of the voice does not always have to match the speaker's actual age, but the timbre must suit your brand's image.
- High versus low voices: Low voices are often associated with calm, authority, and reliability. High voices, in contrast, often exude energy, freshness, and accessibility.
- Male, female, or gender-neutral: Consider what best connects with your listeners' world. Sometimes a contrast can be very surprising and draw extra attention.
The power of the right accent and language
In Flanders, we are very sensitive to accents and pronunciations. Are you looking for a voice that speaks perfect Standard Dutch without recognisable regional influences? Or might a charming, subtle local touch enhance proximity and authenticity?
A voice that perfectly matches your target audience's region immediately creates a sense of recognition. However, always ensure the voice remains easily understandable for everyone, even if there is a slight accent. Good intelligibility is always the absolute priority.
Can the voice actor really act?
Delivering a good voice recording is much more than simply reading a text fluently. It is a true craft and a form of acting. The voice actor must be able to interpret the text and place the correct emphasis without sounding artificial or forced.
Ask yourself if the voice is flexible enough. Can the actor quickly switch from a professional tone to a more captivating, narrative style based on your feedback? Professional voices often have various demos showcasing different styles, giving you a good immediate impression of their range.
The technical quality of the recording
Beyond the voice itself, recording quality is crucial. Nothing is as distracting as background noise, a reverberant room, or disruptive breathing sounds in your final audio. Fortunately, professional voices work from their own high-quality home studio or book a professional recording studio.
Also, enquire about delivery times and options for any correction rounds. If a small word in the text changes afterwards, it is helpful if the voice actor can quickly provide a new recording with the exact same microphone settings and sound quality.