Tips for Getting Into Your Voice Over Character

Getting into character isn’t just for screen or stage actors. Voice over actors also play character roles, and becoming one with that persona can be a challenge. As that character, you have to be sincere, authentic, and most importantly, believable for your audience. Here are tips to help you get into character as a voice over actor.

●     Visualize the character. What does he/she look like? What kind of mannerisms would they have? How do they sound? If you can create a picture in your mind of this persona, then it can be easier to become them.

●     Observe others. One of the best ways to learn about people, including the fictitious ones you play as a VO actor, is simply to watch them. Go to the mall or the beach or somewhere that has a variety of people, make yourself comfortable, and watch how they behave.

●     Choose relatable roles. When you can relate to the character you’re playing, it is far easier to become that character, and do so believably.  Before you accept a role, review the character to see if you can relate to him/her on any level. If you can, great! If not, think carefully about whether or not you’ll be able to play the role with authenticity.

●     Remove distractions.  Eliminate anything that could serve as a distraction so you can fully immerse yourself into the character. If you’re focusing on things other than your character and what you’re doing in that moment, you’ll only make things more difficult for yourself. 

●     Give it 100%. When you’re assuming an identity other than your own, one of the best ways to make it believable is to invest 100% of yourself into it. It’s not just the words that you’re reading off the script; it’s also your facial expressions and body language. Even though you may not be seen while you are recording. All of these components work together to make a complete character, so incorporate those as well to truly become the character. 

There's a saying in the business, "All acting is character acting." This is true because you are always REACTING to someone or something's action. So you are a character doing that. Of course, you are bringing your particular character traits to the recording. And if you don't think of yourself as a "character" voice actor, just remember to work from the ROOT of your signature sound and manipulate your voice to suite the need keeping the above suggestions in mind.