Radio Ads Need Voice Over Actors: Are you Ready?

 

Radio commercials can be national or local and can provide a voice over actor a regular income.  Radio ads are not dead and are still a great job source for voice over talent.

Voice over actors are so important for radio ads as it is your voice that brings credibility to the message and the brand.  They are counting on your voice to make listeners not only interested but represent their brand in the best light.

Voice Over Talent for Radio

Radio commercials or ads are anywhere from 15 to 60 seconds long.

Radio ads are typically read at a faster rate and require a lot of energy.  You must hold the attention of the audience and be persuasive without being pushy.  The voice is the most important part of the ad and can be told in a variety of styles based on the brand’s target audience.

Types of Radio Ads

There are four main types of radio ads that are used.  Each one has specific formatting that makes it important to understand how you should use your talent.

·         Jingle Ad – These ads are the ones that people are singing or humming long after, the ones with phrases that get stuck in a listener’s head.  The key is the wording and as a voice over actor it is about clearly getting the message out.

·         Sponsorship Ad – These ads typically come before or after a popular show.  It is a commanding voice that states, “This show is sponsored by….”

·         Straight Read Ad – These ads are an audio version of text ads.  They are ads that speak about the brand.

·         Customer Testimonial Ad – Brands often have compelling testimonials by customers that make for great promotion ads.  However, the customers are not the ones to read them.  That is where a skilled voice actor can give the read based on the customer’s words.  It is perfect for a professional actor who can give the statement life.

Practice is Key

The best way to become a radio voice over actor is to practice.  Work with a broad range of scripts so that you are prepared for the broad range of styles and can work on the subtle differences.  Record your practice runs and then play them back.

Listen to the current style you hear on the radio, styles change to keep up with trends.

A radio voice over coach will be able to help you work out the fine elements.  Look for a coach that specializes in radio teachings or a class that is specifically about radio voice over work.

Get Your Demo Reel Ready

If you are just starting in the radio ad world, create a demo with the styles that you have mastered.  Make sure that your reel is clean and would be ready to go straight to air.  This reel needs to impress agents, brands, anyone that you are sending a copy out to.

Keep in mind that your reel will constantly change and update as you book jobs and broaden your work.  A demo is about showcasing the best of your work and a variety or diversity of what you can do.