How to Get Started in Voice Over

Voice over is a popular career for those who prefer the comforts of working from home and who dream of voicing Mickey Mouse or the next Disney-Pixar film. It’s also a highly lucrative work-from-home opportunity that’s easy to get into with the right tools and techniques.

In order to start your VO career you’ll need three primary pieces of equipment: a laptop or tablet, a professional-grade microphone, and editing software. For a quality recording, you’ll want to position your mic about 6 to 8 inches from your mouth and focus on clarity. You may need to do some experimenting to find the perfect location and positioning to get your best results.

If you’re new to the business, it’s a good idea to find a reputable coach to help you get started. Some coaches will provide in-person lessons while others will be willing to offer online coaching sessions. Look for a coach with a strong track record in the industry and don’t be afraid to consider a coach outside your geographic area — they may offer Zoom or Skype lessons that could work well for you.

Once you’ve honed your technique, the next step is to build a demo reel. This will showcase the different voices that you can perform and will give agencies an idea of your skill set. It’s a good idea to use software with a built-in editor, like TechSmith’s Audiate. This audio editing app lets you see what you’re recording so you can pause and rewrite any mistakes before they are recorded. voice over