How to Get a Job Doing Voice-Overs

Everyone tells you that you have a great voice. Here’s how you can parlay that gift into a career.

Instructions

Step 1: Take a class Take a voice-over class; there’s a lot more to the field than having a pleasant voice. A good workshop will teach you the technical aspects of the business, like studio terminology and how to use the microphone correctly.
TIP: Find a teacher who is in the business, like a talent agent or someone who works for a major ad agency.
Step 2: Practice Practice reading out loud, and tape your practice sessions so you can see where you need improvement.
Step 3: Get gigs Seek out gigs doing voice-over work for indie or student films, where you probably won’t get paid but will get valuable experience and material for your demo.
TIP: Avoid dairy, alcohol, and caffeine before an audition or gig—and eat some green apples slices, which can cut through mucus in the mouth and throat.
Step 4: Embrace your voice Embrace your voice. If you have an accent, search for work that requires it.
Step 5: Breathe deeply Practice proper breathing. Don’t breathe from your chest—breathe deeply from your diaphragm.
Step 6: Read When you’re not working, read, read, read. You’ll improve your vocabulary, which will make you seem more professional—producers don’t enjoy wasting time teaching artists proper pronunciation.
Step 7: Make a demo Make a short demo tape. Consider using software that enhances your voice by blocking out background noise.
Step 8: Post your demo Make a profile and post your demo on online voice markets like voices.com. Also, check out schools—some will let you post your demo online for a fee.
Step 9: Find an agent Do a mass mailing of your demo tape to agents who represent voice-over artists.
Step 10: Follow up Follow up if you don’t receive a response in a few weeks. Persistence often pays off.
FACT: Julia Roberts is said to have enjoyed a 7 figure payday for taping a voice-over for an AOL commercial in 2006.