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Originally Posted On: https://www.voicetalentnow.com/public/blog.aspx?ID=1074&Title=5%20Important%20Skills%20to%20Look%20for%20in%20a%20Voice%20Actor

Did you know that some voice actors have such a wide range that they don’t even recognize themselves in their own work?

Becoming a voice actor is no easy feat. However, if you possess passion and a few necessary skills, then you can do an incredible job.

Do you want to know what the best voice actors have in common? Keep reading for 5 skills every voice actor must have to succeed.

1. Enunciation Matters

One of the most challenging skills you need to master before you can become a voice actor is clarity. If you aren’t able to enunciate every word you say, then the work is sloppy and hard to understand. This skill is especially important if your client is trying to sell something.

2. A Believable Voice Actor Has Emotional Range

Many on-screen actors struggle with voice over roles because they have to channel all of their emotions into their voice. Since you won’t be able to rely on your facial expressions, you need to focus on your range, inflection, and abilities to interpret each scene.

Although you have to follow a script, experimenting with a little bit of improv before you record can help you discover the best way to deliver your lines.

3. Natural Timing Keeps Things Fluid

It’s easy to notice when a voice actor sounds stiff or phony. Delivering your lines at the right speed is crucial for coming across as natural and likable.

Since an actor’s job is to make the work feel real, make sure you spend a lot of time rehearsing your script until you can own the words as your own.

4. Consistency Is Important for Voice Over Work

Although professionals make the job look easy, even experienced voice-over actors require more than one take to get the perfect results. Since time is money, limiting the number of takes you need will benefit both you and your clients. The more scripts you read, the better you’ll be able to act without stumbling over your words.

5. Voice Acting Requires Confidence

Since voice actors have to jump into many different roles, they need to be able to channel each character quickly to get the job done efficiently.

It can feel strange to change your persona every day, but it’s possible to sound believable as long as you have confidence. Without confidence, you’re more at risk for stuttering, mumbling, or sounding insincere.

Do You Need Talented Voice Over Actors?

Now that you know the 5 most important skills a voice actor should have, you can train in all of the right areas to succeed. If you’re someone who’s in need of a voice actor, you know what to look for to find impressive professionals for all of your projects.

Do you want to make your search for the right voice actor easy? If so, Voice Talent Now is here to help. You can place an order for your unique project and we’ll match you with the perfect fit.

Voice Talent Now presents the easiest way to order voice overs, period. No fat. No haggle. No hassles. No waiting for an on-line auction with a cattle-call of voice talent fighting for the lowest bid. Just a lean, mean, machine for ordering voice overs with rates starting at just $49. Since 2005, Voice Talent Now has featured voice over talent that are vetted extensively and are ready-to-record. Egos need not apply. Whether it’s a radio/TV commercial, voicemail, on-hold, IVR, web audio, or other long-form narration, you send the script; we’ll read it without charging you a king’s ransom. That’s all there is to it. Check out our whitelabel voiceovers for agencies.