A voice over is a narration that appears in video and audio productions. It is used to add extra information that cannot be seen on screen and is often used in filmmaking, theatre and television. It is a way to tell the story of a video through words rather than images, making it more accessible for those who have difficulty watching and listening. It can also give depth and emotion to characters on screen.

Voice acting is a unique profession that requires an equally unique set of skills. It is not just about being able to read the script and speak it well, it’s also about business acumen, technical knowledge for recording, and, perhaps most importantly of all, a strong work ethic. Developing all three of these areas is crucial to the success of a professional voice actor. This is especially true for those who want to make it a full time career.

Many people who start in this field of entertainment are attracted to it because it offers a lot of flexibility and freedom from the constraints of a traditional 9-5 job. However, the reality is that it can be a very demanding and sometimes difficult profession to manage on top of other work commitments. There is a lot of self-promotion and marketing that needs to be done, which can be particularly challenging for those who are unable to afford an agent or have a limited network.

It is important to find a way to keep yourself motivated, especially in the early stages of your career. It’s easy to get discouraged when you aren’t booking gigs immediately. But remember that it takes time to build a portfolio, and you should be patient with yourself.

If you’re serious about becoming a voice over artist, the first thing you need to do is get a quality recording setup. It’s essential that you have a quiet place where you can record your work without distractions. You should also have a microphone and headphones so that you can avoid picking up background noises. If you aren’t able to afford professional equipment, there are lots of online recording programs that you can use for free.

The best ones will have a clean, clear sound and are simple to use. They will also be able to flag any ums, uhs and hesitations so that you can easily edit your audio file.

Choosing the right voice for your project is very important. It should match the tone and feel of the video that you are working on. For example, if you are doing an animation video, your voice should be warm and playful. For a more formal piece, such as an educational video or corporate presentation, you’ll need a voice that sounds authoritative and professional.

Being in the booth for hours a day can be very isolating, so it’s important to stay connected to other voice actors and clients through social media groups, podcasting, and events like Meetups. It’s also important to take care of your mental health and take regular breaks from the booth.