Whether you’re making a YouTube video or recording a presentation, if you create videos — especially how-to and explainer videos — you will almost certainly need to record voiceovers. For many people, the thought of recording their voice and sharing it with the world is horrifying. But it doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful! In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to record voiceovers like a pro.

Understanding Voice Over

A voice-over is a person speaking (but not seen) during a video — often describing, highlighting, explaining, or providing additional context to what a viewer sees. It’s often confused with narration. While they are similar, they are not quite the same thing.

What’s the Difference Between Voice Over and Narration?

Narration is a specific type of voice over that describes all of the on-screen action, often telling a story based on what’s happening. While narration is more commonly used for entertainment, non-narration voice overs are often used in instructional, informational, and educational videos.

An easy way to think about it: All narration is a voice over, but not all voice overs are narration.

Why is a Good Voice Over Important?

Some might think that the audio portion of a video is less important than the visual aspects, but that’s not true. A recent study showed that more than 25% of video viewers watched a video all the way through because the audio was good — more than those who said professional video style was most important.

While the on-screen elements of your video are what make it a video, in many cases, it’s the voice over that helps people truly understand what’s being shown. Muddy, muffled, or otherwise difficult-to-understand audio tracks are frustrating to viewers. Great audio is essential to keep an audience interested and engaged — and to ensure they get the information they need.

The Essential Elements of a Good Voice Over

When we think of great video voice overs, we often think of actors like Morgan Freeman or James Earl Jones. However, with a little know-how and some practice, almost anyone can produce a professional-quality voice over for a video. Here are the key elements that make a voice over stand out:

Audio Clarity and Volume

The clarity of your voice and speaking at a comfortable volume are the most essential parts of great audio. If your voice over recording is fuzzy or muddy sounding, it will be difficult for people to understand and your audience will be distracted and unable to absorb the information. Similarly, if the volume of your audio is too low, it may be difficult for people to hear. If it’s too loud, you risk distorting it. Finding a solid sweet spot for volume is key.

Pacing

Pacing is crucial. Too fast, and your audience won’t know what hit them; too slow, and they’re likely to get bored. The best voice overs have a natural and deliberate pace. Writing a script and practicing it helps you speak naturally. Pacing also includes pausing to take a breath, either for effect or to give the listener a break to process important information.

Vocal Tone and Inflection

You want to sound friendly and engaging, but not fake. Avoid a monotone robot voice. Speak naturally and pleasantly to keep your audience engaged.

Pronunciation and Enunciation

Ensure that you pronounce each word correctly and speak clearly enough to be understood. Avoid mumbling, but don’t shout or over-enunciate. Be mindful of your regional accent and pronunciations as they relate to your audience. The best thing you can do is speak naturally and clearly — the rest will follow with practice.

How to Record a Voice-Over

Recording a professional-quality voice-over involves preparation, the right tools, and practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Preparing to Record

Not all videos need a ton of preparation. However, for more polished videos, a bit of preparation goes a long way.

Find a Quiet Place to Work: Choose a space that’s free from distracting noises and where you are unlikely to be interrupted. Even faint ambient sounds can make it into your recording. If you can’t find a completely quiet spot, think creatively. For example, recording in your car with the engine off might provide a surprisingly good environment.

Choose a Microphone: Avoid recording your voice overs on your laptop microphone. Even a low-cost external microphone will be better. You can get a decent USB microphone for $50-$100. Investing in a pop filter can also help minimize distracting sounds.

Choose Your Audio Software: There’s no shortage of audio recording software on the market. For beginners, we recommend checking out user-friendly options like Audiate, which offers a seven-day free trial.

2. Write a Script

Having a script ensures your voice over sounds professional. The best scripts include everything you intend to say, word for word. Outline your points and then write the full script based on that outline. Read your script aloud several times before recording, and be mindful of words or phrases that may feel awkward or difficult to say.

3. Do a Test Recording

Run a test recording to ensure your equipment is working properly and your audio levels are good. Record a few paragraphs to check for clarity and to identify any stray or ambient noises. Use headphones to check the audio quality.

4. Record Your Voice Over

Once you’re satisfied with your microphone placement and audio levels, you’re ready to record. Remember these key tips:

• Speak slowly and clearly: Enunciate each word.
• Consider your tone: Sound pleasant, but not overly excited.
• Don’t stop: If you make a mistake, go back a sentence or two and start again.
• Take breaks: If needed, pause your recording and take a break.

5. Edit Your Audio

After recording, it’s time to edit. Even if you didn’t make any mistakes, there will likely be a few things that need fixing. Trim the beginning and end to remove any dead space. Listen to the entire recording from start to finish, focusing on overall pacing and tone. Make notes and then start editing. Tools like Audiate make editing simple by allowing you to highlight and delete mistakes easily.

6. Import Your Audio into Your Video Editor

Importing and working with audio in a video editor should be straightforward. Syncing audio and video in tools like Camtasia is simple, and you can also add music, trim footage, and crop frames.

Improving Your Voice for Voice Overs

One of the biggest hurdles for many people when starting with voice overs is getting used to the sound of their own voice. Your voice on recordings is how you actually sound to everyone around you. Here are some tips to help you improve the sound of your voice and get comfortable with it.

Embrace Your Natural Voice

Your voice sounds different on recordings because it’s how others hear you, not how you hear yourself. This can be unsettling at first, but it’s important to embrace your natural voice. Think of it as your unique signature. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with hearing your recorded voice.

Speak from Your Diaphragm

Speaking from your diaphragm rather than your throat can make a significant difference in the quality of your voice. This technique helps you produce a richer, fuller sound and can prevent vocal strain. To practice speaking from your diaphragm:

1. Sit or stand up straight: Good posture helps you use your diaphragm correctly.
2. Take a deep breath: Fill your lungs and expand your diaphragm.
3. Speak on the exhale: As you exhale, speak clearly and steadily.

Hydrate and Care for Your Voice

Hydration is crucial for maintaining a clear and strong voice. Keep a bottle of water handy while recording and take regular sips. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can dry out your vocal cords. Warm up your voice before recording by doing vocal exercises or simply speaking in a relaxed manner for a few minutes.

Practice Regularly

Like any skill, voice over work improves with practice. The more you do it, the better you will become. Record yourself reading different types of scripts and play them back to identify areas for improvement. Pay attention to your pacing, tone, and enunciation. Consider joining a voice acting group or taking an online course to further hone your skills.

Choosing the Right Equipment

Having the right equipment is essential for producing professional-quality voice overs. Here’s a breakdown of what you need:

Microphones

USB Microphones: These are perfect for beginners due to their ease of use and good quality. Popular models include the Blue Yeti and Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB.

XLR Microphones: These are more advanced and offer higher sound quality. They require an audio interface to connect to your computer. The Shure SM7B is a highly regarded XLR microphone.

Pop Filters and Shock Mounts

A pop filter helps reduce plosive sounds (like “p” and “b” noises) that can cause distortion. A shock mount isolates the microphone from vibrations and handling noise, resulting in a cleaner recording.

Headphones

Closed-back headphones are ideal for recording because they prevent sound leakage and help you monitor your audio accurately. Popular choices include the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the Sony MDR-7506.

Audio Interfaces

If you’re using an XLR microphone, you’ll need an audio interface to connect it to your computer. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a popular and reliable choice for beginners and professionals alike.

Acoustic Treatment

While you don’t need a professional studio, some basic acoustic treatment can make a big difference. Use foam panels, blankets, or even pillows to dampen sound reflections and reduce echo in your recording space.

Recording Your Voice Over

With your equipment ready and your voice warmed up, it’s time to record. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Set Up Your Recording Space

1. Choose a quiet location: Find a spot free from background noise and interruptions.
2. Position your microphone: Place it about six to eight inches from your mouth, slightly below your chin.
3. Use a pop filter: Attach it to your microphone stand to reduce plosive sounds.
4. Wear headphones: Monitor your audio to catch any issues during recording.

Check Your Audio Levels

Before you start recording, check your audio levels to ensure they’re in the right range. Aim for levels between -10dB and -6dB to avoid clipping or distortion.

Record in Short Sections

Recording in short sections makes it easier to manage mistakes and maintain consistency. If you make an error, simply re-record that section rather than starting over from the beginning.

Maintain Consistent Pacing

Keep a steady pace and avoid rushing through your script. Natural pauses and breathing breaks will help your voice over sound more conversational and engaging.

Edit Your Recording

Once you’ve finished recording, it’s time to edit your audio. Trim any unnecessary silence at the beginning and end, and remove any mistakes or unwanted sounds. Tools like Audiate make editing simple by allowing you to highlight and delete errors easily.

Adding Final Touches

Editing is not just about cutting mistakes. It’s also about enhancing the quality of your audio to make it sound professional. Here’s how you can polish your voice over:

Noise Reduction

Use noise reduction tools to remove background noise from your recording. Most audio editing software, like Audacity or Adobe Audition, have built-in noise reduction features. Be careful not to overdo it, as excessive noise reduction can make your voice sound unnatural.

Equalization (EQ)

EQ helps balance the different frequencies in your audio. A simple EQ adjustment can make your voice sound clearer and more pleasant. Boost the mid-range frequencies to enhance clarity and reduce any muddiness in the lower frequencies.

Compression

Compression evens out the dynamic range of your audio, making the quieter parts louder and the louder parts quieter. This helps ensure a consistent volume throughout your recording. Be cautious with compression settings to avoid making your audio sound too flat.

Adding Background Music

If your video includes background music, make sure it doesn’t overpower your voice over. Adjust the volume levels so that your voice remains clear and understandable. A subtle background track can add depth and emotion to your video.

Syncing Audio with Video

When you’ve finished editing your audio, import it into your video editor and sync it with your video footage. Most video editing software allows you to adjust the timing of your audio clips to match your video perfectly. Pay attention to lip-sync if your video includes footage of someone speaking.

Tips for Consistently Great Voice Overs

Consistency is key to producing high-quality voice overs. Here are some tips to help you maintain a professional standard:

Maintain a Regular Practice Routine

Set aside time each week to practice your voice over skills. This will help you stay sharp and continue to improve. Practice reading different types of scripts and experiment with various tones and styles.

Create a Dedicated Recording Space

Having a dedicated recording space can help ensure consistent audio quality. Choose a quiet location and set up your microphone, pop filter, and other equipment in a way that minimizes background noise and reflections.

Keep Your Equipment in Good Condition

Regularly check your equipment to ensure it’s in good working order. Clean your microphone and pop filter, check your cables for any signs of wear, and make sure your audio software is up to date.

Develop a Script Writing Habit

Writing a script for your voice overs helps you stay organized and ensures you cover all necessary points. Practice writing scripts regularly, and read them aloud to check for flow and clarity. A well-written script is the foundation of a great voice over.

Continuously Learn and Improve

Stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques in voice over work. Follow industry blogs, watch tutorials, and consider taking online courses to expand your knowledge and skills. The more you learn, the better your voice overs will become.

Voice Over Tools and Resources

To help you get started and continue improving, here are some tools and resources for voice over work:

Audio Recording Software

• Audacity: Free and open-source, great for beginners.
• Adobe Audition: Professional-grade software with advanced features.
• Audiate: User-friendly and ideal for beginners.

Microphones

• Blue Yeti: Popular USB microphone with excellent sound quality.
• Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB: Budget-friendly and versatile.
• Shure SM7B: Professional-grade XLR microphone.

Headphones

• Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Highly regarded for accurate sound.
• Sony MDR-7506: Comfortable and great for monitoring.

Pop Filters and Shock Mounts

• Aokeo Professional Microphone Pop Filter: Affordable and effective.
• Rode PSA1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm: Durable and flexible.

Online Courses and Tutorials

• Udemy: Offers a variety of voice over courses for all levels.
• Skillshare: Provides courses on voice acting and voice over techniques.
• YouTube: A wealth of free tutorials and tips from experienced voice over artists.

Also Read : YouTube vs. Vimeo: Which Platform is Best for Your Business in 2024?

Conclusion

Recording a professional-quality voice over involves understanding the key elements of good audio, choosing the right equipment, and following best practices for recording and editing. With practice and the right tools, you can produce engaging and effective voice overs that enhance your video content.

By embracing your natural voice, speaking from your diaphragm, and regularly practicing, you’ll become more comfortable and skilled at voice over work. Investing in good equipment and setting up a proper recording environment will further ensure your voice overs sound professional.

Remember, great audio is essential to keeping your audience engaged and delivering your message effectively. With the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to recording voice overs like a pro.

FAQs: Common Voice Over Questions Answered

Many budding content creators have similar questions when starting with voice overs. Let’s address some of the most common ones to help you get started with confidence.

Do I Need a Professional Recording Setup to Do Voice Overs?

No, you don’t need a professional recording setup to do voice overs. While a high-end studio setup can produce excellent results, you can achieve great audio quality with minimal investment. Start with a good USB microphone, a quiet recording space, and basic audio editing software. As you gain experience and confidence, you can gradually upgrade your equipment.

How Do I Improve the Sound of My Voice?

Improving the sound of your voice involves practice and technique. Here are a few tips:

• Warm up your voice: Perform vocal exercises to prepare your vocal cords.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your throat moist.
• Speak from your diaphragm: This helps produce a richer, fuller sound.
• Practice regularly: The more you practice, the more natural and confident you will sound.
• Record and listen: Record yourself regularly and listen to identify areas for improvement.

What Software Works Best for Voice Over Recording?

There are many options available for audio recording, ranging from free to premium. Here are a few popular choices:

• Audacity: A free, open-source audio recording and editing software suitable for beginners.
• Adobe Audition: A professional-grade audio editing software with a wide range of features.
• Audiate: A user-friendly tool that simplifies the recording and editing process by displaying your audio as text.

Will My Laptop Microphone Be Okay for Recording Voice Overs?

While a laptop microphone can work for basic tasks like video calls, it’s not ideal for recording voice overs. Laptop microphones tend to pick up a lot of background noise and lack the clarity needed for high-quality recordings. Investing in an external microphone, even a budget-friendly USB mic, will significantly improve your audio quality.

Do I Need to Hire a Professional to Get a Great Voice Over?

No, you don’t need to hire a professional to get a great voice over. With the right tools and techniques, you can produce high-quality voice overs yourself. However, if you’re working on a high-stakes project or need a specific type of voice, hiring a professional voice actor can be beneficial. For most content creators, though, learning to do it yourself is a valuable skill that will serve you well in the long run.