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VOICE ACTING
Want some super easy ways to make any script sound better without hours of prep? Keep reading. Here are 5 tricks I use that can instantly improve your read. The best part? It's only takes a few minutes and you don't need to do all 5. Pick and choose 2-4 that will help you the best. 1. Throat Stretch (a.k.a. Yawning It Out) Do a big, open yawn and really feel that stretch in the back of your throat. Hold that stretched position for about 10 seconds and you'll even notice a difference. This helps your voice sound more resonant and full, and also reduces your chances of sounding nasally (something I occasionally battle with!). 2. Tongue Hold Yes, this one will make you look like a weirdo, but it works like magic. Firmly hold your tongue with your thumb and index finger outside of your mouth (almost like you're pinching it), and read a few lines of your script out loud. Go slower if you need to, but really make an effort to pronounce every word as best you can with your tongue being held outside your mouth. By exaggerating every mouth movement (because you'll have to over pronounce everything), this is another way to stretch the mouth - but different muscles than the throat stretch exercise mentioned above. Once you read the script all the way through while holding your tongue, then release it and read the script again normally. You’ll be amazed at how much easier the words come out! 3. Sing It Out This is for non-singers too! But it's a tool I took from my singing days: Run through a few basic vocal scales saying "ah" of humming, and starting on the lowest note you can do, going up to the highest note, and back up and down a few times - really work to hit those low and high notes. Again, it doesn’t matter if you’re a trained singer or not. This warms up your range, strengthens control, and makes speaking with variety and range so much easier and less strained. 4. Hydrate The simplest (but most ignored) tip: drink water. Staying hydrated reduces those pesky mouth clicks and throat-clearing - and bonus, it’s also just good for your overall health! Fun fact: I have reminders set in my phone to drink water regularly, because it’s not just a “before a session” thing. I actually avoid chugging a bunch of water before a directed session as I'd prefer to not have to break-off mid-way through to use the bathroom and have everyone waiting. Not the end of the world, but if I can avoid it, I will. Drinking lots of water the night/day before the session is best. And if you're recording every day, then make sure to just stay hydrated always. 5. Find the Story This one is less physical than the rest, but really helps. Before you hit record, just take a couple of minutes to read through your script and ask yourself: What’s the starting point? What’s in the middle? What’s the conclusion? What's the pain point it's addressing? Scripts aren’t just words on a page, they’re stories. And when you approach them as stories, your read becomes instantly more engaging, natural, and memorable. Storytelling is the heart of great voice over. Your Mini Challenge: Print these five out. Before the next time you hit record, choose just two or three and try them. It doesn’t have to take long - even just a few minutes will make a difference. Your future self (and your future bookings) will thank you. Now go out there and do great things. Web: www.vokickstartprogram.com |
By Dervla Trainor
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