You’ve done your research, built a strategy and developed your brand voice. But what about the literal voice of your brand? When people hear your radio spots, watch your videos or call your phone line, whose voice do they hear?
Learning how to choose a voice over artist is one of the most important audio decisions you will make. The right voice creates an authentic, lasting connection with your customers. The wrong voice can leave them with a negative feeling about your company.
Four steps to choose a voice over artist
1. List the emotions that describe your brand
This is easier than it sounds. A daycare, for example, wants to sound responsible and trustworthy, but also fun and creative. An investment firm wants to sound friendly while conveying security and knowledge.
Ask yourself which emotions will help customers connect with your company. Then write them down. That list becomes your guide for every audition and demo you hear.
2. Get professional recommendations
At On Air, we work with a deep pool of talented voice over artists for our clients’ audio projects. Whether you need voiceover and narration for an explainer video, corporate audio production or message on hold and IVR recordings, we have the right voice in our bank.
Once we get to know your brand, we present a short list of voices that fit your message. We work with voice talent daily, so we know how to match companies with their forever brand voice.
3. Listen to the talent’s previous work
An experienced voice over artist can share a range of examples from past projects. Listen to their demos. Then ask yourself whether the voice fits what your company does.
Check, too, whether their past work reached the same audience you want to reach. You can hear many samples in our voice talent bank. If you want more, we can connect you with the artists you liked so you can request additional samples.
4. Match the voice to your audience
A voice artist who has worked with your target demographic is often a good choice. However, you shouldn’t limit yourself to those artists. A demo will tell you whether a voice will resonate with the people you want to reach.
For example, a voice that suits a children’s show probably won’t work for a campaign aimed at seniors.
Human voice or AI voice?
AI-generated voices are now common, and they can work for quick, low-stakes content. For brand work, though, a human voice over artist still offers something different. A professional brings emotion, timing and natural delivery, and can take direction on the fly.
Your brand voice is also a long-term asset. A real artist can return for future projects with a consistent sound. Ask about usage rights and licensing before you book, whichever route you take.
Voice recording services in Calgary
If you’re not sure where to start, browse our voice talent bank. It includes local, commercial, regional and international multi-language voice over artists. These pros will give your brand real power, and On Air is happy to guide you through the process.
Have questions? Contact us!
