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How to Build a Commercial Voiceover Demo Reel

Commercial voiceover is one of the most sought-after services by big brands and companies. Advertising content voiceover artists can help capturing the attention of viewers and creating a strong connection with the brand audience. A voiceover actor must have a proper voice demo to present their talent. Here are some characteristics of an exceptional commercial voiceover demo reel that will help you choose the most suitable commercial voiceover artist for your project.

Characteristics of a commercial voiceover

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When selecting the voice for your next commercial, consider the audience you’ll be targeting. For example, a commercial for a mobile game should have a youthful and enthusiastic voice. Also, consider the type of commercial you’re making. There are three general types of commercials: soft sell, hard sell, and entertainment. The voice for a soft sell commercial should be lively and upbeat, and should convey a sense of urgency.

The voice you choose is largely dependent on the message of your script. For example, a truck commercial would call for a more aggressive voice than a commercial for a new car. On the other hand, a friendly commercial might call for a more relaxed, more approachable voice. The best commercial voiceovers are versatile and sound like the target audience. They should also be professional and expressive, and be able to adjust their voice to suit the script, the character and the target audience.

The voice talent should be able to imitate different voices and tones to fit the message. He or she should be able to read a script clearly and have the right enunciation. Timing is also extremely important when recording a voice-over, and the lack of perfect timing can make or break the ad. For this reason, a voice artist should be flexible and versatile enough to change tone, character, and make emphasis as needed.

How long should the demo be?

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Your voiceover demo can range anywhere between 30 seconds to five minutes, depending on the type of the demo. The ideal length for a demo that features multiple spots is around 60 to 90 seconds, so that the listener has enough time to appreciate your voice and what can you pull off. A standard demo that is a minute in length should include about five spots which are between 5 to 15 seconds in length. Consider separating your demos out by themes or by skill sets that you want to show off. Clients tend to skim through numerous demos in search of the right voice for their project, so put the best work first.

Characteristics of a good commercial voiceover artist

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There are many different kinds of voice actors, but the ones who achieve success in the commercial voiceover industry usually have some traits in common, like resilience and drive. They should be able to bounce back from negative situations and maintain focus despite rejection. While some voice actors have a meteoric career trajectory, it is important to remember that there are always challenges along the way.

A good commercial voiceover artist should be able to bring scripts to life. For example, a funeral stationary commercial would have a much different tone and style than a nightclub commercial. It would be more serious than an ad for a nightclub; would require a stern voice, and the artist should be able to convey a different, specific message with a serious tone.

Another important characteristic is a high level of productivity. As with any job, good commercial voiceover artists are expected to turn around work very quickly. Often, they will be required to record a substantial volume of an audio for a short period of time and if a voice actor is unable to meet deadlines, they may end up with a canceled project. To avoid that, a good commercial voiceover artist should have excellent time management skills.

Some of the most popular commercial voiceover actors

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Have you ever noticed whose voice is behind the commercial you are watching or listening? Here are the voices behind the most iconic commercials:

• Tim Allen – Pure Michigan
• Jon Hamm – Mercedes-Benz
• Morgan Freeman – Visa
• Bill Hader Planters Peanuts
• Julia Roberts – Nationwide
• Queen Latifah – Pizza Hut
• George Clooney – Budweiser
• Leslie Mann – LG Appliances
• Julianna Margulies – Pampers
• Rashida Jones – Southwest Airlines
• Aaron Paul – Mazda
• Ron Howard – Gold Peak Tea
• John C. Reilly – TurboTax

Characteristics of a good commercial voiceover demo reel

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A voice talent demo reel should include several clips from different clients. When building a commercial voiceover demo reel, it is important to focus on your voice quality. Your voice demo should be clear and consistent. You should pay attention to your articulation, pace, and the correct pronunciation of technical terms. Your commercial voiceover demo should also highlight your professionalism and personality. You should include your singing ability, if any, which may help you gain the attention of potential clients that need a singing actor. A good commercial voice demo is a valuable tool to promote your voice talent skills.

Besides, the voiceover demo reel should be updated regularly. If your demo is outdated, then it becomes less unlikely to get new jobs. Update it frequently by showcasing your latest works, with the latest trends and editing software. A good commercial voiceover demo is always up-to-date. If you have any new work or a new voiceover coach, you can include that also in your voice talent demo reel.

In addition to showcasing your voice, a commercial voiceover demo must also reflect the genre of voiceover you are targeting. For example, if you work in the marketing industry, your demo should reflect promotional content. A voiceover demo must be brief, entertaining, and showcase your acting range. Keeping up with the trends will make your demo stand out and provide the best opportunity for landing a commercial project.

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About Carolyn Lang