In today’s new age of AI, it can be tempting to replace a professional voiceover with something created through artificial intelligence. It promises quick turn-arounds and that you will have a great sounding audio for your project. Who wouldn’t want that?
But the voice behind your message plays a pivotal role my friend. Whether you’re working on a commercial, an e-learning module, a video game, or any other project, the your voiceover can make all the difference in your final project. While it may be tempting to cut costs by hiring someone on the cheap or opting for AI-generated voices, investing in a professional voiceover artist offers a lot of advantages over the auto generated stuff out there.
Although AI is getting increasingly better (in a creepy-kind of way), here’s why I think choosing a human voiceover artist (like myself), with their expertise and ongoing training, surpasses the allure of lower-cost or AI alternatives.
Professional Expertise
There’s a lot that goes into being a professional voice artist. We bring a depth of experience and skill that is hard to match, especially from a computer. Unlike amateurs or AI-generated voices, the pro voice artists understand the subtleties of voice modulation, pacing, and tone. They know the importance of connecting with the script and your audience, which is crucial in telling your story. Their performances exude emotions that speak to your audience. Their ability to deliver expressive performances can enhance the impact of your content in ways that generic or robotic voices simply cannot.
Continuous Training and Self-Improvement
A key advantage of working with a professional voiceover artist is their dedication to always improve their craft as an artist. Voice acting is dynamic, with new techniques, trends, and technologies emerging regularly. So us professional voiceover artists continue to work on our craft, continually refining our skills through workshops, coaching, and practice, so we can bring the best performance to the session every time.
This commitment to improve ourselves, enables us to adapt to various styles and genres, whether it’s a warm, conversational tone for a commercial or a dynamic, engaging delivery for a video game. Our ability to tailor a performance to your specific needs ensures that your project benefits in the long run.
The Pitfalls of Cutting Costs
However, maybe you don’t like the thought of an automated system reading your copy and you see the value in hiring a voice actor, but aren’t so sure about investing in their services. I get it, opting for a lower-cost option might seem like a savvy move (everyone likes a good deal), but unfortunately it often comes with hidden drawbacks.
Inexperienced voiceover talent or those working for minimal rates, most likely will deliver substandard results… You might encounter poor audio quality or a fake and uninspired performance. It might not seem like a bid deal, but these issues can undermine the effectiveness of your project and lead to costly revisions.
Think about it this way – If you were to hire a painter to give your house a new coat of paint and they were just getting started, you might find paint in the electrical socket, splotchy areas they didn’t take the time to cover properly, or even bubbles might form under the paint because the didn’t take the time to properly sand and prepare the surface before sanding. Then you’re left feeling disappointed and frustrated you have to go looking for someone else to HOPEFULLY fix their problems… It means more time and money wasted before you can see your home.
Overall, the cost of redoing work due to poor quality can quickly eclipse the initial savings. A professional voiceover artist provides high-quality recordings from the start, reducing the need for additional work and ensuring your project is completed to a high standard.
The Human Touch
While AI-generated voices offer convenience and lower costs, they lack the depth and nuance that human voice actors bring to the table. AI voices can sound robotic and monotonous, struggling to convey the subtleties of human emotion and inflection. They often fall short in delivering the kind of authentic, engaging performance that captures an audience’s attention.
Human voice actors, on the other hand, provide a level of expressiveness and emotional connection that AI cannot replicate. They can interpret scripts with empathy and understanding, adapting their delivery to suit the context and mood of your message. This human touch ensures that your content feels genuine and relatable, creating a stronger bond with your audience.
The Pro Advantage
Professionals offer more than just technical skills—they will bring a level of professionalism that enhances the entire process for you. They understand the importance of deadlines, clear communication, and reliability. Equipped with high-quality recording equipment and a soundproof environment, they deliver polished and pristine audio that meets industry standards. On top of that, a pro VO talent can offer suggestions that could possibly enhance you project. They will also be easy to direct, which means they will take direction well and give you exactly what you’re looking for your project.
Great Relationships
The best thing that can also happen when you hire a professional voiceover talent. It could pave the way for building a long-term relationship. When you stumble upon a voice talent who aligns with your brand and understands your needs, you gain a reliable partner for future projects. Why is that a good thing? Well, because other than making another great connection in life, this consistency will help you maintain a cohesive voice across various media and campaigns, which is essential for a strong brand identity!
At the end of the day, when you invest in a professional voiceover artist, you not only ensure exceptional quality, but you’ll also benefit from their ongoing dedication to excellence. The expertise, continuous training, and authentic human touch they offer are invaluable assets that can significantly enhance your project and leave a lasting impression on your audience. So, the time comes to choose who or what you will go with to voice your project, just remember: the investment in quality is truly worth it, far surpassing the limitations of cheaper or AI-generated alternatives.
“Human connection is the most vital aspect of our existence, without the sweet touch of another human being we are lonely stars in an empty space waiting to shine gloriously.” – Joe Straynge
Be sure to Subscribe to The Bright Stars Newsletter to stay up-to-date with upcoming news and events!
If you’re ready to take action and go ALL-IN on your dreams, my one-on-one coaching is open! Stop wishing and start doing by getting clear on your goals, taking strategic actions towards making your dreams happen. APPLY HERE!
If you’re craving more and want to level up your acting mentality to confidentially pursue your passions for acting, be sure to subscribe to the Shannon The Slayer Podcast You can find it on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube! I can’t wait to see you there!
