Voicebank.net’s VoiceRegistry Blog

What do I put on my voice over demo?

Hi there! I’m asked this question a LOT - ‘What do I put on my demo’? First, you need to know that there are many different ‘categories’ (commercial, promo, narration, animation/character, trailers, radio imaging, languages/accents, etc.) in voice over. What areas are of interest to you? What highlights your talent? Once you know these answers, you’ll know what to put on your demo(s). You’ll find the answers to these questions by studying, practicing and listening. Here are some ideas on where to do just that…

STUDY & PRACTICE

• Take classes, attend workshops (voice-over, acting, improv). READ Tracy’s post on the topic of VO classes/workshops.
• Listen to Tracy’s interview with Bill Applebaum (Play Part 1 & Play Part 2) who explains how improv classes can help VO artists.
• Study one-on-one with a VO Coach. But, remember Tracy’s advice that she mentioned in one of her earlier posts, “Don’t latch on to one teacher for years. You need a variety of techniques and feedback.”

LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN

• Listen to currently running spots while watching TV
• Search the Internet. There are hundreds of voice over spots that you can listen to online.
• Try visiting websites like the History Channel, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, National Geographic, etc. to listen to narration, for example.
• Listen to other talent’s voice over demos. There are over 70, 000 demos on Voicebank.net’s website that you can listen to for free. Click HERE and then simply click on a Talent Agency’s name and then on any folder - the folders are named by category like ‘Commercial Men’, ‘Promo Women’, for example.

Remember, being prepared is essential to a successful voice over career. Please post your comments/ideas!

- Amber Dahlin