I get asked all the time how to get into the Voice Over industry. The short answer is that it takes talent, money, time, and perseverance, but before any of that I always advise aspiring Voice Talents to seek out guidance from an established Voice Over Coach.
Of course, getting that advice can be a difficult task… Seeking the opinions of others who are biased or ignorant of current trends in voiceover will simply do a disservice to a burgeoning career.
So, how do you find the right coach for you?
Here are some considerations for anyone taking their first steps and seeking advice from experienced teachers.
Two basic qualities to look for in a coach are experience, and someone who understands the current and potential state of the voiceover industry.
Most coaches will offer a consultation session, so it’s wise to meet with more than one and compare their assessments. There should be some consistencies in their initial evaluations. A coach who seems to be wildly out of line with the majority is likely to be someone overly-complimentary who is just looking for clients, or who thinks being overly-critical makes them seem more legitimate. Be careful of both or you’ll end up wasting your money and not achieving anything.
Don’t be nervous about seeking coaches outside your local area. The Internet allows those who live in outlying areas to have access to professionals in major media centers. While in-person and group classes are great, it’s better to work with a talented coach remotely than a local coach with poor credentials.
Be very leery of coaches who Promise results, especially results that suggest a six-figure income as a certainty based on standardized training. Each person’s success in Voice Over is unique and is achieved through their individual strengths and weaknesses.
Also be suspicious of coaches who try to sell you demo production services early in your training. It takes time for you and your coach to determine what areas of the industry you’re best suited for and how to develop the skills for them. This is critical work that happens long before laying down a demo.
Don’t choose a coach who tells you what you want to hear. This is an immediate red flag. An honest coach will tell you things you absolutely do NOT want to hear. This could be anything from pointing out areas in your voice or delivery that you need to improve, or explaining the realities of the industry. It might even be as major as adjusting your imagined timeline or path to success.
The coaching industry has boomed in recent years, which means a new crop of under qualified opportunists making impossible promises have appeared. While it’s important to recognize and avoid these coaches, the most important reason to be discerning and savvy is to do right by yourself, and by the many excellent coaches and schools out there.
Personal research in every undertaking is so important. Take the time to vet every coach carefully. There are Voice Over websites that offer coaching but what I’ve been saying here applies to them as well. Just because a certain site looks professional and claims to have an experienced staff doesn’t mean they do.
Investigate the professional backgrounds of your potential coaching choices. Look for a long spanning resume of work across the industry. You’ll want someone versatile and who will give you honest feedback on your potential.
Equally important to all of this is to be honest with yourself when getting this feedback. The Voice Over industry is Highly competitive and for many it can take 5 to 10 years to make a living doing it, and there’s no guarantee of success.
Be prepared to be told not to quit your day job. The simple fact is not everyone can be a Voice Talent and you may have to accept that that’s you.
On the other hand, if you can handle the exercises, learn the techniques, display an aptitude for Voice Over, and can handle recording in a studio enviromnent your coach will tell you what the next steps are in your journey.
And what a Journey it is…
Until next time, friends, be well, be useful…
