Exploring the Different Types of Voice Acting and Their Distinct Characteristics

When we talk about voice acting, it encompasses a wide range of roles and styles. Whether you're interested in commercial voice acting, animation, or industrial educational content, each type has its own unique challenges and opportunities.

Commercial Voice Acting

Commercial voice acting remains one of the most common types of voice work, found in a variety of settings such as TV, radio, internet trade show videos, and in-app advertising. These roles are often divided into different categories that cater to distinct styles and characteristics.

Announcer

This type of commercial voice acting is characterized by a traditional, often authoritative tone. Announcers are typically found in TV and radio announcements, providing clear and informative narrations. Think of a traditional TV commercial that involves an announcer delivering crucial information to the viewer.

Non-Announcer

In contrast, non-announcer roles tend to aim for a more conversational and friendly tone. Think of voices like that of a "boy/girl next door." Think characters such as John Krasinski for eSurance (his voice in the eSurance commercials is relatable and friendly) and Tina Fey for Walgreens (whose voice in the Walgreens commercials has a conversational and comforting tone). These roles often require a more casual and engaging delivery, making them feel like a real person right there with you.

Character

Character voice acting can range from incredibly grounded to extremely wacky and exaggerated. It involves bringing a character to life with your voice, which can be seen in video games, animated series, and movies. For example, in the animated series Bob's Burgers, Bob's voice is grounded and relatable, while in Spongebob Squarepants, the voice acting can be delightfully wacky and fun. While this type of voice acting is very popular, it can be more difficult to break into due to the higher competition and the need to stand out with unique and captivating voice work.

Animation

Animation voice acting includes a broad spectrum of roles, from grounded to wacky. It involves voicing characters in video games, animated shows, and films. One of the primary differentiating factors is the versatility required. Animators and producers often need to hire voice actors who can embody multiple roles, reducing production costs and streamlining the post-production process. For instance, an actor might need to provide the voices for both the protagonist and the antagonist in a video game, requiring a high level of versatility and range.

Character Types in Animation

These roles can occupy a wide range of styles and tones. For example, voices in Bob's Burgers are relatable and grounded, while those in Spongebob Squarepants can be highly exaggerated and whimsical. This variety in voice acting styles allows animators to bring diverse and dynamic characters to life, enhancing the overall storytelling experience.

Industrial, Educational, and Business-to-Business Voice Acting

This category of voice acting is more geared towards business-related content. It includes industrial, educational, and business-to-business voiceover work, which typically requires a clear, dry, and controlled delivery. These roles are often found in training manuals, corporate presentations, and product demonstrations. The voice needs to be steady and easy to follow, ensuring the viewer or listener can understand the information being conveyed.

Audio Books

Audio books represent a unique blend of the other categories. It involves narrating long-form content, which can range from a few hours to over 18 hours, depending on the book. This type of voice acting requires not only an engaging and steady voice but also the ability to maintain interest over a long period. It can be challenging to keep the listener's attention for such extended periods, but it can also be incredibly rewarding to see a book brought to life in an audio format.

Overall, voice acting is a diverse field with many different roles and styles. Each type of voice acting has its own set of challenges and opportunities. Whether you're interested in commercials, animation, educational content, or audio books, there are roles that can fit your unique skills and interests. It's important to explore different styles and perhaps even take a class or listen to different demos to understand the nuances of each type.