Types of Voice-Over Work

When most people think of voice-over, they think of radio and TV commercials. These are only a small part of the business of voice-over. There is actually much more to it.
Let’s begin with a simplified definition of voice-over. Voice-over can be defined as any recording or performance of one or more unseen voices for the purpose of communicating a message. The voice-over is the spoken part of a commercial, program, or other announcement that you hear, but do not see the person speaking. The message can be anything from a simple phone message to a television commercial, sales presentation, instructional video, movie trailer, feature film, or documentary narration. It may be nothing more than a single voice heard on the radio or over a stadium public address system. The production may include music, sound effects, video, computer animation, or multiple voices. In most cases, the message is selling something, providing information, or in some way motivating the listener to take some sort of action.
You hear voice-over messages many times every day, and you are probably not even aware of it. The following sections describe just some of the many types of voice-over work that require talented performers, like you.

RADIO

There are three basic categories of radio voice-over work:

The radio DJ — This is a specialized job that requires a unique set of skills. Most radio DJs are not considered to be voice actors.

On-air promotion — Most radio promos are produced in-house, using DJ and station production staff. Occasionally, outside talent will be used, but not often.

Commercials — Most commercials are produced outside the station by advertising agencies. However, many radio stations do produce local commercials for their clients. Again, most in-house productions use station staff, but when the need arises, they will use outside talent.

TELEVISION

Commercials, promotion, and programming all use voice-over talent in one way or another. Most television productions using voice-over talent are actually produced outside of the station. However, there are two main departments at a TV station where voice-over talent is used.