This week I’ve got answers to one of the most common questions I get: what’s the best way to breathe for voice over?
Actually because voice over is more like speaking than singing, you don’t need a lot of breath support or complicated breathing techniques.
But many beginners still find themselves gasping for air, unable to get through long passages of text without panicked inhalations.
And some people let out a long audible sigh before every sentence, which won’t do either.
What’s going on?
The good news is, it’s not difficult to learn to breathe properly (and soundlessly) for good voice over.
In this week’s Inside Voice Over Video training video blog I share some of my favorite breathing exercises and techniques so you can breeze through any script and sound your best.
Watch It Here Now
After you watch the video, I want to know your thoughts. Was this helpful? Write to me in the comments box. I want to learn what’s on your mind so I can support you and share your best practices.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments box. I want to read about what’s on your mind so I can support you and share your best practices.
To your voice over success,
Susan Berkley,
Founder, The Great Voice Company
P.S. HURRY! Our next Voice Over Bootcamp Recording Studio Immersion Experience in NYC June 18-20 is almost sold out. Get details here https://greatvoice.com/voice-over-events or call 800-333-8108.
Here are some comments from people who attended our April Bootcamp:
Real Coaching, Real Direction
“Susan’s program is phenomenal! Real coaching, real direction, and showing you how to stretch your natural gift of voice over. More importantly, sharing the mindset and what it takes to build the business. Thank you Susan and GVC!” Eddie Martinez, Manlius NY
Awesome People and Support
“The support received at the Boot camp was second to none! Susan and Adriana took all of their experience, wrapped it up into a fun and understandable package and gifted it to us! After working with them, I have the confidence to move forward and take the steps necessary to own my own life. I can’t say Thank you enough for what they provided me!” Julianne Thornton, Warwick, RI
An Action-Packed Blueprint!
“I found the Voice Over Immersion over this past weekend a remarkable, action packed blueprint for marketing my Voice Over business and deepening my understanding of the creative work for voice talent. As an actor, I was humbled by the process and inspired by the growth. The entire Great Voice Company team each brought a vital piece to imparting these gems!” Beth Kucharczyk, Garden City, NY
Found this helpful. I also have a quick question, not sure this is the place to ask this question, but what is the average time a v/o artist should wait to be paid from a client?
It depends. I should do a whole blog post on this, Michelle, but I think you might be able to get the money on delivery or in advance if you ask. In other words, by pay pal or credit card. Big companies wont do this because terms are ususally 30 days, which means you wont get paid for 45 days by the time it gets through AP and you should always write payable on receipt on your invoice. Make sure you follow up politely on a weekly basis when an invoice is late. – Susan
Always helpful
Thanks, Chuck!
Yes. Running out of breath happens to me. I found that I start to rush the script when I realize “Im not going to make it, man!” I don’t think that is a solution, right? lol. Gotta love Soundforge!
HA HA! No, rushing doesn’t work, Greg. But practice and marking scripts helps alot. Susan
Thanks for the tips Susan, will try them out!!
This is great info on the breathing excercises…Thanks so much
Excellent, easy tips that can be done daily!
Thanks, Susan for the great info.
Good stuff!
I plan on using the techniques that you mentioned.
Thank You Susan.This video comes right on cue. I have noticed in my practice auditions that I am having difficulty with my breaths being very audible. I plan on practicing these tips and hopefully will see some improvement soon.
Great! Let me know how you do, Beth.
Susan
It seems so obvious but I often overlook “PLAN.” I also like the counting idea.
Thanks.
Thanks for jogging my memory with those tips. I learned them in high school from my forensics coach but forgot them. I truly enjoy your weekly tips. I’ve been writing them down in my voice over binder for reference. Thank you Susan for your time and support.