Do you want to make a voice actor demo that gets you voice over gigs over and over again?

I bet you do!

In this post we’ll discuss the strategies that will help you create a versatile demo recording and make a good impression on your prospective clients and employers.

Before we begin, please note, there is no one-fits-all recipe that would universally work for all voice actors.

Thus, in this post we’ll take a slightly different approach.

Instead of giving you a number of generic tips, we’ll work through a series of commonly asked questions that should help you make the demo that fits your specific voice abilities and business goals.

Your voice acting demo is a representation of your skills and versatility, so take the time to craft it properly!

Keep reading!

What is the purpose of a voice acting demo?

Voice acting demos serve as a showcase of an actor’s vocal range, acting abilities, and versatility.

These demos are typically used to attract the attention of casting directors, agents, or clients in the voiceover industry.

The voice acting demo serves as a concise and powerful representation of your skills and capabilities in various voiceover genres and styles.

How to prepare the voice acting demo for a specific industry?

While it’s good to have a versatile demo that shows a broad range of your abilities, you may want to focus on a narrower niche, like animation or on hold / IVR systems.

Here are some steps to help you prepare the voice demo for one specific industry niche:

1. Research the Industry

First of all, spend some time to learn and understand the nuances and demands of the niche you’re targeting.

For instance, if you’re creating a commercial demo, research different types of commercials and the voice styles that work best for each product or service.

2. Select Relevant Scripts

Choose scripts that are commonly used in that industry niche.

These scripts should highlight the types of projects you’re likely to encounter.

For example, if you’re aiming for video games, include scripts with action-packed lines and character voices.

Related: Download 50 free voice over demo scripts for a wide range of industries and voice over projects.

3. Match Tone and Style

Practice and tailor your voice over delivery to match the tone and style prevalent in the selected industry.

A medical narration demo, for instance, should reflect professionalism and clarity, while an animation demo should be energetic and expressive.

How long my voice acting demo should be?

A voice acting demo should typically be kept between one to three minutes in length.

It’s crucial to capture the listener’s attention quickly and present a variety of your best work within a concise timeframe.

What types of recordings should I include in my demo?

That primarily depends on your acting abilities and goals.

Are you looking to be a versatile all-around voice actor doing anything from commercials to trailers and character voices?

Or you’d rather focus on a narrow niche, like animation voice over or on hold IVR systems?

Both approaches presents unique advantages:

While being a versatile voice actor can potentially make it easier for you to land new projects, some unique characteristics of your voice can make you a very strong fit for a specific genre.

If you’re not sure yet..

Ideally, your demo should include a variety of recordings that demonstrate your abilities across different genres, styles, and character types.

This can include commercial voiceovers, narration, character voices, promos and trailers, IVR / phone systems, and animation / video game samples.

Should I write original scripts for my voice demo?

We generally recommended using recognizable (not necessarily brand specific but rather “typica” scripts) scripts from commercials, movies, or books, for your voice acting demo.

Using recognizable “typical” scripts will help your prospective clients to evaluate your voice performances in a context they are already familiar with.

Download 50 free voice over demo scripts.

Should I include music or sound effects in my demo?

While it’s not a must, we strongly recommend adding appropriate background music or sound effects to enhance the overall listening experience of your demo.

Just imagine doing a trailer demo without trailer music. That would just sound odd!

However, be cautious not to overpower your voice with music.

The focus should always be on your voice acting abilities.

Not sure what music to use?

We’ve picked a small collection of background music that works for most voice acting demos: Voice Over Demo Background Music Pack

Can I use any music I like for my voice acting demo?

Using copyrighted music in your voice acting demo without proper authorization can potentially lead to legal issues.

Most commercially released music is protected by copyright, which means you need permission from the copyright holder to use it in your demo.

This also applies to uploading your demo to platforms like YouTube or other public spaces.

Need music that was cleared (pre-licensed) for commercial and business use?

How should I organize the order of recordings in my demo?

Start your demo with your strongest and most attention-grabbing recording!

Your goal is to immediately engage the listener with your best material.

We also recommend to vary the pacing and style throughout the demo to showcase your versatility. Arrange the recordings strategically, considering the flow and transitions between different types of content.

Should I have multiple versions of my demo for different purposes?

Depending on your vocal abilities, it can be beneficial to have multiple versions of your demo tailored for specific purposes.

For example, you might create a commercial-focused demo, a character-focused demo, or a demo targeting a specific industry, such as video games or audiobooks

This allows you to cater to different casting opportunities and target specific audiences.

How often should I update my voice acting demo?

You should periodically update your voice acting demo to reflect your latest and best work.

As you gain more experience, acquire new skills, or receive feedback, you can refine and replace older recordings to ensure your demo represents your current, up-to-date abilities.

Should I include transitions sound effects between various parts of my voice acting demo?

Yes, including transitions between various parts of your voice acting demo can be a good idea.

Transitions help create a cohesive and polished presentation, making it easier for potential clients or employers to understand your range and versatility as a voice actor

You can choose from a variety of transition sound effects to use in your demo.

Need background music for voice over projects?

Having hard time choosing the best music?

Check out the voice over demo music starter pack, where we picked some music to create a versatile voice talent demo.

How to record your voice like a pro!

While recording your demo at a professional studio can produce great results, it’s also the most expensive option.

With a little practice, you can get great results at home, quite close to those made at professional studios.

Learn how to record your voice like a professional at home.

Questions or comments?

Feel free to post your questions in the comments section below. Post a comment