Voice over artists and announcers have one of the most influential yet invisible roles in media and entertainment. From radio and television commercials to documentaries, movie trailers, and live events, these professionals use their voices to inform, persuade, entertain and shape perceptions. Some of the most iconic voices have left an indelible mark on pop culture.
Over the decades, many famous personalities have reflected on the power and impact of voice over. Here are some notable quotes that provide insight into this unique craft:
“I think one of the most important things for any voice-over talent to know and to think about is that you have to bring yourself to the character.” – James Earl Jones
James Earl Jones, the legendary actor known for voicing Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, highlights the importance of injecting one’s own personality and uniqueness into a voice over role rather than just providing a generic narrator voice. The best voice actors truly embody and bring life to the characters they portray.
The voice over is about enhancing the visuals and communicating the message in a way that the visuals alone cannot do.” – Don LaFontaine
Don LaFontaine was one of the most prolific voice actors of all time, recording over 5,000 movie trailers and hundreds of thousands of TV commercials. This quote underscores how voice over is not just about reading words off a script, but working in tandem with the visuals to communicate meaning and emotion that images alone cannot fully convey. The voice adds a whole new dimension.
“Your voice has a major effect on how people view the product you’re promoting. If you sound bored and detached, the audience will be bored and detached. If you are enthusiastic and believable, the audience will pick up on that.” – Melanie Haynes
Persuasive power lies at the very core of voice over for marketing and advertising. Melanie Haynes, a veteran voice over coach, makes the critical point that an announcer’s delivery and tone has a huge impact on how the audience perceives and connects with the product being pitched. Genuine enthusiasm and conviction makes all the difference.
“Announcers don’t just read, they interpret. They have to communicate what is between the lines; they have to communicate the subtext.” – William Conrad
William Conrad was an actor and announcer most famous for narrating the TV series The Fugitive and Rocky & Bullwinkle. He eloquently expresses how announcers and narrators don’t simply read words verbatim, but analyze the deeper meanings, context and subtleties within the text to properly convey the intended message. They must read between the lines.
“When you’re doing voice-overs you’re not worried about your physicality. You can make your voice do whatever you want it to do. You can be a much more expressive actor with your voice.” – Antonio Banderas
Antonio Banderas, who has voiced animated characters like Puss in Boots, makes a fascinating point about how voice acting removes the physical limitations and constraints that on-camera acting entails. Voice over artists can focus solely on their vocal instrument to push their range, subtlety and expressiveness to new heights not possible with their bodies and faces alone. The voice becomes an incredibly powerful tool.
“Announcing is about taking the listener to the scene of the action and making them feel like they are right there experiencing it.” – Bob Costas
Legendary sports broadcaster Bob Costas sums up the magic of great announcers – their ability to transport the audience and make them feel a part of the unfolding events. Through vivid descriptions, infectious energy, and astute analysis, the best announcers take you courtside, onto the field, into the stadium. They help you visualize the action and emotionally invest in the moment.
“All of the passion, all of the energy, all of your hopes and dreams – you’ve got to pour all of that into the microphone.” – Valerie Smaldone
Valerie Smaldone, a top voice over artist, Broadway actress and coach, passionately asserts that voice acting requires baring your heart and soul. You must channel all your emotions and put your entire essence into each word and breath. When you hold nothing back and give every ounce of your spirit, that’s when the mic captures magic.
From these quotes, it’s clear that voice over and announcing is an art form that blends technique, intuition, and the inimitable human element. It’s so much more than just speaking words aloud. The greats recognize the power of the voice and wield it with the finesse of a master craftsman. They understand it’s an awesome responsibility to take an audience on a journey using solely the tool of sound.
So the next time you hear a commercial, trailer, documentary, sportscast, or any other voice over, listen closer. Let your mind savor the subtleties of pacing, tone, inflection, and emotion. Analyze how the voice supports and enhances the message and visuals. Appreciate the humanity behind the mic. The next time you hear an announcer, realize it’s not just a voice – but a person pouring their passion out to you. That is the power of voice over.
Be sure to read "SHOCKING: D.C. Douglas Exposes Truth About 101 Voice Actors!"
