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The Voice-Over Roadmap

VO Pro Tip: Find the "Why" in the Script

Published 7 months ago • 1 min read

Voice-Over Pro Tip

What's the "Why?"

Hey Reader,

Ever feel like you're just reading the words on the page? Sometimes, even with perfect technique, a performance can fall a little flat if it's missing a crucial element: the "why."

What do I mean by the "why"? It's the underlying motivation, intention, and emotional core driving the lines you're speaking. It's the answer to the question, "Why is this character/narrator saying this, at this moment, in this way?"

Digging into the "why" can completely transform your delivery. Here's how it can help:

  • Authenticity: When you understand the motivation behind the words, your read becomes more genuine and believable. It resonates with the listener on a deeper level.
  • Emotional Connection: The "why" often taps into the emotional landscape of the script. By understanding it, you can infuse your performance with the appropriate feelings, whether it's excitement, sadness, urgency, or humor.
  • Nuance and Subtlety: Knowing the "why" allows you to go beyond the surface level of the words and add subtle nuances in your tone, pacing, and emphasis, making your performance more engaging.

So, how do you find the "why"? Here are a few questions to ask yourself when approaching a new script:

  • What is the character/narrator trying to achieve with these words? What's their goal in this moment?
  • What are they feeling? What emotions are influencing their delivery?
  • What is the context of this line within the larger piece? How does it connect to what came before and what comes after?
  • If it's a character, what's their backstory and how might that influence their delivery?

Voice Acting is Acting, so finding the "Why" can help you really tap into your acting ability when performing a VO read. Next time you're preparing for an audition or a recording, take a few extra moments to explore the "why" behind the words. You might be surprised at the depth and authenticity it brings to your voice-over.

​

-Michael

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If you have a question or topic you'd like me to address in a future email like this - just reply to this email and let me know!

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Thanks so much!

-Michael

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​www.MichaelLangsnerVO.com​

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The Voice-Over Roadmap

The Voice-Over Roadmap is an educational platform for Voice-Over Talent of all experience levels to start, grow, and sustain a profitable business as a professional VO Talent. It is the creation of Michael Langsner, Professional VO talent with over 12 years of experience voicing projects for brands like Adidas, Google, Dell, Levi's and many others.

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