Voice-Over Pro Tip

The Power of a Pause

Hey Reader,

In VO, it's not just about the words you say, but also about the moments in between. Today, let's talk about a seemingly simple yet incredibly powerful tool: the strategic pause.

Often overlooked, a well-placed pause can dramatically impact the effectiveness and emotional resonance of your voice-over. Also, very importantly, it can add some uniqueness to your reads and help you stand out in a sea of auditions. A good pause can:

• Create Emphasis: A pause before or after a key word or phrase can draw the listener's attention and highlight its importance.
• Build Suspense: In storytelling or narration, a pause can create anticipation and keep the audience engaged, wondering what comes next.
• Allow for Processing: Giving your listeners a moment to absorb information, especially complex or impactful statements, can increase comprehension and emotional connection.
• Reflect Emotion: A pause can convey a range of emotions, from thoughtfulness and hesitation to grief or even triumph. The length and context of the pause speak volumes.
• Enhance Naturalness: In conversational reads, incorporating pauses where people naturally breathe and think can make your delivery sound more authentic and less robotic.

Here are a few examples of how you might use pauses strategically:

• After an impactful statement: "Our world is changing faster than ever before. [slightly long pause] We need to adapt."
• To show contemplation: "I wonder... [short pause]... if we made the right decision."
• To create a natural flow in dialogue: "So, you're saying... [brief pause]... that it's possible?"

Experiment with incorporating different lengths of pauses in your practice. Even a fraction of a second can make a significant difference. Listen back to your recordings and notice how pauses affect the pacing and impact of your delivery.

Don't be afraid of silence. When used intentionally, it can be one of the most powerful tools in your voice-over toolkit.

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-Michael

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Thanks so much!

-Michael

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​www.MichaelLangsnerVO.com​

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