Narration voice over is by far the broadest of all the voice over categories. Narrative voice over includes documentaries, corporate industrial videos, e-learning, telephony, imaging, point-of-purchase marketing, audio descriptions, and more. Most kinds of narration fall into one of three categories: promotional, informational, and instructional. By training with a GVAA voice acting coach, you’ll be getting feedback from the best experts in their respective field, giving you the confidence to submit auditions that are perfectly tailored to whichever areas of narration you decide to pursue!

In narrative voice over, adherence to timing is understood in a more general way. There is no 15, 30, or 60-second rule that must be obeyed, but there is still a general sense that the finished recording will come in around a certain timeframe. Finding the right pacing and energy inherent in a narrative script will help you book the job.

Let’s go over the categories in a little more depth.

Have you ever been enthralled by a documentary that not only educates but also takes you on an unforgettable journey? That’s the magic of narration – it’s like the guiding voice that leads us through a captivating story, supporting the visuals and enriching the entire experience!

Say you’re watching a breathtaking nature documentary, and a soothing voice takes you on a virtual safari through the African savannah; you’re not just seeing the majestic wildlife, you’re feeling the heat of the sun, hearing the rustle of leaves, and experiencing the thrill of the hunt. That is the power of documentary narration.

Long-form documentaries are like epic sagas that delve deep into their subjects, taking us on a winding adventure that leaves us both enlightened and moved. It’s like reading a book but with the added bonus of breathtaking visuals!

Then there’s in-show narration – like the tour guide of a museum. You’re watching a show, and suddenly, a friendly voice pops in to provide some extra context or juicy tidbits. It’s like having a personal docent guiding you through the journey.

Regardless of the type of narration, it is your job to support the visuals and the storyline without competing with them.

Being a great narrator in this genre is like being a bridge between the audience and the content. You connect the visuals with the viewers emotions and intellect. You’re the glue that makes the story come alive, painting vivid pictures in our minds with just words.

So, if you want to be the voice behind the magic of documentaries, you’ve gotta be a master storyteller. You’re not just reading a script; you’re channeling emotions, bringing facts to life, and making the audience feel like they’re part of the journey.

Flexibility is the name of the game. Documentaries can range from the awe-inspiring to the hard-hitting, so you’ve gotta be ready to adapt your style depending on the needs of the script, from hushed whispers in a historical piece to more excitement in a scientific discovery.

Connect with the viewers, make them feel like they’re in safe hands, and they’ll be hanging on your every word!

This is voice over that’s used in corporate videos, presentations, and training materials to provide information about the company’s products, services, and culture.

Corporate narration requires a professional, friendly, and authoritative tone. However, it can be tricky at times due to the abundance of technical or industry-specific language. Corporate narration often takes the form of long-form narration as well, sometimes going on for 50 pages or more, therefore stamina is just as important as good communication skills.

All that being said, for many voice actors corporate voice over is their “bread and butter”. There are plenty of opportunities and it can be easier to book than commercial or character work. With the rise of online video marketing and training, the demand for corporate narration voice over is only going to continue to grow in the coming years.

This is voice over used in online training courses and educational materials to provide instruction, guidance, and feedback to learners.

E-Learning provides an opportunity to share information and instruction by communicating with people unfamiliar with a process or product. Being relatable yet having the authority about a service or product walks a fine line. It’s important to understand your audience and the purpose of your message.

Communicating dense subject matter in an accessible way can be more difficult than it seems, but for voice actors who are passionate about education, it’s a great way to use their skills to help others learn and grow. As online learning has become more prevalent, e-learning narration has become an increasingly important field within the voice over industry.

This is voice over used in explainer videos to provide a clear and concise explanation of a product, service, or concept.

Most explainer videos are somewhere between 1-1 ½ minutes in length and are used in a wide variety of online marketing and educational materials. It can be a fun and creative area of voiceover, seeing as it often involves working with visuals, music, and sound effects to create a polished and professional finished product.

This is voice over used in retail environments, particularly for advertising materials and in-store displays.

It involves recording the narration for short videos or audio clips that promote a product or service. Voice actors who record POP narration need to be able to grab the customer’s attention in a very short amount of time, therefore lots of energy and enthusiasm are key.

This is voiceover used in phone systems, including voicemail greetings, on-hold messages, and automated menus.

This type of voiceover requires excellent enunciation so that callers can easily navigate the phone system and receive the information they need. The voice actor should also be able to convey a sense of warmth to create a positive experience for the caller. Telephony narration can be a valuable addition to a voiceover portfolio, especially for those who specialize in commercial or corporate voiceovers.

This is voice over used in TV shows, movies, and other forms of visual media as an aid for people who are blind or visually impaired.

For example, if there’s a scene where two characters are having a conversation, the voice actor would describe their actions, facial expressions, and any other visual elements that are important to understanding the scene. This requires great attention to detail. It’s definitely not something everyone can do, but for those who are good at it, it can be a rewarding and meaningful way to use their voice over talents.