As the world of advertising and voiceover continues to evolve, it's important for aspiring commercial voice actors to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in demo production. In 2023, a commercial voiceover demo should showcase a range of skills and highlight the unique strengths of the voiceover artist with efficiency.
Here are some tips on what should go on a commercial voiceover demo in 2023:
Show Versatility
A commercial voiceover demo should showcase a range of vocal styles and delivery techniques. This might include conversational, upbeat, authoritative, dramatic, or quirky reads. By demonstrating versatility, you'll show potential clients that you can handle a variety of commercial projects and deliver a range of emotions and tones. No two spots on your demo should sound alike.
Shake up the Rhythms
In addition to showcasing versatility, it's important to show that you can effortlessly switch up the rhythms and cadence of your natural speech patterns. Please note how this differs from speed and pace. Rhythm and cadence are two important elements in speech that can affect how a message is conveyed. Rhythm refers to the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a word or phrase, while cadence refers to the rising and falling of the voice at the end of a sentence. In contrast, speed refers to how quickly someone is speaking, while pace refers to the overall rate or speed of speech. While rhythm and cadence can contribute to the overall speed and pace of speech, they are distinct features that play a role in shaping the tone, emphasis, and flow of spoken language.
Keep it Concise
In 2023, attention spans are shorter than ever, so it's important to keep your commercial voiceover demo concise. Aim for a length of around one to one and a half minutes, and only include your strongest and most relevant voiceover work. It's great to have a 30 second cut of your reel, if possible. Don't assume most people will get past the first 7-8 seconds, so put your best spot up front!
Focus on Quality Production
In addition to showcasing your voiceover skills, your commercial demo should also demonstrate quality production value. This includes clear audio, balanced levels, and appropriate music and sound effects. Clients want to hear how you sound in a professional setting, so make sure your demo reflects that. A great website we love for backing tracks is Uppbeat.io!
Update it Regularly
Finally, it's important to update your commercial voiceover demo regularly to keep it fresh and relevant. As you gain experience and new clients, you'll likely have new material to add to your demo. Keeping it up-to-date will ensure that you are always putting your best foot forward and showcasing your most recent work.
Overall, a successful commercial voiceover demo in 2023 should be versatile, concise, and showcase your expertise in specific styles. By following these tips and producing a high-quality demo, you'll be on your way to booking more commercial voiceover work.