A Beginners Guide to your First Voice Over Demo | DIY

Most of us can’t get a professionally produced demo right out of the gate. So, what do we do? We make it ourselves. If done right, it can get you tons of work until you’re ready to get one professionally done. In this video, I’ll teach you exactly what you need to do to create your very first demo so that you can get started working as a voice over artist right away.
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*VOICE OVER EQUIPMENT THAT I USE**
iMac 27" - amzn.to/3ev4DA5
Whisper Room (3.5' x 5')
Logitech Brio 4k webcam - amzn.to/3lioUKv
Output Platform mixing desk
beyerdynamic dt 770 pro - amzn.to/3cp1YoN
Ultrsone S-Logic headphones - amzn.to/3bEXWte
Rode microphone boom arm - amzn.to/3bFmMcw
Neumann TLM103 microphone - amzn.to/3cj4pco
Adobe Audition (DAW software) - amzn.to/3bH1paV
Apollo Twin Duo audio interface - amzn.to/3rKNqq1
Telefunken wind screen/pop filter - amzn.to/38xo1Zk
Yamaha HS8 studio monitors (speakers) - amzn.to/2Or85RB
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[@AxylusMaximus]

The stuff he says in the beginning is educational but 5:07. Its super helpful from there on.

[@SofouleeASMR]

Doing God’s work. Thank you

[@TheShoetotha2]

6:07

[@simphiwemthombeni2024]

Thank you

[@AlanaGurl]

Bless you 😂😂

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

Thanks!

[@Ducci_son]

I'm starting 100% fresh never don't this before with passion so i appreciate your knowledge and guidance.

[@bernie472]

Thanks Bill. I'm 47 now, just trying to get started in this with no experience, (although my dad was in radio for 35+ years,) and I have no problem doing audio books, or any voice over work for that matter.

[@mml1224]

i'd like to hear more about your story and i how i can get into the business , entry level, doing , do you know the pay and how to get started? thanks

[@Avedis-G]

Thank you Bill! I’m sure you’re saving all of us years and years of mistakes. Thanks for giving us the best shot possible.

[@takelateasley264]

Lollll

[@takelateasley264]

Llll

[@saintlucyfilippini8580]

If you complete your task then get an offer.

[@HAGross-ej6cn]

I totally agree, thanks so much. Very generous!

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

Thank you! :)

[@sandraweisner3642]

Hi Bill. Been whining about getting nothing off Fiverr for two months. Got a request from a buyer for one of my genres prayer and meditation. It's the first real nibble I've gotten. Now I need to record my DIY demos for Fiverr Audiobooks an Faith Based. And do my demo for ACX. In the meantime, I need to start a read of my late husband's book. Nothing to lose. Listen to your videos every morning. Thank you for all you do. Blessings, Sandra

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

Thanks Sandra, and congrats!

[@coldhands2802]

Went to broadcasting school and have a pretty deep voice. I tried some voiceovers to ppl IRL and despite me not having the confidence, their reactions gave me the confidence. They said I should totally go for this, I sound great, etc. So here I am trying to find one of my dream jobs.

[@TeethSkylark]

Finding this a few years late, but thank you so much! This gives really good, concrete starting points with what I need for auditions, and actual entry-level starting points!

[@SoMedatRwalker]

Bill.... I am brand new to the VO world and your videos are gold .... Thanks for taking the time to help out and share what you have learned.

[@Sasha0927]

This video spoke to my soul, lol. I hear I have a "soothing and relaxing" voice and was strongly leaning toward getting started in narration, eLearning, documentary, maybe business sorts of work. Super pleased to hear that I'm aiming high by aiming low. :P

[@edwelndiobel1567]

Im just looking in to this because so many people have told me I should narrate books or something.

[@leahoubre-tyson4633]

I'm on stage number one and I am overwhelmed. Thanks for these videos.

[@AlanFairweather]

Thank you Bill. Of all the advice offered over the internet, yours is the best. I've started on audio books, and that has been great for experience and learning. Just had a message through ACX a few minutes ago to produce my third audiobook.

[@sonesonita5772]

Hi, may I ask where to get sample audio books scripts to practice for a demo? Thank you

[@rossbranje8353]

Thank you so very much for this video, Bill. I've procrastinated for a few weeks about doing a demo by myself because I was so intimidated by the background music, etc. Your suggestion to create a 'dry' demo was a game changer for me. I look forward to getting this show on the road ;-)

[@poultry-lover6665]

How’s your VA goin? I wanna become one aswell? So has it been well? Or u got any jobs?

[@Golden_Girl7123]

I enjoy reading aloud.... it has helped me pronounce words correctly and use proper enunciation. Im not fluent but I love reading in Spanish and French.. maybe I should consider this format.

[@vickienoel4870]

Four words for you Bill..."YOU.ARE.THE.BEST!" I not only found this so easy to follow, I feel pumped to jump right into it, starting today! Thank you!

[@MikeJordan-ht7mf]

This is really great information and I want to thank you for being so generous with your power/knowledge and sharing it with us! We need more hero’s like you sir! Thank you so much for this priceless info!

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

Thank you Mike!

[@crysaura]

Honestly this was the most comprehensive and honest video I’ve seen when it comes to voice acting. You explained it in a way that made so much sense and taught me so much as well. I’m finally getting out of my own way, I’ve wanted to do this very thing since I was 10 years old. I’m going to be 32 in August. I don’t want to waste anymore of my life not chasing this dream. Thank you for being such an inspiration to me and so many others, you are truly loved and appreciated 💜💜💜

[@nettiegurl]

Thanks huge for sharing about entry-level platforms like Fiverr, ACX, and Upwork. I joined each of these months ago, and the reward and experience has been decent. And for clarifying about NOT submitting DIY or beginner work to Agencies until they are professionally engineered. Considering an actor friend also stated this, clarifying only professionally audited or compiled pieces go to an agent (when you've accumulated enough clips :)

[@JennaBirmingham]

So much truth to not submitting DIY work to agencies.

[@insiadurrani9793]

This is so comprehensive yet brief. Thanks so much, super helpful!

[@BryerTheGreater1]

I like how u motivated many by releasing the facts like people need voice actors more than ever now!

[@earlmehraban]

Thank you so much for this! You've given me some bite sized steps I can take, and that's perfect!

[@robertacevedo2622]

Thanks for a great video with very solid advice. It's nice to see someone genuinely trying to help others, and not just sell their products and services.

[@bennyacosta1560]

I come from a completely unrelated field. So from the bottom of my heart. I thank you very much for going over the ABC's of this kind of work. Thank you for being kind enough to share your experience and your expertise.

[@itscriispy]

This is increadibly helpfull, great video with lots of good info. The thought of doing voice over has been bugging me at the back of my head for AGES now. A few people have recommended me to try and I think I'm going to give it a shot. Thanks for the help :)

[@tamaracampion9168]

Thanks Bill! I was literally sitting down to work on my Demo today! Perfect timing!

[@therepublicrestored]

Thank you for the work you do educating people about the field. I have a deep professional sounding voice and have been told i should try voice acting for years but never gave it a serious thought until i found your videos. I know not everyone will make it their career so I'm just going to do it for fun as a hobby and if I happen to make some money then that's a bonus!

[@JonathanESmithOfficial]

Bill, where do we find the transcripts of audiobooks to record for the demo? Do we just use books we like or is there a database online?

[@goldieshort1713]

I would like to know this aswell. Im guessing we cant use the audition scripts on acx from rights holders for a demo.

[@molittr]

My plan is to use some of my favorite older books and things that I wrote.

[@beinglove]

@@molittrconsidering this as well

[@beinglove]

i listened better and he said theyre on ispottv and youtube for commercial

[@stevietturnervoiceoverserv5381]

Thanks for this Bill - I’ve been a fan for the past couple of years and slowly but surely building the foundations of my voice over business based very much on your teachings - cheers and Peace and Love from Liverpool 🇬🇧

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

No problem, Stevie! Glad to hear things are going so well. Same to you! 😁

[@Kevinmuckout]

Bill, I have been watching your video's for quite a while now. I appreciate everything you share and having just completed my studio I'm ready to build my first DIY demo... and you drop this video. Perfect timing. Thank you.

[@shannonp2321]

Advice actually starts @6:02 Great info!

[@user-hj8ij9vu5d]

King thank you for all the tips❤️✊🏻🙏

[@mml1224]

great job!!! i thumbed it, but how much for each audio book on an entry level basis , just a range? that would help provide us with transparency, any example will do? thanks!

[@menacingspirits4559]

I took 5 minutes for you to get started, but it was very concise and well done. Thank you. Your advice will be helpful, I'm sure.

[@lara3388]

Thank you so much Bill! I'm so grateful that you are sharing your knowledge and experience, putting out these videos and giving people guidance. I'm trying to help my husband get started in voice over. He does the voice, I do the editing and marketing since he has to work his dayjob.

[@CMRBURE]

I am so glad I found your channel. I took a one day voice over course several years ago and really liked the lady, but I wasn't interested in doing 'character' voices for fiction or cartoons, etc. I got a bit turned off(scared off) by all the information she tried to cram in one day, but I want to try again. Your information got that spark fired up in me again...thank you for your time.

[@Bmovox]

Great Video - thanks for the information! Just getting started myself so let's see where this goes.

[@michelleantonio495]

Guide starts at 5:10

[@AGENTARMES]

For Upwork and Fiverr you will need tutorials on how to use the sites properly. U will need great headshots and cover letters. It’s not as easy as ‘just upload yer track’ and watch the work offers flow.

[@GMan56M]

I'd agree with this. It may have been simpler early on when Bill did this video, but the market is so saturated now that it's hard to stand out and get noticed as you're just getting started.

[@robert_starling]

Love that lobster T-shirt!!! Very Maine or Florida style. Nice video as well! ~Thanks!

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

Thanks Robert!

[@aaronlapacz6828]

Just wanted to say thank you for all your advice and motivation. Just finished the arduous task of recording and editing my audiobook and commercial demos and finally have them posted on my Upwork profile and website. Feeling optimistic for the future. :)

[@shelbywalden322]

Bill, thank you so very much for your willingness to share information regarding voiceover. This is much needed and you made it simple. I will look for other videos.

[@Hugmir]

I have done bookreading for my friends, in improvised fashion, and I definitely got a taste of how dialogue-heavy fiction can be... Demanding. I first did Hobbit, and that was a great and relaxing adventure, with beautifully written and flowing narration. And then I jumped into Dune. I gave up after a chapter, I think. Maybe two. Go on, try and see how that book's actually constructed...

[@TommyFresh521]

Thank you for your advice. I am an aircraft mechanic for a regional airline. People at work and my family have told me for years I should do voice over work. I am ready to make a DIY demo tape.

[@HeatLedgerKicks]

You have a great channel my man. Thanks for the info.

[@singinghead6218]

Glad I Subscribed. Fantastic!

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

I'm glad too. Thanks! :)

[@Sewprano]

Just the kind of straightforward, to the point info that I needed. This is golden info! Thank you!

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

You're welcome!! 😁 I really appreciate that. I try to have my content be practical and easy to implement.

[@abdullahouazri4203]

Hey Bill! Thanks for the video. I've been watching all of your stuff lately and it helps so much. Huge thanks to you and all who you've worked with to make a career in VO easier and more successful for all of us.

[@julianbatcheler9970]

I’m quite confident and I was a sound engineer and worked on the other side of the booth. With an aim to start my one you tube channel rather than be a pro voice over artist, I have found your films very helpful. Thank you :)

[@MarilynHarding]

This was really great! Actionable, inspiring and confidence building! I can do this!! THANKS Bill!

[@rusk1992]

I would hire you just based on your shirt. Thank you for bringing crustations to the forefront of the public conversation. well done.

[@robh5695]

Thank, Bill! This is great advice for beginners. All the best.

[@user-sw7lu1fz7o]

Excellent. Thank you very much for that information, it's worth it’s weight in gold. I've been watching a lot of videos on voice overs, this has been the best so far. Very informative very inspirational. Thank you again.

[@Rouzario]

This is the best video I could ever find. Thank you so much ♥ You're doing the difference.

[@angies_social87]

Hey Bill, thanks so much for this. Just recently I have found myself at a crossroads and in need of some extra income. I am a very creative person and decided to seek other types of work besides the food industry or retail. I feel silly because here I am at 35 and I am just now figuring out the question to, "What do I wanna be when I grow up?" Again I hope by watching your videos and taking your advice I can pursue a career in something I actually enjoy doing.

[@cynthiaatwewontwobblealway9182]

I absolutely appreciate this video! Awesome guidance!

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

Thanks Cynthia!

[@lokavyatv311]

you are very good in communicating and grasping audience attention

[@cyrusjafari7392]

Every time I watch your new video, I become more knowledgeable and educated in voice over. As always, thanks a lot Bill. You are the best my freind.

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

That's fantastic! I try to have all my videos be super informative. Thanks for watching! :-)

[@dipankarc]

Bill, that's undoubtedly some valuable advice not just for starters but even for people who're already in the industry. Hope to see more good content from you. Thank you. Btw, I loved the sound quality you're getting from your voice booth.👍😊

[@gustavtarankov3899]

Best Free Consultation! How do I know if my voice is pleasant to listen to or suitable for this type of job?

[@bananaappel6557]

I've seen some videos on youtube on this topic but your videos I like the best

[@meganrasey4377]

This was incredibly helpful. Dave Kraddick was a dear friend of mine and he inspired me to get into and stay in radio and voice over work. I'm finally able to begin that road. Thank you. Truly, this was amazingly helpful!

[@BritonaBudget]

Thanks you so so much!!!

[@balebu1]

THE BEST advice I have heard on the subject. Thank you so much. If I start this and start making money, I'll look for you to show my appreciation. 👍🏾 The pandemic has made me decide on a career change. I don't like how my natural voice sounds on recordings, but all my life I've been told I have a radio voice... we'll see!

[@mocillewilson5143]

Great advice for beginners on a shoestring budget. Thank you

[@nev72tep]

Thank you so much, Bill! I've been really kicking myself for not having a demo and missing out on opportunities I find on Twitter. Maybe this would help me get my foot in the door for some great gigs! Gonna scour some copies and books to read now.

[@drewuapicture]

Hi Bill! This video answered a ton of my questions in a very practical way, well done & thank you! I've got a question though: Would the people who are ultimately listening to these demos want things like mild EQ and compression? Obviously these can give a more polished sound, but I'm wondering if perhaps they'd rather hear your voice in the un-treated form as it may be more informative to them as to what your voice "truly" sounds like. So what do you think.. (tasteful) post production on a dry demo, or no?

[@JennaBirmingham]

Every demo is a little different. An imaging demo is going to have all sorts of stuff to it, a commercial demo will have what it takes to make it sound like a commercial, training videos/ B2B/ IVR/ Political demos... they are all going to have a slightly different sound. So there isn't exactly one answer to your question.

[@philp1072]

THANK YOU FOR HELPING ALL OF US BILL!!

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

You're welcome!! :-)

[@ricksanchez5900]

Good morning! Thank you again for sharing! You are very easy to listen to and very helpful!

[@fionavirginia]

Thank you for your insight. I told my partner that I wann do this, just for him to reply to me that it’s a field where AI is going to take over. They can copy one’s voice and use it. So Bill, what is your opinion about this?

[@amcafee4275]

Great video! I am in the process of trying my hand at voiceovers to earn extra income. Thanks for all the great advice.

[@user-et1gu5sw1c]

Thanks Bill! Great info. Thanks again for giving us invaluable advice on how to start a voice over career.

[@The-Portland-Daily-Blink]

Great video. Audio books probably are a great way to start, and being able to read aloud well is definitely a plus. Thanks for the video here, very informative.

[@enerrod2418]

Thank you very much for sharing some good tips, to make that Magic Bill, 2021 but I am startin the O'l Fashion way, just like I did Cooking!

[@austin_mowat_]

Boy have I been waiting for this one

[@indiescotland7826]

I'm glad I found this video, I want to do this but felt so daunted. Its so nice to have direct instructions!

[@tarahelene7903]

Thank you Bill for sharing your knowledge. This is very informative and helpful.

[@mtgaming8170]

Thank you! i've been so nervous about starting and this is gonna help me a lot thank you so much

[@NaturesRelics]

Bravo to You Bill, once again, for such genuine encouragement and help to us Newbies!! Sharing, sharing, sharing👍🏻

[@BeefForLess]

I immediately after seeing this had to watch it. This is more sound advice, Bill, thank you!

[@azanazam5644]

Wow great information you are telling about voice over and your style of talking is great because english is not ,you first language but I can understand every thing you talk about.One question in my mind which I want to ask is that if I start as a english vo what should be the best start from? ??

[@erikhansen6165]

Thank you for sharing your expertise. I very much enjoy learning from your videos. Very useful content.

[@thinbluelaneproductions3798]

You are truely a gift. Thank you for this video.

[@thaciaschmidt1610]

Amazing! Thank you. Question though… Don’t you have to have some sort of copyright on something in order to read it? Or is it ok for demo purposes?

[@germpubg1176]

Amazing

[@Couratiel]

I greatly appreciate this guide. I also greatly appreciate that rad shirt

[@JerryDugan]

I wish I found this video sooner!

[@vanerey30]

Hi there! I actually have a video studio asking me for commercial work but I am new to VA and haven’t done any commercial work. Should a DIY demo still work if they’re asking me for some work? Thank you so much!

[@MaggieRobbins]

Thanks for the video Bill. I'm just getting started. I have all my equipment - next is the demos. I will follow your instructions. I was born in Australia so I still have a bit of an accent. Hoping this won't go against me.

[@sarahadair6126]

Thank you for this Bill! I'm trying to get back to work and am very interested in audiobook narration. Your videos are a great asset!

[@hubbabubbastar]

Thanks Bill! I'm excited to start!

[@bohlempire9537]

Excellent advice and explanation! Thanks once again Bill!

[@joywest1078]

Hello Bill and Thank you so much for creating this video! I got a lot out of it and you've given me a clear lit path to go with. There is so much information out there for beginners and I didn't know where to start.

[@vladxful]

Bill, thank you so much for this video! I am sure your channel will save me years of mistakes. I want to do audiobooks and commercials, but I also wanted to do characters, for animes or tv showsm I was wondering if you knew any platforms for those, or if anybody in the comment section could help me out with regards to the character demo? Thank you all. Keep on suceeding!

[@mrjoeykim]

soo much gold here. Thanks again, Bill! You're a Godsend!

[@zacherygoodridge851]

Thank you so much Bill!! This was truly helpful in more ways than one!! I will do my best making my demo!!!

[@AndyRhodes1]

Thanks, Bill, for this very helpful information!

[@RakeshPatel-eg5vq]

Thanks Bill, some great info here. Lots of confusion on where/how to start and this certainly helps!

[@jasminemacdonald0718]

Thank you so much for putting this info out there, it’s really helped and encouraged me!! 🙏

[@TravelPortugalBrasilTPB]

I fully watched this, thanks for all the advices.

[@HeavenPlayer]

Man you are so informative. I am hoping to try VO soon. I will probably starting in the summer to try and get some stuff out there. Like you help me by learning new ways to develop and new sites to try out. Thank you so much for what you do and the advice to give new people like me hope and ideas to try. Again thank you so much Bill.