How to Get Started in Voice Over for Beginners: Complete Guide

One of the problems with voice over advice on KZbin and in general is that it often comes from successful people.
Stay with me.
Among the things it takes to be successful is time. So, the people that are successful today started years and often decades ago.
And the problem with that is voice over is a very different business than it was 30, 20, 10, even 5 years ago. And so many of the strategies and paths and techniques that made successful voice actors even in the 20-teens don’t apply today, here, now, in the mid 2020’s and beyond.
If you’re just getting into the business today, that’s a problem.
So today I’m going to tell you exactly what I would do if I were a new voice actor. I’ll give you the timeline and how I would spend my time, money, energy, attention.
I’ll tell you what tools I would use, gear I would buy, and just as importantly, mistakes I would not make that rookies today make often.
Recommended Beginner VO Facebook Groups:
/ vofreedom
/ 756101365897795
/ 533192523873076
/ voiceovercamp
/ globalvoiceovertalent
/ themicrophoneinsider
Training Guide for Beginners: • The Beginner’s SIMPLE ...
Download Audacity: www.audacityte...
Audacity Tutorials: www.youtube.co...
Mike Russell Audacity Tutorial: • Audacity Tutorial For ...
Blue Yeti Mic on Amazon: amzn.to/4aYnPQo
Why NOT to DIY Your Demo: • DIY Voice Over Demos -...
VO Booth Besties: / @voboothbesties and www.boothbesti...
Synco D2 Microphone: amzn.to/45kuX8s
Steinberg UR22 Audio Interface: amzn.to/4b2JqXP
The VO Freedom Master Plan: vofreedommaste...
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▶️ Watch this video next: • The UNFIXABLE MISTAKE ...
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The VO Pro Podcast: vopro.pro/podcast
7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: welcome.vopro....
Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: vopro.pro/move...
Facebook Group: / vofreedom
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GVAA Rate Guide: vorateguide.com
Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):
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[@JoeGaudet]

I love this, brother. Spot on. It's not a get rich quick scheme. It's a marathon. Pace yourself and do your research. TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN. I constantly get questions when I do comic con appearances from fans that ask, "how can i start auditioning?" "what site can I start auditioning on?" "how can I get an agent?" I constantly tell them to get good first. Do their research, study, train, COACHING. "I don't live in LA or a major market". No problem, neither do I. I love what you're doing, Paul. Wish I had this info when I started 18 years ago. We love you, man!!!

[@vo-pro]

I appreciate that, Joe. Awfully kind. Keep up the good work.

[@DayOneVoiceover]

Thank you for this, Paul. I’m in the beginning stages of my journey into VO and I decided to document it in my YT channel. Basically I’ll be showing myself go through the steps you talk about, even down to the Blue Yeti! But I’m definitely going to be one of the people that find their own path due my current situation. I’m having to make do without the means to follow the path you laid out, which is the 100% the ideal path. But I’m continuing this journey no matter what. Thanks again.

[@vo-pro]

Best of luck. If I can help at all, let me know.

[@DayOneVoiceover]

@@vo-pro thank you, sir 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@broadaxeallion]

Thanks, Paul! I love this plan. As someone currently working full-time, this guide allows for a practical path forward without being tempted by the 'cash now' paths that get you deeper in debt and more frustrated. I wouldn't buy a hamburger from someone still learning to make one.

[@vo-pro]

Glad it helped!

[@NinerGuy49]

Two words…Awe-some! Two more…Thank you!

[@vo-pro]

Anytime, and thanks for the kind words.

[@briggenti9828]

Really appreciate your experience and advice and will probably spin up your Master Plan soon*. I've been narrating corporate scripts for years as an instructional designer and just now looking at doing it independently. Learning! Thank you!

[@vo-pro]

Anytime! Reach out with any questions I can help with. 👊👍

[@JoeReederSHINE]

Once again, Sir…spot on. I’m conflicted as to my next step(s). I would love the opportunity to share my story and get your honest opinion…

[@vo-pro]

Sure. Email it to me at [e-mail].

[@stevewilson9164]

All about realistic expectations 100%… thanks Paul for keeping it very very real!

[@vo-pro]

👊

[@sdaeley17]

This is an incredible resource, Paul! Thank you so much!

[@vo-pro]

Nice of you to say that. Glad it helped.

[@PorkyJohnson328]

Paul my man you've done it again. Another 💎 of a podcast.

[@vo-pro]

👊❤️

[@amandafowski4223]

This is SPOT ON!!!! WOW!!!!

[@vo-pro]

Thanks!

[@coacharielandersson]

Hmm.. you nearly lost me at the YETI as I despise that mic. yet, I appreciate the mix of harsh truth and you mentioning there are different ways we all go down this path.. as some pieces didn’t align.. likely there are as many versions of the path as there are people.. yet, the hard reminders that this isn’t a get rich quick, nothing required choice of work.. is SOO important.. It all got complex pretty fast. I just set up my 11th set up with mic, a new interface and realized.. aha.. more to learn, here:). As well, as soon as you start to consider scripts for demos or your tone/style and genre.. it’s a touch overwhelming on your own:)).. thanks for the thoughts:).

[@vo-pro]

Any starter mic will work. Thanks for watching.

[@ReshamTalwar]

Absolutely correct

[@vo-pro]

Thanks. 👍

[@innercynic2784]

I want the mug! Now, seriously, you're saying what needs to be said.

[@vo-pro]

🤣 Here ya go: vopro.pro/shop/voiceover-ceo-mug-1

[@elathiaskade7311]

4k for training, not including the buy ins for major site membership, not including costs for equipment, not including costs for production. … So, be rich to begin with?

[@vo-pro]

Every business has startup costs. And in voiceover, they’re about as low as they get. You don’t have to be rich. You just have to stop blaming the world for your situation.

[@BannerSound]

What are your thoughts on the RØDE - PODMIC Dynamic Podcasting Microphone? I understand it's a new version and is only $99 (Best Buy and others) and I've seen other VO talking about it; No, as you know, it's NOT a Blue Yeti, LOL!

[@vo-pro]

Sure. Fine. You just need something that does the job to start.

[@jeffburns3992]

Are there not agents?

[@vo-pro]

Sure. Do they sign beginners? No.

[@Laura_DiNunno]

Research is sexy. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a fool. bwahahahahaha VO Buzz Weekly is a great place to get a feel for how pro demos are done. Their YT channel is a masterclass in VO

[@vo-pro]

Right?