In our database of 92 voices, for example, we can hear that Gitta sounds very approachable, like the ‘woman next door’. For a business-oriented, multilingual production, however, Machteld - with her 15 years’ experience - is a strong choice.
2. Pay attention to linguistic authenticity and accent
Nothing is as jarring as a voice that sounds as though it’s simply reading a script off a page. In Flanders in particular, we can quickly tell whether a voice sounds natural. When selecting voices, pay attention to the correct intonation and pronunciation.
- Opt for ‘native speakers’ who have a thorough command of the language.
- Decide whether you need a neutral, ‘intermediate language’-style voice or, conversely, a very specific regional character.
- Check that the voice actor places the stresses in the correct Belgian manner.
Our voice artists are native speakers of various languages, including Danish, German, English, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and, of course, Flemish. Voice artists such as Johfrah or Christina perfectly convey that typical, warm Flemish feel.
3. Use the director’s tip for the recording session
As a voice director, I often see things go wrong during the briefing. Clients ask the voice actor to sound ‘professional’ or ‘dynamic’. These are abstract concepts that aren’t very helpful to an actor.
My director’s tip: Give the voice actor a specific scenario or a reference point. Say, for example: “Speak as if you were explaining this to a close friend sitting at the kitchen table” or “Imagine you’re explaining a complicated concept in simple terms to a new colleague”. This immediately gives the voice the right direction in terms of pace and intonation, which significantly reduces recording time.
4. Test the voice actor’s flexibility
Some voices are fantastic for short radio adverts, but fall short when it comes to a long, twenty-minute e-learning module. A good voice-over artist can vary their pace, volume and emotion without compromising on credibility. You should therefore always ask for several demos or a short test recording of your own script. This way, you’ll immediately hear whether the voice can convey the nuances your project requires.
5. Check their experience and reviews from others
A pleasant voice is one thing, but professional reliability is just as important. After all, you want the recordings to be delivered promptly and as agreed. Look at the experiences of previous clients to see how the collaboration goes. Our clients, such as Nicolas and Pieter, often highlight the prompt follow-up and high-quality results. Stijn, for example, noted that his order was processed on Friday and the recordings were ready by Tuesday. That sort of efficiency saves you a lot of stress when you’re up against a deadline.
