Whether it’s a brand film, explainer video, internal communications piece or corporate content, the voice needs to work hard. It has to sound professional without feeling stiff. Conversational without losing authority. Engaging without drifting into hard sell. And crucially, it needs to build trust fast.

I’m Claire Wyatt, a British female voiceover artist specialising in conversational voiceover for brand videos, explainer content and professional online video. I work with agencies and production teams who need a reliable, broadcast-quality UK voice that understands tone, pacing and how audio supports visuals — not competes with them.

The result? Videos that feel clear, confident and human

Let’s make content that audiences actually want to listen to!

— and a voiceover process that fits seamlessly into agency workflows.
Corporate videos have changed. They’re no longer formal presentations read aloud by a voice that sounds like it belongs in a lift. Today’s audiences expect a more natural, conversational VO. They want clarity, warmth and a sense that a real person is talking to them, not at them.
My voiceover style is often described as:

• Warm, smooth and credible
• Conversational, chatty and genuine
• Clear, soothing and confident
• Natural, intimate and engaging
• British and English

That makes it particularly well suited to:

• Corporate video VO
• Conversational VO for explainers
• Brand and product explainers
• E-learning and internal communications
• Animation and digital content

In short, if you need a voice that explains rather than performs, you’re in the right place.

Explainer specialist, not just a voice

Explainer videos are a special skillset. They’re about taking complex ideas and making them feel simple, clear and legitimate without ever sounding patronising.
That’s where my background as an explainer specialist comes in.

I focus on:

• Meaning, not buzzwords
• Pacing that supports visuals and animation
• Emphasis that guides understanding
• A tone that feels human and reassuring

Whether it’s a corporate explainer, a brand story or an e-learning module, the goal is always the same: to help the viewer understand, trust and engage.

Trusted by leading brands

I’ve had the pleasure of working with a wide range of professional organisations, from global brands to fast-growing UK businesses. What they have in common is a commitment to clear communication.

Smith & Nephew – inspiring, but not tub-thumping

This project required a calm, confident and credible British voiceover. The delivery needed to feel authoritative and inspiring without becoming overplayed. They wanted hope and emotion, whilst explaining the complex medical work they do.

Gigaclear – bright, conversational, informative.

Gigaclear’s explainer content is all about cutting through confusion. This conversational VO was designed to feel friendly, bright and genuinely helpful, supporting the animation without overpowering it.

Virgin Atlantic – Lux, but not exclusive.

Virgin Atlantic’s brand voice is warm, polished and unmistakably human. This corporate video VO needed to feel premium, sophisticated and natural, while still remaining approachable and engaging.

A professional UK voiceover with a broadcast-quality home studio

I record from my own professional home studio, delivering clean, broadcast-quality audio suitable for commercial, corporate, animation and e-learning projects.

Working with a home studio VO means:

• Faster turnaround times
• Easy revisions and pickups
• No studio booking delays
• Consistent sound quality

For producers and agencies, that flexibility makes a real difference – especially when deadlines move or scripts evolve.

Easy to work with (which matters more than you think)

A great voice is important. A great working relationship is essential. Clients often tell me they value how easy the process feels. I’m responsive, flexible and comfortable working to briefs, brand guidelines and feedback – whether that’s detailed direction or a simple “make it sound more conversational”.
I regularly work with:

• Video production agencies
• Corporate communications teams
• Marketing departments
• Creative studios

I understand approvals, stakeholders and last-minute changes. I also understand that sometimes you just need it turned around quickly and done properly.

Warm, polished and characterful – without the hard sell.

My voice sits comfortably in that space between professional and personable. It can be smooth and soothing, dynamic and confident, or witty and characterful depending on the brief.
I don’t oversell. I don’t underplay. I aim for balance.
That’s why my voice works so well for:

• Corporate videos that need trust and personality
• Brand explainers that need warmth
• Conversational VO that feels genuine
• Premium content that still sounds human

Why clients come back

Clients come back because the voice fits the message – and the process fits their workflow.
They often mention:

• How natural and authentic the VO sounds
• How quickly I understand the brief
• How smoothly revisions are handled
• How well the voice supports the visuals

Voiceover isn’t just about sound. It’s about storytelling, credibility and connection. Let’s make your next corporate video sound right.

If you’re looking for a British female voiceover artist who delivers conversational, credible and polished corporate VO, I’d love to help.

Whether you’re producing an explainer video, brand film or internal communication, we can find the right tone for your audience and your message.
👉 Request a quote for your next project and let’s make your video sound as good as it looks.

The post Your Video’s Secret Ingredient: A British Voice That Connects appeared first on Claire Wyatt Female Voiceover.

If only there were a neat, one-size-fits-all answer. The truth is, UK voiceover rates vary depending on a whole range of factors: project type, usage, duration, and—crucially—the experience of the voice you hire.

This blog will give you a clear sense of what to budget for different kinds of projects, plus a reality check on why the cheapest option isn’t always the smartest investment.

The two parts behind every quote: session and usage

Professional voiceover quotes usually break down into two main elements:

1. Basic studio/session fee (BSF) – the cost of recording, editing, and delivering the files. (My BSF is £300 by the way.)
2. Usage/licence fee – the cost of using the recording, which depends on where and how it will be heard (internal only vs. national TV ad, for example) and for how long. Because having a voice heard across TV or social is more “valuable” than internal training, and that needs proper compensation.

So when a client asks you “How much will the voiceover be?”, remember that size isn’t everything! The script may be short, but the price is really driven by how the audio will be used. And there are so many different types of voiceover job – and this is where it can get complicated.

What drives the cost of a voiceover? (Or, why your “cheap voiceover” sometimes comes back to bite)

Here are the biggest factors that influence the price:

• Length and word count: A two-minute internal explainer is cheaper than a 10-hour audiobook. But a 60 second TV ad can be as much as a decent new car!
• Usage and reach: Internal training? Modest fee. National TV ad? You’ll need broadcast licensing. There’s a simple algorithm based on TVRs.
• Complexity and style: Technical scripts, medical narration, multiple characters, or niche accents need more prep.
• Turnaround speed: Rush jobs usually come with rush rates.
• Revisions and retakes: A pro like me will include fair revisions, but extensive rewrites aren’t free.
• Studio vs home setup: If I use my own professional home studio (as I do) it lowers overheads for you vs booking big studios.
• Experience and quality: You’re paying not just for a voice, but for reliability, consistency, experience and the ability to nail the read first time. Trust me, it adds real value.

Sample UK voiceover rates (ballpark figures you can whisper to your clients!)

Here’s a rough idea of what different types of projects might cost in the UK market. These aren’t rigid rules, but they give you solid benchmarks for client discussions:

These ranges cover the “average” professional. Experienced, in-demand voices may charge more, and rightly so (more on that in a minute).

Price vs value: why the cheapest voice can be the most expensive mistake

Here’s where things get interesting. Clients often fixate on cost, but for agencies and most clients, what really matters is value. You’re not just buying a few minutes of recorded audio—you’re buying everything that comes with it.

Think about it this way:

• Experience saves you money: A pro can deliver the right tone in fewer takes, meaning less editing, fewer revisions, and faster project turnaround. Time saved = money saved.
• Cheap voices cost more in the long run: If the recording isn’t up to scratch, you may need to re-record with someone else, explain delays to your client, or worse—deliver subpar work. That “bargain” £50 read suddenly looks very expensive.
• Professionalism matters: Deadlines, consistent quality, file formats, availability. An amateur might leave you hanging; a pro voiceover artist won’t.
• Your client notices: A polished voiceover elevates the entire production. A ropey one can undermine all the great design and strategy work you’ve put in.
• Creative polish: The difference between “reads the words” and “makes your message land.”
• Peace of mind has value: Knowing the job will be done right the first time means you can focus on everything else your client needs.

So yes, you could get a cheaper voice from, say, a freelancer in a less saturated market. But there’s a reason some voices cost more—and why creative agencies and clients often prefer me:

FAQs agencies ask about voiceover pricing

Why do voiceovers cost so much for ads?
Because the reach (TV, radio, online campaigns) massively increases the value of the voice. A national ad that airs for months is very different to a one-off internal training video.

Isn’t there always someone who’ll do it cheaper?
Yes, but if they can’t deliver broadcast-quality audio on deadline—or if their performance falls flat—you’ll end up paying more to fix it. Plus, a pro knows how to approach the script with minimal direction and adds ideas and experience to the mix. My clients often come in with one idea, I offer my take – and that’s the one they use!

Can’t AI just do it now?
Synthetic voices exist, but they can’t capture nuance, humour, or subtle persuasion the way a real human can. If your client cares about brand identity (and they should), a professional voice is non-negotiable.

Tips for getting better value from your voiceover budget

1. Be specific in the brief – usage, audience, tone, file format. Clear briefs save money.
2. Bundle jobs – recording multiple scripts in one session keeps costs down.
3. Plan ahead – avoid rush fees by scheduling voiceovers early in the project timeline.
4. Ask for usage clarity – always confirm media, territory, and duration up front.
5. Work with the same voice over time – long-term collaboration builds efficiency (and trust).

The bottom line: what’s a voiceover really worth?

So, how much does a voiceover cost? In the UK, a simple narration couple start around £200. A broadcast commercial could run into four figures with usage fees. An audiobook may be hundreds per finished hour.

But the real question isn’t “How much does it cost?” It’s “What’s the value of getting it right first time?”

A pro voiceover doesn’t just tick a budget line. It makes your client’s content sound credible, trustworthy, engaging—and by extension, it makes your agency look brilliant.

Why hire me?

I’m Claire Wyatt, a professional UK voiceover artist with 20+ years’ experience. I offer:

• Broadcast-quality recordings from my own studio.
• Versatility across corporate, commercial, e-learning, IVR, Gaming, Drama and more.
• Transparent pricing and clear usage rights (no nasty surprises).
• A friendly, reliable partnership with agencies who want to impress their clients.

In short: great value for money, because I bring the skills, speed, and professionalism that save you time, stress, and revisions.

If you’d like your next project to sound as good as it looks, drop me a line at claire@clairewyatt.com

Let’s make your client’s brand unforgettable—without the budget headaches.

The post How much does a voiceover cost? (and why value matters more than the sticker price!) appeared first on Claire Wyatt Female Voiceover.

With 20+ years of professional experience, exceptional vocal range, and a reputation for delivering high-quality recordings, Claire has quickly become the go-to voiceover artist for a wide variety of projects. Whether you’re working on an animation, commercial, corporate video, or e-learning project, Claire Wyatt’s voice brings an unparalleled level of expertise and artistry to every project. Here’s why she should be your first choice for your next voiceover.

1. Exceptional Vocal Range and Versatility

One of the key reasons Claire Wyatt is a standout choice for your voiceover project is her remarkable vocal range. Whether you need a warm, soothing tone for a narration or a high-energy, animated performance for a commercial, Claire has the ability to adapt her voice to fit the needs of your project perfectly. Her versatility allows her to voice a variety of characters, from serious and professional to quirky and humorous, and everything in between. Claire’s flexibility means that no matter the tone or mood you’re seeking, she can deliver it with precision and flair.

2. Professional Quality Recordings

When it comes to voiceover work, the technical aspects of the recording process are just as important as the voice itself. Claire Wyatt brings professional-grade recording equipment and editing techniques to every project she works on, ensuring that you receive crystal-clear audio with minimal noise and distortion. Whether working from her fully-equipped home studio or collaborating with top-tier production houses, Claire ensures that her recordings meet the highest industry standards. The result is a polished, professional sound that will elevate your voiceover project and make it shine.

3. Tailored to Your Project’s Needs

Every voiceover project is unique, and Claire Wyatt knows that. She takes the time to understand your vision and works closely with you to ensure her voice complements your specific needs. From the tone and pacing to the pronunciation and emphasis, Claire tailors her performance to capture the essence of your brand or character. Her attention to detail and dedication to perfection means that you won’t have to worry about the final product. Claire provides the kind of personal touch that makes your voiceover sound as though it was made just for your project, rather than a generic performance.

4. Proven Experience in Various Industries

Claire Wyatt’s extensive portfolio speaks for itself. She has worked with clients across a wide range of industries, including advertising, corporate videos, e-learning, animation, video games, and more. Her diverse experience ensures she has the right skills to take on any type of voiceover project, no matter how specialized. Whether you’re looking for a soft, authoritative voice for a corporate training video or an engaging, energetic tone for an animated character, Claire’s adaptability makes her the perfect fit for virtually any type of voiceover work.

5. Client-Focused Approach and Excellent Communication

One of the reasons Claire Wyatt is so beloved by her clients is her commitment to clear, effective communication. From the moment you reach out to her, she prioritizes understanding your goals and requirements. She’s responsive, approachable, and always ready to make adjustments based on your feedback. Her collaborative nature ensures that your vision is realized, and that you’re completely satisfied with the final product. With Claire, you can be confident that you’ll receive a top-notch voiceover that meets your project’s specific needs.

6. Timely Delivery and Professionalism

Deadlines are critical in the world of voiceover work, and Claire Wyatt is known for her punctuality and professionalism. She understands that time is of the essence and ensures that you receive your recordings promptly, often ahead of schedule. Her ability to deliver high-quality work within a set timeframe makes her a reliable choice for projects with tight deadlines, whether it’s a quick-turnaround commercial or an audiobook with a fixed release date.

7. A Voice That Resonates With Audiences

In addition to her technical skill and professional demeanour, Claire Wyatt possesses a unique ability to connect with audiences. Her voice has a warm, engaging quality that captivates listeners and makes them feel emotionally invested in the message. This is particularly important for commercials, e-learning modules, and narrations, where you want to hold the listener’s attention and leave a lasting impact.
Whether you’re trying to establish a strong connection with customers or draw people into a compelling narrative, Claire’s voice will resonate with your audience, helping to build trust and engagement.

8. Affordable Without Compromising on Quality

While some top-tier voiceover artists can come with a hefty price tag, Claire Wyatt offers competitive rates without sacrificing the quality of her work. Her pricing structure is transparent, and she’s committed to providing excellent value for every client, whether they’re working with a large corporation or a small business. You don’t have to break the bank to get professional-level voiceover work. With Claire, you’ll get premium quality recordings at a fair and reasonable cost.

9. Positive Client Feedback and Testimonials

It’s not just Claire’s skill and versatility that make her an exceptional choice for voiceover work—it’s her reputation. Claire has built a loyal client base over the years, and she’s consistently praised for her professionalism, creativity, and ability to deliver outstanding voiceovers. Many clients return to Claire time and time again, citing her excellent communication, dedication to quality, and talent as reasons they trust her with their voiceover needs.

10. Passion for the Craft

Claire Wyatt isn’t just a voiceover artist; she’s an artist who is passionate about her craft. This passion shines through in every project she takes on. She approaches each voiceover with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to deliver her best work, making her a standout choice for any project. Her dedication to her art and her clients ensures that every voiceover project is treated with the care and attention it deserves.

In Conclusion: Choose Claire Wyatt for Your Voiceover Project

With her vast experience, unmatched versatility, and unwavering dedication to quality, Claire Wyatt is the best choice for your next voiceover project. Whether you’re looking for a commercial, animation, e-learning module, or audiobook, Claire brings a unique combination of technical skill, creative talent, and professionalism that sets her apart from other voiceover artists.
By choosing Claire Wyatt, you’re investing in a voice that will captivate, engage, and leave a lasting impression on your audience. Get in touch with Claire today to elevate your next voiceover project!

End note – thanks to AI for this. If you can’t beat them, join them right?

The post Why Claire Wyatt is the Best Choice for Your Voiceover Project appeared first on Claire Wyatt Female Voiceover.

I do a lot of voiceover work each year and work with so many clients. I’m a lucky gal and my work is varied. So, sometimes it’s fun to make a little demo of some of that work to showcase what I can do for my clients. In this short 3 min audio tour of recent work, you can see some of the range of styles I can deliver and some great brands I’ve worked with.

Of course it’s not all I can do. And some sound similar. But that’s the skill! There’s a subtle difference between a ‘warm and authentic’ read and a ‘warm and authoritative’ one. I talk about that in more detail in my blog on Voiceover IQ and EQ. There are a lot of British or English female voiceover artists out there so versatility has to be my game!

Let’s break it down

1. OURA – natural, authentic, approachable yet lux.
2. CO-OP/DISNEY – sweet, enchanting, motherly.
3. RADIO – characterful.
4. DUCK DUCK GO – Estuary accent, trustworthy girl next door.
5. QUERCUS – mysterious, sexy.
6. LEGO – US accent, youthful, bright.
7. COUNCIL – warm and credible.
8. BURGER KING – fast, clear, positive, real.
9. RADIO – comic timing.
10. RIPPLE – corporate and authentic.
11. GAMING – RP accent, austere.

If you want to see more of my work (in full length) then check out my YouTube Commercial Playlist or my Corporate Playlist.

The post 3 Min Audio Tour of recent work appeared first on Claire Wyatt Female Voiceover.

I can smell spring in the air and it felt the right time to spring clean my demo reel. So, I’ve created a brand new corporate voiceover demo reel for 2024. It’s got some fabulous recent work blended with some of my favourite pieces from the last few years.

It’s always a challenge putting these together as I’m trying to cram as many tones and styles into 2 minutes as possible. I’ve tried to capture my professional, yet authentic and engaging style with some other corporate VO samples where I was asked to be more dynamic, chatty or soothing. The point is, I’m super versatile! I hope you like it!

The work in here covers brand communications, online video, explainer videos, corporate films, animation and so much more. Please get in touch if you want to find out how I can help you tell your story and reach the hearts of your audience.

A versatile voice over with style – but which one?

If you want to hear more of my styles and tones and find out more about my work in other genres like commercials, then read my blog all about my styles. I’ve also created a step-by-step walkthrough of how I subtly change my voice, pace and delivery to create the perfect take. I call it using my IQ to change the EQ in my voice. There’s also plenty of examples of my English female voiceover services in corporate films and online explainers on my YouTube channel.

Here’s a mash-up video of some of my favourite corporate video / online explainers I’ve done over the last few years. Enjoy!

The post NEW Corporate Voiceover Demo Reel appeared first on Claire Wyatt Female Voiceover.

Another year rolls around. And it’s true what they say; the years do go faster the older you get. Which I personally think is rather cruel.

As is tradition at this time of year, I write a little blog reflecting on the plans I made for the previous year, reporting on the things I actually ended up doing, and set some targets for the year to come.
So, here goes.

Well, what to say about 2023?

It went as quick as a flash – mainly because I had so much fun and was so darned busy! I threw myself into everything and probably took on too much, but life is for living right?

Fantastic clients – old and new

2023 saw me continue to voice countless radio commercials across the UK for both the Global and Bauer groups as well as a handful of independent producers. My work for the Royal Osteoporosis Society 1 in 2 Women Campaign went on to win the Third Sector Award award for best Marketing Campaign.  And I had great fun voicing (internationally!) as I created a pillow fort in my Tunisian hotel room to do a few emergency jobs for clients like Pets Corner and the London Palladium.

I continued my relationships with Duck Duck Go and Oura and have become a regular brand voice for them on TV commercials. And it‘s hard to listen to Amazon Music Free without me popping up convincing you to pay for their ad-free service.

The year ended well, as I was also thrilled to voice the Christmas appeal for Action Aid – a charity I’ve donated to for years. I was listening to a favourite podcast recently and heard the commercial pop up. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that!

Gaming, VR, Animation and E-learning work goes on.

I dabbled my vocal toes into the world of VR this year for Jaguar by voicing their Jaguar TCS VR Racing experience. Also on the elite motor sports theme, I voiced a Legoland Formula 1 game. Such fun.
It was also a great year for my Gaming and Animation work. This is always a tricky area as I’m usually tied up with a million NDA agreements. So I can’t always report on all the great games I’ve been involved with or tell you which characters I’ve voiced. But, I can say, I’ve really enjoyed working with amazing directors and producers including Frontier Games and PitStop Productions. And as soon as I can say more, I will!

I had a lot of fun doing the wallah and crowd scenes for Baldurs Gate 3 which has gone on to  6 awards in 2023 already.

As well as all that, I continue to voice for various e-learning providers and countless bespoke corporate videos and explainers – my Youtube channel is a good place to see some of these.

A new look

I had some fab new photography done in 2023 which captures me and my brand in a much more authentic way. I’ve had a lot of fun adding the images to my social media and website. I plan on doing more of a refresh in 2024.

It wasn’t all work!

As well as all the work, I had plenty of fun too. It was an amazing year for us as a family with loads of holidays and short breaks and adventures. It was a real ‘YES’ year as we threw ourselves into everything that crossed our paths. In truth, we probably over did it as we’re all exhausted now. But it was certainly a year to remember. Plus my dad turned 70, my husband celebrated 50 years and I organised 5 or 6 fundraising events for my local charity. As I said, perhaps I took on too much.

What about 2024?

Well, that’s what I did. But how does it compare to what I planned to do last year? I had planned to take more time to prioritise training and development, but that fell by the way side as I was so busy with actual delivery work (not a bad place to be!). Plus, I took on a lot of local voluntary work which ate up any free time I had left. I don’t regret it as I love supporting my daughters school and I’m proud to have set up Love Lowndes which is a project tasked with raising £150k to build a new playground in my town. But I must focus more on work in 2024!

I had also planned to apply for a few Voiceover awards in 2023 and go to a few events or socials. But again, the natural introvert in me took over and I prioritized family and local life. Will I try again in 2024? Let’s see.

So, what are my goals for this year?

I’m going to continue to keep a sharp eye on the development of AI and how it may affect our industry. I need to make sure I’m diversifying my income streams (working in all the many genres) and staying relevant. Continued Professional Development is a big part of this, so I PROMISE this year I’ll work on brushing up some accents and pushing myself more into Gaming and Animation. I’ll finally create my gaming reel and try to make inroads into TV narration. I do want o continue volunteering locally, but I mustn’t let it take over too much.

Little Ada starts school in September which will allow me so much more time to work so it’ll be easier to factor in all these plans in the latter half of the year. I also plan to build on the on the new photography and imagery I created last year by giving my website a little facelift. Reorganising and updating – not a full re-brand, but a refresh.

So, plenty to be getting on with.

It just leaves me to say thank you to all my clients and voiceover chums for being with me on the brilliant career path. I can’t wait to see what 2024 brings my way.

The post 2023 – Review of a year in Voiceover appeared first on Claire Wyatt Female Voiceover.

Well, what did we all make of 2022 then? I mean, if we don’t mention the war in Ukraine, economic crisis here at home, the NHS at breaking point, Whitehall in chaos (how many PMs did we have?!), increasing catastrophic impacts of climate change and inaction by world leaders and, of course, the Queen dying then I think we can say it was a good year! At least we weren’t in lock down, right? And Kate Bush was back at Number 1 in the charts so I’m holding on to that. But what about my Voiceover Review of the Year?

The life of a female voice-over in 2022

I have to say that, despite the bleak news, I did have a good year. I focussed on the small and local to insulate myself from the the things that were happening at a larger scale that I felt powerless to change. I’ve befriended a local Ukrainian refugee family, I’ve started volunteering at my daughters school library and I’m fundraising for a new play park in our town. We tried to take every opportunity as a family to have fun this year. Holidays and days out and experiences together. Simple pleasures. Socialising more and laughing as much as we can.

If you check out my review of 2021. You can see I set these these goals for 2022:

• Maintain the wonderful life I have rather than always striving for more.
• Spend more time one-on-one with the girls.
• Craft more, garden more, read more, rest more!
• Take every opportunity to have fun and go out now that we can!

And as for work:

• Improve my website to show off my commercial and corporate video VO content better.
• Win new radio commercial clients.
• Take time to study and improve my voice – mainly in new commercial styles and brushing up my accent work.

The focus was on wellbeing rather than work. It seems weird to be saying that outload and celebrating it on my WORK blog. But I actually think it’s important. Especially when you run your own business. As a freelance voiceover artist I have no corporation or big boss or HR system to care for me. I have to do it myself.

A good year for Brands and Balance

Well, I think I did a good job. I’ve met my income targets whilst balancing life at home. I’ve spent an enormous amount of time having fun with the girls and being present for them and with them. They’ll only be young for such a short time (thank God!) so I want to treasure it. But I’ve also made sure I get rest breaks so I don’t burn out. I’ve taken more time for me in 2022 than any year since children came along. I’ve learned new skills, read more books, tended to my garden and had more dates with my incredible husband.

But I did focus on work too of course. I updated the website so that I can showcase more of my work in video form and worked with some incredible brands on jobs I’m really proud of.

Brands I’ve voiced for in 2022:

My voiceover work in 2022 covered Radio adverts, TV commercials, Online and Cinema Commercials, Corporate videos VO and explainer voiceover, E-Learning and so much more. I’ve voiced for all sorts of sectors:

• Authoritative and trustworthy voiceover for Banking and Finance
• Engaging and upbeat VO for food retail
• Clear vocal styles for Utilities companies
• Authentic, credible and contemporary voice over for Music and Film industries
• Intimate, genuine and soothing voice for mental health
• Bright, youthful and chatty vocal styles for Children’s Education
• As well as voicing for the Automotive, Built Environment, Charity, Aviation, FMCG and Farming sectors.

A lot to be proud of. So, what’s next?

As for 2023? Well, here goes:

• I didn’t prioritise CPD (Continued professional development) last year as I needed time for other things. But I would like to this year. I want to carve out time to study and improve my voice – mainly brushing up my accent work.
• I think I’m ready to hit the VO social scene again and might submit myself for some awards this year. Will I win? I’ll tell you in next year’s blog.
• I want to continue volunteering and making an impact locally. I despair at the state of politics so doing small acts of kindness helps me feel in control and I can see the effects.
• I want to wrap my head around the rise of AI and how it may impact my business. I need to make sure I’m diversifying and staying resilient. Will I still have a job in 10 years?

Thanks for listening to the ramblings of an English female voiceover working in corporate and commercial voice-over. Yeah, that last sentence helps with SEO. Ha ha. Always got my eye on the prize!

The post 2022 – Review of the Year appeared first on Claire Wyatt Female Voiceover.

Now sure, I could have waffled on about how to be a narrator; the technical skills required to be a voiceover, what it takes to set up and manage the studio, the brands I’ve worked with or the skills needed to market and manage the business. But these are primary school kids. Do they care about all that? I doubt it.

I thought a little deeper and I realised it’s not narration that’s interesting, it was my journey that was key. And discovering that storytelling is at the heart of everything I’ve ever done.

Where did it begin?

All I ever wanted was to be an actor. It started with escaping into TV dramas as a kid and finding I had a talent for it in primary school shows (I even dug out a clip of me performing as Nancy in Oliver aged 10 to show at my daughters’ assembly). I studied drama at GCSE and A Level and finally went to drama school to train as a professional.

I was a successful working actor for many years. I performed, produced, and set up my own company writing and devising my own work too.

My first professional job was in voiceover while still at drama school for an e-learning firm. And voice work followed me throughout my career. It was always there. The work was steady, interesting, diverse and the people were wonderful to work with.

I set up my own studio and started promoting myself as a voiceover alongside acting work.

But the truth is, it wasn’t that linear

As is often the case with a career in the arts, you also find yourself working outside your chosen profession to pay the bills. As well as classic jobs like waitressing and cleaning, I also took on some more…well, alternative paths!

I was working as a barmaid in an East-End pub when I was head-hunted by a major insurance company! The boss got to know me, he saw my skills and asked me to join his aviation broking team. Yeah, I know, mad right? I had no experience and couldn’t offer him commitment as I was still working as an actor and voiceover; disappearing for days or weeks at a time as creative work came up. So, what did he see in me? Why would he want me?

It was my ability to tell stories; to read people’s emotions, understand people’s needs and be highly persuasive in negotiations. I took to it like a duck to water and it gave me the confidence to move on to other things.

I wanted to put this new-found skill for communications, and my ability to move in corporate as well as artistic circles, to good work. I’d always cared deeply about the environment and social justice. The theatre company I founded was dedicated to making work that promoted sustainability.

Fast-forward a few years and I’m working as a communications specialist at renowned sustainability charity Forum for the Future. I helped the organisation tell its story better, found innovative ways to help the staff connect with their audiences better, used narrative techniques to design and create better work, pioneered storytelling training programmes to help Forum’s partners identify their brand values and won a Global Green Award for the Farming Futures project I helped design and manage.

Again, at the heart of it all was storytelling. Understanding my audience, being empathetic and persuasive.
And, of course, voiceover was there too!

Many of the projects I worked on needed visual and animated content. It made sense for me to provide the narration. That work lead to more external narrating work and, of course, my acting career was always there too. So, it wasn’t long before I left Forum for the Future behind.

Now I work full time from my home voiceover studio narrating work for businesses and individuals around the world.

What’s the thread that ties it all together?

Acting, running my own theatre company, voiceover, setting up my own business, working in communications, training fellow performers, insurance broking…they are all rooted in storytelling and persuasion.

That’s what I do.

Whether I’m selling a product in a commercial, explaining how to use complex medical devices in a corporate film, teaching new skills via e-leaning, or taking people on a journey through their imagination with audio drama – it’s all story.

The vocal choices I make with tone, pace, pitch and accent tell a story about the brand, the product and the audience.
All communication is storytelling. So, marketing my business, writing this blog, finding new clients and promoting myself – it’s all storytelling in order to persuade.

So, how did the talk at my daughter’s school go?

It was magical. I talked about following your dreams, pursuing interests in the arts even if you don’t want it as a career because its just essential to human life. I talked about my journey, my set-backs, how I wandered off track but it lead me to exciting new roads. And yes, I showed off a few showreels and talked about running the business. But the talk was really about the power of story. And how the story you tell yourself is the most powerful one.

My career story is one of dreams, hard work, set-backs, tangents and coming full circle back to what I loved in the first place; home, narration and security.

The story I told myself to get here is that I’m strong, I’m creative, I’m talented and I deserve success.

If I was to narrate your story – what would it be?

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A smart voice over uses their IQ to change their voice with natural EQ. This is how I use my internal graphic equaliser.

Being a professional voiceover artist means being a vocal chameleon. I have to shift my voice to meet the needs of each client and script. It can change daily or minute to minute. This means treating my voice like a graphic equaliser. But what does that look and sound like in practise?
Read on to find out.

Experienced voiceover artist

I’ve been doing this for over 20 years. I’m used to reading scripts and seeing very quickly and clearly what the client needs. Whether the job is e-learning, commercial, corporate, telephone systems or anything else, it all comes down to the same things.

I use my IQ to deduce the required tone and style, which often leaps off the page of a good script. I then use my internal EQ and can often nail it in the first take.

Sometimes though, scripts can say one thing, but require a different approach. And that’s where one of the most important skills for a professional voice over artist comes in; being able to take direction. I listen, interpret and then use my voice like a graphic equaliser to create the perfect tone. The first thing to think of is the audience of course. Who am I really talking to? And what do I want them to do? Am I informing, persuading, teaching, selling etc? I have to make tiny changes to the tone, pace, accent, pitch and volume to adapt to each job and each client’s needs.

I recently voiced a radio commercial which highlights this process brilliantly.

The script was some Covid-19 messaging. It would have been easy to do the standard approach but the client wanted something different. Let me take you through it.

Take 1 – Authoritative and intimate

At first glance you’d expect the usual tone; serious, authoritative, slightly menacing – you know the kind of thing! This is what that could have sounded like:

But the client wanted it more conversational; like a normal person giving out good advice. I shifted the knobs on my internal graphic equaliser and it became this:

Take 3 – Bright and genuine

Now, that was better, but I knew I could do more. It needed to sound lighter, brighter and more genuine…

Take 4 – Approachable and natural

Whoa there horsey! Now we’re getting close to the style. But the client wanted me to take more time and make it even more natural. So, same style, but slower and I suggested changing my accent slightly so it was less ‘posh’ and more ‘woman of the people’.

Take 5 – Soft and engaging

OK, we’re happy with the accent and attitude, but it’s still sounding too serious. Time to shift those knobs again to make it softer. I raised my pitch and we have this:

Take 6 – Warm and clear

Huzzah! The client is happy. But I’m not. I wanted to find the light and shade a bit more to mark the shifts in the script. Adding more musicality, a bit of breath here and there and we have the final commercial:

Thanks for sticking with me. I bet you know that script off by heart now! But I hope it shows how, as a smart voiceover, I use my IQ to tweak the dials on my internal EQ to nail the job for the client every time. Huge thanks to the team at Global for letting me share this – sorry I’m not allowed to name-check the amazing producer and writer here, but YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

Why not get in touch if you’d like to talk to me about your next project – and put my graphic equaliser to good use!

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