Tell-tale signs that you can be a Voice Actor

By Direk Brian Ligsay

You've always wanted to do dubbing, you make voices in your free time (or almost all the time). People say you have a good voice, and you think you do. But what are the "tell-tale" signs that you're made to be in the entertainment biz? Here are 7 ways to know that you're cut to be a voice actor..

1. You tell yourself stories. Whether it be simple scenes or grand expeditions, you often catch yourself pondering on scenarios and staring at yourself in the mirror, wondering. What if I was that other person, what if this happened and that. Sometimes you overt think and over analyze things - but it all has to do with great imagination: something you should learn how to channel and control with the aid of a good mentor. What are conversations and experiences, but another good story to tell?

2. You hate routinary schedules. Keeping up with the same routine everyday, has never been your greatest asset. Riding the same ride, going the same walk, timing in and timing out, is a weight on your shoulders. You like spontaneity and meeting new challenges, whether it be people or places, you always enjoy a breathe of fresh air. Taking on roles has always been a pleasure you would love to indulged in if given a chance. However, despite the daily grind, learning to keep time should be on your top list. Routinary stuff may be boring, but constant practice to improve is essential in every trade. And most of all, patience is a virtue. You need patience, lots of it.

3. You have a knack for the arts. Whether it be drawing, music, sculpting, writing, photography, drama or just appreciating any and all of the previously mentioned (and more), your passion for the arts has always guided your waking life. You see both beauty and bad about things, criticize structure and color, shape and size, story lines and endings - they are all but part of your everyday thinking. Sometimes you catch yourself speaking your mind, at your demise. And such great trait can only come from a creative mind. You often get this gut feeling that you can improve the things you see and feel. Your big heart for creativity is your biggest asset. Use this to advance your appreciation for performance and improve on yourself.

4. You tend to look at things with a pinch of salt. You believe something, but you think otherwise. Like being offered the truth, but you still doubt them. Working around answers until you can convince yourself, that there's got to be a truth to everything offered. This inquisitive nature makes for a good asset when dealing with new characters from the drawing board, and understanding the details of the those character/s should always be at the forefront of your performance. The more you learn about the part you're taking, the more realistic the outcome will be.

5. You love to read. And it's not limited to books. You devour information, old and new. Whether it be from the internet or your old magazines,  you appreciate grand novels and futuristic concepts. A good story or manga can fulfill your bookworm tendencies for days. You also collect books or notes both for aesthetic reasons and the joy of reading. While reading is an important prerequisite in voice acting, you should learn how to read ahead and don't get hung up by a word or two. Use online sites to find both meaning and pronunciation, and before performances don't hesitate to ask if you don't know how to say it.

6. You can be directed. Apart from the skills of being an actor, - all that raw energy, all that emotion, creativity, imagination, that genuine voice - will be meaningless if you don't know how to take direction. Sometimes it's a delicate balance between taking cues and making adjustments just above the expectations of your producer or director, but when the director tell you to say it this way or that way - you should always be able to deliver. A good actor always knows to listen more than speak, and to act more than what is expected.

7. You have a decent voice. Lastly, you speak with clarity. Your speaking voice should be free from any physical ailments, no difficulty in speaking, people can understand you, and you use it normally. The voice is God's greatest gift to humans and language is the most important invention of man. With good speaking skills, you are expected both to say words with ease and give more meaning to messages. But don't worry though, as the latter parts can be learned and mastered. Just like how you learn how to draw, paint and write in school - the way of the voice is path you can take with a good director guiding you.

Having a voice is just but a small part of being a voice actor. If you have one or all of the traits above, surely you can learn how to become a good performer. Brian Ligsay is the author of the Philippine Handbook on Voice Acting - the industry manual that has been used for training and learning VOs, since the creation of Voiceworx in 2005. Direk Brian has been guiding countless successful individuals in the field of voice over arts. Ask for targeted sessions on how to conduct proper Voice over business, and building your own home studio from the Mothership Recording Studios. Email: mothershiprecordingstudios@gmail.com for more information.