As a voiceover artist and someone who spends a lot of time dissecting media content, I often find myself watching brilliantly crafted videos with one nagging thought: “If only they’d added a voice!”
It’s astonishing how many businesses invest heavily in stunning visuals, only to slap a piece of generic, unlicensed music – what I’d call ‘lift music’ – over the top. It’s a missed opportunity to truly connect with the viewer. I agree, silent images are powerful, and sometimes, the visual alone is enough to convey emotion or artistry. But if your aim is to truly promote, explain, and showcase – to inform and persuade – then let’s hear it for the voice!
Think about it from the end user’s perspective. When you’re watching a video, a voice acts as a guide, a storyteller. It helps you, the viewer, better connect with the imagery, the narrative unfolding before your eyes. Without it, the visuals can feel a bit… hollow.
Every brand has a voice. In marketing, we endlessly discuss a brand’s 'tone of voice' – its personality, its character. So why, when it comes to showcasing our message through video, do we often neglect this fundamental aspect?
Adding a professional voiceover isn't just about reading a script; it’s about bringing insights from the voice actor themselves. A seasoned VO can pace the script perfectly, utilise strategic pauses, and infuse a human tone that no AI tool, no matter how advanced, can truly replicate. For all the chatter about artificial intelligence, I sincerely doubt it’s ready to fully replace that nuanced human touch just yet.
Think about watching a television commercial. The screen is awash with visual messages, but it’s the voiceover that often brings a new dimension, adding crucial context and emotional resonance. So why, then, do so many people create video content and leave the voice out?
In my experience, often the client simply isn't aware of the profound benefits. The content producer, quite naturally, is often focused on budget constraints. My favourite analogy comes from the legendary voice actor, and indeed Dr Who, Tom Baker: "A butcher will, if asked, provide you a fine steak from the counter, but does not always suggest something to go with it. If you want a side salad – you have to make your own arrangements."
Adding a professional voiceover:
- Builds Trust: A human voice is inherently more relatable and trustworthy.
- Enhances Clarity: Complex messages become easier to understand.
- Increases Engagement: It keeps the viewer hooked and invested in your story.
- Reinforces Brand Identity: It literally gives your brand a recognisable voice.
Don't let your amazing video content be undermined by the absence of one of the most powerful communication tools available. So, when you're next considering video content, consider the voice. Consider the immense value it adds and how much more impactful your video content will truly be with it. It’s not just an add-on; it’s an essential ingredient for a truly well-rounded message. Give your brand the voice it deserves.