When creating a compelling nonprofit video, the right voice can make all the difference. It's the bridge that connects your story to the hearts and minds of your audience. This blog will guide you through finding the perfect voiceover artist to narrate your mission and amplify your impact.

The Script and Voiceover Connection

When creating a video for your nonprofit, the script is the cornerstone. It forms the backbone of your message and sets the stage for everything that follows. A compelling script is vital because even the most talented voiceover artist is limited by the content they are given. If the script is lacklustre, their performance can only do so much.

A well-crafted script with a clear, powerful message elevates the entire video, allowing the voiceover artist's skills to shine truly. Conversely, even the most skilled voiceover performance cannot redeem a weak script.

DIY Voiceovers vs. Professional Talent

When it comes to voiceovers, opting for a professional over DIY recording is always the better choice. Professionals ensure superior audio quality and avoid issues like background noise, which are common in amateur recordings.

When creating a voiceover (VO) for your project, you might consider using someone from your team, particularly if they possess the authentic accent or tone needed. This can add a unique and genuine feel to the recording, provided it's done well.

To ensure professional sound, booking a few hours in a local recording studio accompanied by a professional sound engineer is advisable.

This approach proved invaluable during our work with an Ethiopian nonprofit. They needed an English VO with an Ethiopian accent for their nonprofit animation. Initially, finding such specialized talent presented a challenge.

However, our dedicated search led us to discover a skilled actress in Addis Ababa. We arranged a professional recording session for her, which resulted in a VO that was both authentic and of high quality.

Additionally, AI voiceovers can be useful during production, especially in early stages like script reading or animation timing. However, for the final product, the nuanced expression of a professional voice actor is unmatched.

The Pitching Process: Selecting a Voice that Fits

The pitch process is easy yet important for picking the right voice for your script. Using a platform like Voice123, you can hear how your script sounds with different professional voiceover artists uploading their pitches within a few hours of you posting your VO job. This way, you don't have to guess how your script will sound. Often, you'll know right away if a voiceover artist is the right fit for your video.

Listening to about ten voiceover pitches on Voice123 helps make decisions, especially if you have a big team. For example, in a nonprofit, where team members come from different departments, everyone can listen and share their opinions on the voiceover choices. This simple and inclusive method makes it easier to pick a voice that suits your project and everyone likes.

Understanding Voiceover Pricing

When budgeting for a voiceover artist, it's not just about the artist's experience or location but also your script's length and word count. Voice123 provides a useful rate guide based on these factors.

Here's what you can expect:

For a 0-1 minute recording (up to 150 words), costs range from $50 to $200.
A 2-5 minute piece (150-750 words) might cost between $200 and $350.
Recordings of 5-15 minutes (750-2250 words) are priced at $350 to $500.

Remember, investing in a seasoned voiceover artist is not just a cost but an investment in the quality and impact of your message. This guide should help you navigate the pricing landscape and find a voice that fits your budget and project needs.

Sound Elements: Beyond the Voice

A great video involves more than just words. Music and sound effects are vital in creating the right mood and drawing your audience into the story. They should add to, not clash with, the voiceover for a better viewing experience. Don't forget to check out our in-depth blogs on Music for Nonprofit Videos for more insights.

Also, hiring a professional sound designer is crucial. They perfectly balance the voiceover, music, and sound effects.

This might seem like a small detail, but a well-optimised sound makes a big difference, especially when your video is played on loudspeakers in public.

Collaborating with Voiceover Artists

Collaborating effectively with a voiceover (VO) artist is crucial for bringing your project to life.

Being there in person or via live communication can be beneficial for providing immediate feedback and ensuring the tone and delivery match your vision. However, it's also important to trust the VO artist's expertise. Give clear directions, and then allow them the space to use their skills to interpret your script.

When it comes to revisions, typically, two amends are reasonable. The first recording should be done soon after selecting your VO artist. The second is usually necessary after any script changes. Remember, additional charges may apply if more than these two recordings are needed due to significant script alterations. However, adjustments for tone should not incur extra costs.

Understanding VO terminology can also enhance collaboration. Terms like "broadcast" (the distribution of audio or video content), "dead air" (silence in a recording where there shouldn't be), "foley" (sound effects added in post-production), and others are useful to know.

See more terminologies here.

Platforms like Voice123, UpWork, LinkedIn, and Voice Bunny can be valuable resources when selecting a voiceover artist. Voice Bunny can even automate the selection process.

Share your project's goals, target audience, and specific details with your chosen artist to help them deliver the right tone.

Remember, each V/O artist brings a unique quality to the table. For instance, artists like Josef-Israel, Raphaela Obeng, Atibo Onen, Jennifer Kanari, and Ségolène Birien have distinct voices and styles.

Researching their past projects, like the above artists' work for UNESCO and brands like Lego and Adidas, can provide insights into their capabilities and suitability for your project.