DON'T SAY A WORD BEFORE YOU DO THIS: Voiceover Warmup

5 VoiceOver Warm-Up Routines

Stick out your tongue

VoiceOver artists and actors often engage in warm-up exercises to prepare their vocal cords and ensure their voice is in top form before recording. These warm-up exercises are essential to maintain vocal clarity, flexibility, and control. Here's a step-by-step guide to a VoiceOver warm-up routine:

1. Weird Noise:

- Start your warm-up with some unconventional vocal sounds or "weird noises." These can include humming, lip trills, or making funny sounds with your lips and tongue. This helps loosen up your facial muscles and vocal cords, preparing them for more structured vocal exercises.

2. Tongue Twisters:

- Tongue twisters are excellent for improving articulation and diction. Recite a series of tongue twisters slowly and then gradually increase your speed. This exercise helps you enunciate clearly and warms up your tongue and mouth muscles.

3. Deep Breathing:

- Proper breathing is crucial for sustaining your voice during VoiceOver work. Practice deep breathing exercises to expand your lung capacity and promote relaxation. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your diaphragm to expand, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this several times to oxygenate your body and voice.

4. Massage Face:

- Gently massage your face, jaw, and neck muscles to release tension and increase blood circulation. Pay special attention to areas where you tend to hold tension, such as the jaw and neck. This will help relax your facial muscles and make it easier to control your voice.

5. Expand Chest:

- Stand or sit up straight and focus on expanding your chest as you breathe. Inhale deeply and imagine your chest opening up like a balloon. This exercise helps you access your full lung capacity and project your voice effectively.

6. Place Your Voice

- Before you start your actual VoiceOver work, take a moment to "place" your voice.

This means finding the resonance or location in your body where your voice feels most comfortable and resonant. Experiment with different pitches and tones until you find the sweet spot that allows you to speak clearly and with the desired tone.

Remember that consistency is key when it comes to vocal warm-ups. Make these exercises a part of your regular routine to maintain vocal health and ensure your voice is ready for any VoiceOver project. Taking the time to warm up properly can help you deliver your best performance and reduce the risk of vocal strain or fatigue during recording sessions.