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Voiceover Usage & Renewals Explained (UK Commercial VO)

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:24:07 GMT

What a Usage Renewal Taught Me About Commercial Voiceover

In commercial voiceover, the real test of a campaign isn’t just the recording session, it’s what happens afterwards.

Usage, renewals, and platform extensions reveal far more about how a piece of work is performing than the initial booking. Recently, I went through a usage renewal process on a national UK campaign, and it reinforced something I’ve learned repeatedly in professional voiceover work: commercial viability is built on trust, clarity, and consistency .

Usage is where commercial voiceover lives

For large-scale campaigns, particularly those handled by major agencies, usage isn’t an add-on. It’s the core of the work.

Platforms, impression volumes, and timeframes are carefully planned, then reviewed once performance data is available. Renewals aren’t automatic; they’re a considered decision to keep a particular voice attached to a creative that’s doing its job.

From my side, this means understanding how campaigns evolve. Initial flights are often short, with extensions or renewals following once results are assessed. Being able to discuss usage calmly and clearly is part of working at this level.

Why clarity enables renewals

Clear usage agreements benefit everyone involved:

Brands know exactly what they’re licensing
Agencies can plan media confidently
Voice talent can price work accurately and sustainably

When usage is well-defined, conversations stay professional rather than reactive. In my experience, that clarity is often what allows renewals to happen smoothly.

Performance is usually quiet

One of the most telling parts of this process was how understated it was.

There was no announcement or fuss, just a straightforward renewal based on performance. That’s often how commercial success looks from inside a campaign.

In national advertising, the voice isn’t meant to draw attention to itself. It’s there to support the message, build trust, and sit comfortably within the brand. When that works, continuity follows.

The kind of commercial work that lasts

This experience reaffirmed the type of voiceover work I’m consistently drawn to:

National, public-facing campaigns
Brand-safe environments
Multi-platform usage (broadcast, streaming, digital)
Projects where trust and clarity matter more than novelty

These are the campaigns where voices tend to stay, rather than being replaced every few weeks.

A long-game approach

Not every campaign renews, and that’s part of the industry. But when one does, it’s usually because the voice has delivered what the brand needed, reliably and without friction.

For me, this process reinforced that commercial voiceover is a long game. It’s built on professionalism, consistency, and an understanding of how brands actually operate, not just on delivering a strong read in the booth.

That’s the kind of work I’m interested in continuing to do.

You can listen to my commercial reel here: https://www.voiceoveractorlondon.co.uk/commercial-demo-s

What my trip to Japan revealed about authority, trust, and booking psychology

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:54:45 GMT

When I travelled through Japan - Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, one thing kept showing up everywhere I went.

People moved calmly. They spoke without rushing. They waited.

Even at pedestrian crossings, people stood still until the light changed. No edging forward. No anxious momentum. At first, it felt unfamiliar. Then it felt intentional.

Eventually, it clicked.

This is what trust sounds like.

What Japan taught me about authority

Japan operates on an unspoken agreement: nothing needs to be forced. There’s a collective confidence that clarity arrives without panic.

That calm isn’t passive. It’s deliberate.

The more I noticed it, the more it reminded me of something I see constantly in my work as a London voice actor, the voices that book aren’t the ones trying the hardest. They’re the ones who feel settled.

Commercials don’t sell information, they sell safety

At a psychological level, advertising only works when the listener feels safe enough to receive the message.

Not excited. Not impressed. Not overwhelmed.

Safe.

A calm voice regulates the listener before they’ve processed a single word. It slows breathing. It reduces resistance. It creates trust.

That’s why calm, grounded voices dominate sectors like:

financial services
healthcare
transport
public information
premium and heritage brands

Authority in these spaces isn’t loud. It’s contained.

What clients are actually responding to

When a casting director or brand chooses a voice, they’re not consciously analysing technique. They’re responding to how the voice makes them feel.

At a nervous-system level, a calm voice signals reliability, credibility, control, and longevity.

A rushed or over-energised voice can feel risky. A regulated voice feels dependable, and that’s what clients want representing them in commercial voiceover .

Why rushing works against you

In Japan, rushing stands out, not as confidence, but as disruption.

The same thing happens in voiceover.

Over-selling a script, pushing energy, or racing the pace often triggers scepticism. The listener’s brain quietly asks: Why are you trying so hard to convince me?

Calm authority does the opposite. It says, This message can stand on its own.

That’s persuasion without pressure.

Authority is embodied before it’s spoken

The voices that book repeatedly don’t sound impressive. They sound settled.

You hear it in:

clean sentence endings
intentional pauses
steady breath
relaxed control

The voice isn’t chasing the script.

The script is resting in the voice.

That’s what clients trust.

And it’s why studio-quality recording matters too, calm authority is as much about space, breath and tone as it is about words.

Why calm equals premium

Premium brands behave the way Japan feels: measured, reliable, unrushed.

A calm, authoritative voice aligns perfectly with that identity, which is why those voices are booked, renewed, and kept on long-term campaigns.

The takeaway

That trip to Japan reminded me that authority isn’t created through force.

It’s created through trust, in timing, in space, in stillness.

If you want to book more commercial voiceover work, don’t ask:

How can I sound bigger?

Ask:

How can I sound more grounded?

Because calm isn’t quiet.

It’s convincing.

Work With Me

If you’re looking for a voice that communicates calm, confidence and credibility, I’d love to collaborate.

�� You can hear more of my commercial voiceover work here https://www.voiceoveractorlondon.co.uk/commercial-demo-s, and let’s connect via my contact page https://www.voiceoveractorlondon.co.uk/contact

Finding the Voice for a London We Can’t Ignore, Recording the St Mungo’s Christmas Campaign

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:22:06 GMT

Christmas campaigns are usually full of sparkle, jingles, festive warmth, cosy scripts about hot chocolate, presents, and fairy lights.

But every so often, a script arrives that asks for something else entirely.

Something confronting.

Something heavier.

Something real.

Last week, I recorded the new St Mungo’s Christmas radio campaign, and it was one of those moments where the work stops being work and becomes a responsibility. I was asked to remove all voice over aspects of the read, and relay what the frontline workers go through.

London at Christmas: Two Realities, Side by Side

The Sunday before the recording session, I was on Park Lane in Central London working for another job as a compere. Across the road from the five-star hotel where I was working, there were more than a dozen tents lined up in the cold. It was impossible to pretend they weren’t there. Impossible to walk past and not feel the sinking in my chest.

London is like that, two worlds living inches apart but separated by circumstances, luck, and systems that fail people long before they ever sleep outside.

So when I stepped into the booth for St Mungo’s, I carried that moment with me.

Finding the Tone: No Gloss, No Performance, Just Truth.

Some voiceover scripts need polish.
Some want clarity, speed, or musicality.

This one needed a frontline honesty, the kind you only get when you speak from lived proximity, from witnessing the city exactly as it is.

I stripped everything back.
No heightened delivery.
No emotive push.
Just a grounded, London voice speaking to other Londoners about something we’re all seeing every day.

To honour the message, the tone had to feel real: firm but human, confronting but respectful, hopeful without being sentimental.

A Campaign That Matters More Than Ever

Homelessness isn’t a seasonal problem, but Christmas makes it sharper.
Colder nights, busier streets, and a nation rushing around while others are simply trying to survive them.

St Mungo’s does work that most of us never see, outreach, emergency accommodation, long-term support, rebuilding lives from the inside out.

Giving my voice to this campaign felt meaningful because it wasn’t about selling a product; it was about giving a presence to people London often looks straight past.

Proud to Lend My Voice This Winter

I’m grateful to the creative team for trusting me with a script like this, the kind that demands care, not performance.

And I’m proud to help bring this message to the airwaves at a time of year when it matters most.

If one person listens… really listens… and chooses compassion over distance, awareness over avoidance, then I will know I’m part of a job that has made a difference.

This Christmas, I hope we all look up a little more, notice a little more, and remember that a city’s strength is measured not by its skyline, but by how it cares for the people at its feet.

Speaking for the Spaces that shaped me

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 12:40:36 GMT

(A London art lover’s reflection on accessibility, inspiration, and belonging)

Living in London means having art on your doorstep; it’s awesome, and I never take that for granted. From the Tate and Tate Modern to the V&A , these are the spaces that have helped educate and shaped how I see the world. They’ve become my adult classrooms, a place of calm, genuine curiosity, and creative outlet. They have also been spaces where some of the best conversations with friends have happened. Sitting for over an hour in amongst the jewels and tiaras of the V&A in deep conversations with old friends.

So when I was asked to voice a campaign for the National Art Pass , I was genuinely thrilled, using my voice to champion the same creative spaces that have given me so much over the years.

Why Access to Art Matters

Our museums and galleries are living, breathing ecosystems of ideas, but they need support to thrive. The National Art Pass plays a vital role in keeping these cultural institutions financially viable while ensuring everyone can afford to experience them .

Art isn’t just decoration; it’s dialogue. It invites us to question, to connect, and to learn. Making that dialogue accessible to all isn’t a luxury; it’s essential.

A Week at the Tate: Two Exhibitions, Two Worlds

Last week, I spent a day at Tate Modern and saw two exhibitions that couldn’t have been more different, yet both left me moved and reflective.

Emily Kam Kngwarray - her work is full of movement and history. The colours and brushstrokes feel alive, like they’re carrying stories through time.

Do Ho Suh: Walk the House – a quiet, dreamlike installation where you literally walk through a fabric version of someone’s home. It’s strange and beautiful, like stepping inside a memory.

Between those two exhibitions, I was reminded of everything art can do- it heals, provokes, and expands what we think is possible.

Why I’ll Always Support the National Art Pass

Art belongs to everyone, and the National Art Pass makes sure of that. It keeps our most important spaces open, thriving, and alive with new ideas.

If you live in or around London and you love art , or even if you’re just curious, the National Art Pass is a gift worth giving yourself. Because the more we show up for art, the more art can show up for us.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Voiceover Project?

If you're working on a TV commercial , explainer video , brand campaign , or digital content , I'd love to help.

As a London-based female voiceover artist , I bring an authentic, everyday style that resonates with modern audiences - warm, clear, and conversational.

Want to hear what I sound like first? I'm happy to provide a free sample read of your script , so you can hear how my voice aligns with your brand tone and messaging.

Whether you're an agency, a business, or a creative team, I’m always excited to collaborate and bring voiceover projects to life.

https://www.voiceoveractorlondon.co.uk/contact to request a sample, ask a question, or start your next project.

Exploring More with Chiltern Railways - My Latest Voiceover Campaign

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 11:53:09 GMT

I’m thrilled to share my latest voiceover project with Chiltern Railways , now live across ITV, Sky, and Amazon Prime Video .

This campaign is built around a simple but powerful message: explore more. It feels perfectly timed as families take their summer holidays, and many of us look forward to our own “time outs.” For me, that will come later in September, once the kids are back at school!

Why This Project Resonated with Me

When I first saw the advert, I was instantly taken back to my childhood. I remember being that exact young girl in the film, hair in plaits, nose buried in an Enid Blyton “Famous Five” book , buzzing with excitement at the thought of a train journey that would take me somewhere new, somewhere beyond the edges of my home city.

That’s what makes this project special: it’s not just about travel, it’s about the magic of possibility.

The Power of Human Voice in Storytelling

As a commercial voice actor , projects like this matter to me because they blend storytelling, branding, and performance at scale. Seeing my work broadcast nationally is always rewarding, but what excites me is knowing how much voice contributes to connection.

In a world where AI-generated voices are becoming more common, I feel proud to be asked to voice to create a connection!

Gratitude & Collaboration

A big thank you to the creative and production teams at DPRG who brought this campaign to life. Collaborations like these are what make the work shine.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Voiceover Project?

If you're working on a TV commercial , explainer video , brand campaign , or digital content , I'd love to help.

As a London-based female voiceover artist , I bring an authentic, everyday style that resonates with modern audiences - warm, clear, and conversational.

Want to hear what I sound like first? I'm happy to provide a free sample read of your script , so you can hear how my voice aligns with your brand tone and messaging.

Whether you're an agency, a business, or a creative team, I’m always excited to collaborate and bring voiceover projects to life.

https://www.voiceoveractorlondon.co.uk/contact to request a sample, ask a question, or start your next project.

Voiceover meets Investment: My abrdn recording experience

NM417394 — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 13:55:01 GMT

Voicing Financial Clarity: Behind the Booth with abrdn

This week, I had the pleasure of voicing an explainer video for abrdn , one of the UK’s leading investment and asset management brands . It was a live directed voiceover session , one of my favourite formats as a professional British voiceover artist based in London .

For this project, the brief was clear: deliver engaging, confident narration that could make private credit, a complex financial topic, feel human, accessible and trustworthy.

Why Live Directed Voiceover Works

The session was remote, but highly interactive, with the creative agency directing in real time . These kinds of sessions are ideal for financial voice over projects , where tone, pacing and credibility are critical.

We refined where we needed to, adjusting rhythm, emphasis, and flow. One of the standout lines where my vocal warm-up was put to good use was:

“For every deal, we complement more traditional credit analysis with an assessment of ESG fundamentals.”

That’s where professional voice over makes the difference — shaping how information lands and how it feels to the listener.

�� Why Financial Brands Trust Voiceover

In the world of finance, every word matters. More brands are investing in voiceover for corporate videos , finance explainers , and investment storytelling , because a strong voice builds trust, clarity and brand consistency.

As a female voiceover artist in London , I specialise in:

Studio-quality recordings for explainer videos and corporate comms
Live-directed sessions with creative teams across the UK and Europe
Handling technical scripts with warmth and precision

Ready to Future-Proof Your Voiceover Project?

If you're working on a TV commercial , explainer video , brand campaign , or digital content , I'd love to help.

As a London-based female voiceover artist , I bring an authentic, everyday style that resonates with modern audiences—warm, clear, and conversational.

Want to hear what I sound like first? I'm happy to provide a free sample read of your script , so you can hear how my voice aligns with your brand tone and messaging.

Whether you're an agency, a business, or a creative team, I’m always excited to collaborate and bring voiceover projects to life.

https://www.voiceoveractorlondon.co.uk/contact to request a sample, ask a question, or start your next project.

Bringing Warmth and Wonder to Al Dhafra Resort

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 10:55:39 GMT

Behind the Mic: A Voiceover Story from the Arabian Gulf

Having never been to the Arabian Gulf I had to use my imagination to picture this exquisite resort.

Some places you don’t need to visit to feel — just a few words, and you're there.

That was the case with my recent project: a 30-second English voiceover for the Al Dhafra Resort in the UAE.

The brief?
To evoke a sense of relaxed luxury, local heritage, and adventure, in under half a minute.

The result?

A warm, immersive read that gently carries listeners into a world of sand, sea breeze, and subtle wonder.

�� Listen to the Al Dhafra Resort Voiceover here

[Listen to the Al Dhafra Resort Voiceover](https://soundcloud.com/liza-marie-5/aldhafra-resort-eng-30s-13-05)

�� Finding the Right Tone

This wasn’t about big energy or corporate polish.
It was about restraint. Stillness. Intimacy.
My goal was to land somewhere between documentary narration and high-end travel ad — warm, clean, and effortless.

�� The Session

The session was self-directed, but the producer had a clear vision, and there was a tight turnaround.

For this one I was told no overacting, no heavy sell — just natural, easy elegance.
We explored a few tonal variations and let the script breathe.

�� Why I enjoyed this read

My bread and butter is energetic reads, but pieces like this remind me that some of the most compelling voiceovers whisper instead of shout.
And sometimes, the mark of a strong voice artist is knowing when not to perform.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Voiceover Project?

If you're working on a TV commercial , explainer video , brand campaign , or digital content , I'd love to help.

As a London-based female voiceover artist , I bring an authentic, everyday style that resonates with modern audiences—warm, clear, and conversational.

Want to hear what I sound like first? I'm happy to provide a free sample read of your script , so you can hear how my voice aligns with your brand tone and messaging.

Whether you're an agency, a business, or a creative team, I’m always excited to collaborate and bring voiceover projects to life.

https://www.voiceoveractorlondon.co.uk/contact to request a sample, ask a question, or start your next project.

Celebrating Fathers Day with Moonpig

Fri, 30 May 2025 14:11:32 GMT

How voicing Moonpig's Father's Day campaign became a heartfelt tribute for London-based voiceover artist Lisa Sheerin, blending professional passion with personal memories.

As a London-based female voiceover artist, I recently had the pleasure of lending my voice to Moonpig's 2025 Father's Day campaign. The project was a lively (sweaty- always sweaty!) collaborative effort, featuring a live-directed session with five creative minds on the call. The energy was infectious, and the live experience reminded me why I love being a voiceover actor.

Why this Moonpig voiceover meant so much

This campaign holds a special significance for me. I lost my father four and a half years ago, and when I was offered the job, I couldn't help but think about how much he would have loved that I am voicing for Moonpig. He had a great sense of humour and an appreciation for heartfelt gestures.

The power of handwritten words

For those who know me, it's no secret that I cherish receiving cards, often more than gifts. Something is touching about handwritten words; they resonate deeply and leave a lasting impression with me, or maybe that’s just me? Being part of a campaign that celebrates such meaningful connections felt like a tribute to my dad and the values he instilled in me.

Blending skill with emotion

Working with Moonpig on this project was more than just another job; it was a heartfelt experience that blended my professional skills with personal emotions. I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a campaign that emphasises the importance of expressing love and appreciation.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Voiceover Project?

If you're working on a TV commercial , explainer video , brand campaign , or digital content , I'd love to help.

As a London-based female voiceover artist , I bring an authentic, everyday style that resonates with modern audiences—warm, clear, and conversational.

Want to hear what I sound like first? I'm happy to provide a free sample read of your script , so you can hear how my voice aligns with your brand tone and messaging.

Whether you're an agency, a business, or a creative team, I’m always excited to collaborate and bring voiceover projects to life.

https://www.voiceoveractorlondon.co.uk/contact to request a sample, ask a question, or start your next project.

British Voice Over Trends 2025/ London Voice Over Artist

Thu, 22 May 2025 15:39:57 GMT

Top voiceover trends for 2025—from real voices to AI competition and TikTok-native storytelling. Learn what clients need to know.

The voiceover industry is evolving fast—and 2025 is no exception. Whether you're producing a brand film, explainer video, e-learning module, or podcast intro, staying ahead of voiceover trends can mean the difference between blending in and standing out. As a London-based voiceover artist, I’ve pulled together what clients need to know this year.

1. Conversational Is Still King

The polished “radio voice” has taken a back seat. Today’s audiences want realness—voices that feel human, warm, and spontaneous. Brands are asking for reads that sound like a friend, not a broadcaster. Authenticity continues to outperform performance.

What this means for you: Choose a voiceover artist who can deliver nuance and personality without sounding ‘salesy’. My natural speaking style leans into this trend—have a listen to my commercial reel.

2. The Rise of Inclusive & Diverse Casting

Representation matters. In 2025, clients are actively seeking voices that reflect the world we live in—including regional British accents, neurodiverse voices, and gender-diverse artists. Accent is no longer a barrier—it’s a brand asset.

What this means for you: Casting a voice isn’t about “neutral” anymore—it’s about relevance. If you need a London voice with authenticity and clarity, I can deliver both.

3. AI Voices vs. Human Emotion

AI-generated voices are flooding the market, but their limitations are obvious: they lack rhythm, spontaneity, and emotional depth. When storytelling matters—or when nuance is key—human voices still lead.

What this means for you: If your script has emotional beats, jokes, cultural references, or subtle tonal shifts, a human voice will elevate it. (And yes, I offer fast turnaround—even faster than some AI platforms.)

4. Video-First Voiceovers

With the explosion of TikTok, YouTube, and Insta Reels, voiceovers are now written for the scroll. That means short, punchy, emotionally resonant scripts. Attention spans are tight—but great voice delivery makes people stop.

What this means for you: I specialise in short-form voiceovers that cut through. If your brand lives online, your voiceover needs to feel native to the platform.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Voiceover?

Get in touch

Feel free to reach out if you're working on any projects, whether it's a commercial, an explainer video, or anything in between.

With my London voiceover style, I aim to bring a sense of everyday authenticity to every project.

If you're interested, I'm more than happy to provide a free sample of your script.

Hearing my voice first hand can help you determine if it aligns with your brand and vision.

Don't hesitate to get in touch—I'm always excited to collaborate with new clients and explore how my voice can enhance your project.

Find the small wins with speaking proud!

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 19:48:53 GMT

When I coach clients to embrace public speaking, they often associate it with high-stake events with lots of people in front of them and a tremendous fear of pressure to perform well.

There are some individuals who are naturals at this. The fear factor is quite low on their barometer. The reason is because they are accomplished in this skill. For most of us, the idea of getting up in front of an audience, even if it is only a business meeting where we know the people, and speaking on a subject for even 5 minutes can bring out the voice of judgement, and we feel the heat rising up the back our necks. As a public speaking coach, I know this only too well. I will be speaking at an event in two weeks, and I know for sure my face will flush red.

The good news is that fear and overwhelm can be overcome, it is a skill that can be learned. In fact, once you get started, with repetition, it can become a part of your business skill set. But you do have to get started!

Building Confidence Requires Practice

That means that you need to practice building confidence . Let’s use the analogy of learning to play the piano. Once you know how to get the notes in the right order, and read the music, then it is a question of practicing until you get it right. But guess what? Once you know that you can do it, it becomes easy, and you can’t wait to learn the next piece.

Learning public speaking skills is much the same. It’s a step-by-step process.

I always suggest find the small wins i n your week. Clients are often surprised when I share with them that a small win could be to have a short conversation in the corridor with a senior member of staff whom you normally avoid.

Or standing at a train station, the train is delayed, and be the person in the crowd, who in front of everyone, asks the conductor why is the train delayed?

You may be in the canteen at break time, and somebody makes a remark about the new product that your company is going to produce. Provided that you are up to speed with the information about it, you can use that chance to speak about it in front of a small group from a position of authority. Not only does this give you a chance to practice, but it will also impress your colleagues. They will look up to you.

So, yes, public speaking can be scary but start small, and remember, speaking proud is not reserved only for conferences, and running online presentations. Building inner confidence with speaking can happen in every conversation you have, both personally, and professionally. In recent years some of my proudest speak proud moments have come from difficult conversations, asking for pay rises, and having the courage to say ‘No’, instead of ‘Yes’. Speaking proud is not a performance, it's a state of mind, that you can start to work with from today.

The Gaming Industry Is The Fastest Growing Media Art Form

NM417394 — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 11:00:36 GMT

It’s true. A few years back, gaming was regarded as something to keep the kids occupied while the parents watched TV, a movie, or listened to music. Today, gaming is booming. And it’s not just kids any more. The average age of regular gamers is now just over 30. Note that is the average, so many gamers are in their 50’s or more.

According to the Boston Consulting Group, a study that they did recently showed that gaming is the second largest media sector and has just reached the yearly $200billion dollar mark. That’s more than the GDP of Australia, according to Wikipedia!

Over the last 5 years, games have held a regular share of 40% of all global mobile app downloads. In the Middle East, in Saudi Arabia in particular, it is between 45% and 50%. And the market shows no sign of slowing down. Many people finish one game and then can’t wait to buy the next one.

Voice Acting Is In Demand

This is why voice acting is in constant demand to help keep up with the need for more and more games . The voice over is what brings the game to life. This is what I do. I carry the storytelling and inject life into the game. The voice of both the actor and the narrator are what creates the characters, which are typically animated figures which need to be made compatible with humans.

A good voice over can create a personality for the game using the right type of voice to match each character in the game. It needs to create a good narrative voice that will help to guide the player through each game . Of course, voice acting can also create an atmosphere of any sort such as fear, getting a good result, getting a bad result, danger, something unknown around the corner, and much, much more. It should draw each player into the game and excite them.

Equally, choosing the wrong voice can cause the character to become boring or non-essential. So, it is necessary to have the right voice for the characters in order to keep the player’s attention. Luckily so many games are being made, that there is a voice for everyone! Finding the right talent to play each of the characters in a game so that it is exciting for the participants, and the word spreads, so that others will want to invest in it as well.

The interactive nature of video games allows me to explore a wide range of emotions and personalities, making each project unique and creatively fulfilling. My actor training means I know how to take ownership of the character, be bold with character choices, and find the connection and intention of the character with ease. I live for storytelling and adventures!

Get in touch

Feel free to reach out if you're working on any projects, whether it's a commercial, an explainer video, or anything in between.

With my London voiceover style, I aim to bring a sense of everyday authenticity to every project.

If you're interested, I'm more than happy to provide a free sample of your script.

Hearing my voice first hand can help you determine if it aligns with your brand and vision.

Don't hesitate to get in touch—I'm always excited to collaborate with new clients and explore how my voice can enhance your project.

The Power Of Authentic Human Connection

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 11:00:35 GMT

Anybody in the acting profession will understand that the job of an actor is to have the script reach the audience with realism and conviction. The actor needs to convey the message that the writer intended when writing the script, story, or screenplay.

For example, Juliet’s Nurse in Romeo and Juliet can be shrewd, sarcastic, old and doddery, loving, grumpy, and more. It takes a skilled actor to convey the message that Shakespeare intended.

The same skills are required for a voice over acting and public speaking. The only real difference between being an actor in a vocal booth, and a person speaking on the stage is the amount of physical engagement needed. The intention remains the same. Truth above everything else. Whether on stage, or through a pair of headphones, audiences will know immediately when they are not connecting with the actor .

This is why it’s so important to engage the voice, breath, and body when performing. The face can be used to convey anger, laughter, dismay, shock, and many more, in the same way that we all react to certain situations. The actor can also use hands, arms, and the whole body to add to the message of the writer. The voice can translate every number of emotions, and the breath! Even the breath alone, can conjure up a story, a feeling, an atmosphere.

The Audience Cannot See The Actor

Working as a voice over actor in London , I convey the message in the script through the voice, body and breath even though the audience cannot see me. Nonetheless, the message must come across in an authentic fashion which means that I must adapt to the circumstances.

I am often asked to read in a conversational tone , as one would do if talking to one’s neighbour over the fence. In other words, not overly performed, yet still making sure that the message gets across to the listener.

Sometimes I am asked for an energised read for a radio advert which must be delivered in under 30 seconds, sometimes 20 seconds! This requires great control of the breath, and being “in my body,” meaning I am physically awake, physically engaged, like an athlete at the start of a race, as opposed to sitting on my sofa, and delivering the words- how under energised would that be as a read!

I love the conversational read because in today's world of AI, nothing beats hearing a cracking voice over where the voice sounds like they are in your room having a REAL conversation with you. Any acto r will tell you that heart led, connected, storytelling, is what gives us our kick, and connection is where it is.

Get in touch

Feel free to reach out if you're working on any projects, whether it's a commercial, an explainer video, or anything in between.

With my London voiceover style, I aim to bring a sense of everyday authenticity to every project.

If you're interested, I'm more than happy to provide a free sample of your script.

Hearing my voice first hand can help you determine if it aligns with your brand and vision.

Don't hesitate to get in touch—I'm always excited to collaborate with new clients and explore how my voice can enhance your project.

The Importance Of A Great Script for Voice Over

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 11:00:33 GMT

When in the process of producing any kind of audio material, be it a commercial on TV or radio, a YouTube video, an E-Learning programme, or more, there are two vitally important factors.

One of them is the voice over actor that you choose to read your script. You need an actor who has the necessary skillsets and can produce the voice you want. It can be one of many different things.

For example, you may need an authoritative voice ; you may need a warm and comforting voice such as a mother talking to her child; you might need a voice full of angst – in fact there are almost infinite possibilities depending upon the message you want to get across to your audience.

This is why you need a trained actor to read your script – one who can adapt to different parts.

The other factor is the script itself. There is nothing a voice over acto r loves more than a well written script . It makes it easier to do our job well, and much more enjoyable to practice and perfect. One of my first ever voice over jobs was to play the part of "sound", for a sound scape. The script was abstract, but the language used was like chocolate in my mouth!

In many instances the purpose of the video, advert, or whatever, is to persuade the listener to take some form of action. Very often, that action is to make a purchase of some sort, but there can also be other aims. For example, in the past few weeks in England, the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has vowed to crack down on hateful beliefs, so in this instance a voice over might be used to persuade people to refrain from writing certain things on social media.

Getting Your Message Across

Whatever the purpose, the script must convey your message to the listener or viewer, so you need a great script writer/copy writer who can make it stand out for it to sound great. Indeed, the actor George Clooney is on record as saying that you can make a bad movie from a good script but not a good movie from a bad one!

A great script is written for the ear, not the eye, and spontaneity is important too, it will sound more believable if it sounds natural and effortless- the script needs to sound as the voice over is talking to the audience, and not at them.

The script also needs to come to the point quickly, perhaps not to the bare minimum as the author Ernest Hemingway, but our attention spans, including mine, are shorter these days, so the goal is not to have the viewer online click away and onto something else.

In short, you need a great script and a great voice over actor . When these two are aligned, you are guaranteed to have a successful outcome.

Get in touch

Feel free to reach out if you're working on any projects, whether it's a commercial, an explainer video, or anything in between.

With my London voiceover style, I aim to bring a sense of everyday authenticity to every project.

If you're interested, I'm more than happy to provide a free sample of your script.

Hearing my voice first hand can help you determine if it aligns with your brand and vision.

Don't hesitate to get in touch—I'm always excited to collaborate with new clients and explore how my voice can enhance your project.

Strong Lungs, Big Heart

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 11:00:31 GMT

Wow!

As I walked into the indoor cycle studio on Friday, to coach 60 minutes of Just Ride at Third Space in London, I suddenly realised that it is nearly 30 years since I first started keeping fit by becoming a gym member. Yes, 30 years of regular attendance with the object of ensuring that I can carry out my daily activities with no problem.

I remember that first gym so well, my best friend and I were still at secondary school, and we wanted to shift our MacDonald’s muffin tops! We were given a paper membership card. I remember showing it to my late father in our kitchen so proudly, as he was always an avid fitness enthusiast. It was actually a body builder’s gym! Can you imagine- terrifying to any novice, not to mention two teenage girls. We hid away upstairs in the cardio area, in the days of no air conditioning, but those noisy fans that circled above us.

I soon got the bug for it though, and now training daily is like breathing to me. Indoor cycle for my cardio, mixed with the Tracy Anderson Method has kept me fit, flexible, and injury free.

You may think “But Lisa, you work as a voice over actor . It’s not as if you’re a boxer or an Olympic sprinter. Why do you need to go to the gym? You sit and talk into a mic all day!”

Not quite true. I never sit down when I am recording a voice over , and I still need to take care of my fitness . All of us need to keep fit of course, especially now that so many live sedentary lives sitting in front of a screen all day and all evening. However, in my case it is also a part of the job.

As an actor you spend quite a lot of time on your feet, both in rehearsals and on stage or screen. In fact, when performing, unless it is required to sit in a chair as a part of the plot, or even lying on the stage dead (!), you spend most of your time on your feet.

Keeping Fit Has Many Benefits

As a voice over actor I don’t have to do that so much nowadays, but keeping fit helps me in many ways. Just to begin with, a physical warm up before recording helps to loosen up the body, enabling me to focus on breathing. The way that you breathe has a big effect on the way that your voice sounds and if you can get more air into your lungs that helps with stronger vocal delivery which is important in my line of work.

Physical movement helps to increase lung capacity and also helps to make the muscles in the ribcage more flexible. I also carry out vocal warmups because these help to increase the acid in the muscles of the vocal folds and that helps them to work more effectively.

So, if you thought I was a couch potato sitting down at a microphone all day, nothing could be further from the truth. I must keep peak fitness to perform at my best for my clients.

Get in touch

Feel free to reach out if you're working on any projects, whether it's a commercial, an explainer video, or anything in between.

With my London voiceover style, I aim to bring a sense of everyday authenticity to every project.

If you're interested, I'm more than happy to provide a free sample of your script.

Hearing my voice first hand can help you determine if it aligns with your brand and vision.

Don't hesitate to get in touch—I'm always excited to collaborate with new clients and explore how my voice can enhance your project.

The Importance Of Having Acting Training As A Voice Over Artist

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 11:00:29 GMT

Surely anyone can become a voice over artist , can’t they? After all, somebody gives you a script and all you’ve got to do is to sit down and read into a microphone. What’s so difficult about that? As long as you’ve got a good voice, of course, which lots of people do have.

Well, some people might think that is true, but in fact it is very far from the case. Voice acting is a skill that must be learned, and not everyone can do it. In fact, it would be fair to say that only a small number can do it with a high level of skill. For example, how many people are opera singers? In the overall scheme of things, not that many. And of those that are, there are even less of them who are well-known and at the top of their profession. And the same thing applies to voice over work in London.

Apart from being great with tech in 2024 to edit audio files, and run a voice over business successfully, a voice over actor needs to be able to speak in a variety of ways. For instance, a client may want their script spoken in a formal manner. Another may want the voice to come over as heartwarming and with a personal touch, as though it is one of two mothers having a chat outside school as they wait for their kids.

Yet another requirement may be for the voice over artist to sound threatening, or perhaps more like a comedian telling a risqué joke. So, a voice over artist has to be able to adapt to many different scripts depending upon the needs of the client.

A Voice Over Artist Is An Actor

In other words, a voice over artist is the same as an actor performing in a play, and that is why acting training is a crucial part of learning how to be one. The actor must make the listener feel the way the client meant them to when writing the words.

In a voice over, the client will often want the listener to take an action. This may be to buy a product, join a political party, be aware of street riots in their area and steer clear for their own safety, or any one of almost endless other possibilities. The voice often needs to be persuasive.

So, as you can see, a voice over artist is actually an actor. The only difference is that you never see one while carrying out his or her performance. This is why acting training is essential in order to be the best of the best when producing voice overs.

Get in touch

Feel free to reach out if you're working on any projects, whether it's a commercial, an explainer video, or anything in between.

With my London voiceover style, I aim to bring a sense of everyday authenticity to every project.

If you're interested, I'm more than happy to provide a free sample of your script.

Hearing my voice first hand can help you determine if it aligns with your brand and vision.

Don't hesitate to get in touch—I'm always excited to collaborate with new clients and explore how my voice can enhance your project.

The Dual Role of a Public Speaking Coach and Voice Actor: Mastering Communication Through Speak Proud

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 12:28:16 GMT

In today’s fast-paced world, effective communication is more important than ever. As the founder of Speak Proud, I am passionate about helping individuals find their voices and communicate with confidence. My journey as both a public speaking coach and a voice actor has provided me with unique insights and skills that I bring to my clients every day. These

two roles complement each other and contribute to the mission of Speak Proud.

The Art of Public Speaking

Public speaking is an essential skill that can significantly impact personal and professional success. As a public speaking coach, my goal is to empower individuals to speak with confidence, clarity, and conviction. At Speak Proud, I focus on:

1. Speak Proud Inner Talk: Many people struggle with the fear of public speaking, otherwise known as imposter syndrome. Through personalized coaching and mentoring sessions, I work with my clients on techniques to manage anxiety and build

inner confidence.

2. Speak Proud State of Mind: From mastering body language, to becoming a voice of influence, I cover all aspects of effective communication. This holistic approach ensures that my clients can engage and persuade their audiences.

3. Speak Proud Impact: Real growth comes from practice and constructive feedback. At Speak Proud, I provide a supportive environment where clients can practice theirspeeches and receive valuable insights to improve. The Power of Voice Acting

Voice acting is an art form that requires a unique set of skills to bring characters and narratives to life. My experience as a voice actor has honed my ability to use tone, pace, and inflection to convey emotions and messages effectively. Here’s how voice acting skills enhance public speaking coaching:

1. Vocal Versatility: Voice acting demands versatility in tone and style, which translates well into public speaking. Whether delivering a corporate presentation or a motivational speech, the ability to modulate the voice can significantly impact the

delivery and reception of the message.

2. Storytelling: Great voice actors are also great storytellers. This skill is invaluable in public speaking, where engaging the audience and taking them on a journey is crucial.+

Through Speak Proud, I teach clients how to incorporate storytelling techniques into their speeches.

3. Emotional Connection: Voice acting is all about connecting with the audience emotionally. By bringing this element into public speaking, I help clients create a deeper connection with their listeners, making their messages more impactful.

Bridging the Two Worlds At Speak Proud, the intersection of public speaking and voice acting creates a unique coaching experience. The skills and techniques from both fields complement each other, offering a comprehensive approach to communication. Whether you’re looking to improve

your public speaking skills or need a compelling voice for your next project, Speak Proud is here to help you achieve your goals.

Working as both a public speaking coach and a voice actor allows me to bring a rich, multifaceted perspective to my work. Through Speak Proud, I am dedicated to helping individuals find their voice, fulfil their career visons, and communicate with pride and confidence.

A radio producer asking me to record a podcast advert to play on Acast and Adelicious for the Imperial War Museum.

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 13:16:32 GMT

Last week, I received an unexpected email from a radio producer asking me to record a podcast advert to play on Acast and Adelicious for the Imperial War Museum. I had to do a double-take. Me? Really?

I usually record more lively, upbeat commercials, so this request was a bit out of left field. When I saw the words "Imperial," "war," and "museum," I immediately thought of a serious, slower-paced read.

I went to do some online research, as war museums are definitely not my forte, and discovered that the HMS Belfast - an historic warship which sits on the River Thames on the Southbank in London, is one of their exhibitions. As I went over the script, I found myself picturing something I've passed by countless times while walking through London. It's one of those everyday sights you see all over the city, something that's become almost routine. So, as I rehearsed, I let that image be my guide, helping me get into the flow and feel of the script.

On the day of the recording when I spoke with the clients during the live directed online session, they actually wanted my natural conversational tone- nothing too epic, and grandiose, and they emphasized that as long as the script's message came across, they were happy, reinforcing the importance of intention, believability, owning the script, and most importantly connecting with the listener.

During the call, I found out it was the client's first time working with a voice-over actor in my home studio in London. I felt a greater sense of responsibility to put them at ease, by listening carefully to their direction, being understanding when they were undecided about which take was best, and as I reflect on this job it’s a reminder that voice over is 100% a team effort.

Get in touch

Feel free to reach out if you're working on any projects, whether it's a commerical, an explainer video, or anything in between.

With my London voiceover style, like the one I provided for the Imperial War Museum, I aim to bring a sense of everyday authenticity to every project.

If you're interested, I'm more than happy to provide a free sample of your script.

Hearing my voice first hand can help you determine if it aligns with your brand and vision.

Don't hesitate to get in touch—I'm always excited to collaborate with new clients and explore how my voice can enhance your project.