How to stay relevant among AI voiceovers
Today was the moment AI changed my voiceover workflow. My client asked for video of myself voicing his product in the studio as a requirement before I even started his project. Yes, we have arrived as the first volley of official AI disruption of the voiceover industry.
AI voices are cheap and sounding better due to the humans programming the technology with voice actors putting more emotion into their synthetic voice development. I myself, as an American female voiceover artist, have been offered no less than five AI voice training contracts, with project payout ranging from $1,000 to $15,000. I’ve declined them all, as you can’t put a price on your personal sound.
Yes, artificial intelligence and text-to-speech technology are making waves in our industry, and it’s natural to wonder how we can compete.
Emotion and Expression in Voice Acting
First things first, let’s dive into what makes humans more human. The ability to honestly convey and interpret emotion is our first advantage. Visual cues to human emotion have been studied quite thoroughly, but consider these words from the National Institute of Health, “In addition to faces, voices are an important modality for emotion communication. They emerge from the vocal system via complex movements that involve the abdomen, larynx, tongue, as well as cavities along the vocal tract that filter airwaves and produce resonance effects. Voices convey inborn and learned emotion signals (e.g., screams, sobs, laughs) and their sound may be affected by emotion-induced physiological changes of the vocal system including changes in breathing and muscle tone. Vocal expressions in the context of speech are referred to as speech melody (i.e., prosody) and can be dissociated from verbal content.”
Using these physical and learned cues, as voice actors, we bring characters and stories to life in a way that AI just can’t match. We’ve got the naturally human (and honed through training) special knack for interpreting scripts, understanding the hidden meanings, and delivering lines with genuine emotion. It’s an art form that sets us apart and allows us to forge a real connection with audiences.
The Superpowers of Voice Acting
What’s more, our versatility is a real superpower. Unlike AI voices that are often limited to specific styles or tones, we can switch it up effortlessly. Accents, ages, personalities – you name it, we can do it! Our ability to morph into different characters is something clients and audiences appreciate, and it’s a skill we should embrace and showcase.
In an age where AI voices are on the rise, our unique ability to convey genuine emotion and adapt effortlessly to different roles remains irreplaceable. It’s this human touch that truly connects with audiences and sets us apart in the voiceover industry.
But here’s the thing: voice acting is all about collaboration. When we’re working on a project, we get to team up with directors, writers, and producers to bring their visions to life. Our willingness to take direction, offer creative input, and adapt on the spot is an invaluable asset. AI just can’t compete with the human touch and the ability to work together to create something truly amazing.
The Human Edge in Voice Acting
AI voices have their limitations too. Sure, they’ve come a long way, but they still struggle with the subtleties of language and emotion. Natural pauses, nuanced inflections, complex feelings – these are the things that make our performances stand out. Our authenticity and ability to convey genuine emotions are what captivate audiences and keep them hooked.
And let’s not overlook the power of building strong relationships in our industry. Networking, making connections, and nurturing a positive reputation are all key ingredients for success. As voice actors, we have the chance to form meaningful bonds with clients, casting directors, and our peers. It’s the human touch and personal connections that make these relationships truly special and long-lasting.
So, my fellow voice actors, in a world where AI voices are gaining ground and we might have to prove we are human, we’ve got plenty of reasons to hold our heads high. Our unique talents, incredible versatility, collaborative spirit, and human touch are things no technology can replicate.
Let’s embrace the changes, keep honing our craft, and show the world why the art of voice acting will always need human emotion in the entertainment industry.
