Mastering the Art of Corporate Voiceover: Best Practices for Success

Corporate voiceover is the use of a professional voice artist to narrate and deliver information about a company’s products, services, or brand. It is an essential element in marketing and communication strategies, as it helps companies effectively convey their message to their target audience.

In the corporate world, first impressions are crucial, and therefore, having a strong and consistent corporate voiceover is imperative. It serves as the voice of the company and can influence how the audience perceives the brand. This is why it is essential to follow best practices in corporate voiceover.

Unlike other types of voiceover, such as commercials or animations, corporate voiceover focuses on more in-depth information and requires a different approach. In corporate voiceover, the goal is to inform and educate the audience about the company and its offerings, rather than selling a specific product or service.

Here are some best practices to follow for effective corporate voiceover:

Understand the Brand and Audience: It is crucial to have a clear understanding of the brand and its voice, as well as the target audience. This will help in delivering the message in a way that resonates with the audience.
Use a Professional Voiceover Artist: It is essential to hire a professional voice artist with experience in corporate voiceover. They have the skills and expertise to deliver the message effectively and maintain the brand’s voice.
Pay Attention to Tone and Delivery: The tone and delivery of the voiceover should align with the brand’s image and the message being conveyed. It can be warm and friendly for a more approachable brand or professional and authoritative for a more serious brand.
Keep it Concise and Clear: Corporate voiceover should be concise and to the point. Avoid using long and complicated sentences that may confuse the audience.
Use Appropriate Language and Jargon: Depending on the target audience, the language and jargon used in the voiceover should be appropriate and easily understandable.
Incorporate Emotion and Storytelling: Emotion and storytelling can make a corporate voiceover more engaging and memorable. It humanizes the brand and creates a connection with the audience.
Use High-Quality Equipment and Recording Techniques: The quality of the voiceover can significantly impact its effectiveness. Using high-quality equipment and recording techniques can ensure a professional and clear voiceover.

Some successful examples of corporate voiceover include Apple’s iconic “Think Different” campaign, Coca-Cola’s “Open Happiness” advertisements, Google’s “More Than Meets the Eye” video, and Nike’s “Just Do It” commercials.

To implement corporate voiceover, companies can follow these steps:

Create a Comprehensive Brand Voice Guide: This guide outlines the brand’s voice, tone, and style, providing guidelines for all marketing materials, including voiceover.
Hire a Professional Voiceover Agency: Working with a professional voiceover agency can ensure high-quality and consistent voiceovers for all marketing materials.
Use Voiceover in Various Marketing Materials: Corporate voiceover can be used in corporate videos, website content, webinars, and other marketing materials to maintain a consistent brand voice.

Key Takeaways:

Understand the brand and target audience to create an effective corporate voiceover.

Hire a professional voiceover artist for high-quality and engaging corporate voiceovers.

Keep the tone and delivery clear and concise, while incorporating emotion and storytelling to capture the audience’s attention.

What is Corporate Voiceover?

Corporate voiceover is the use of professional voice talent in corporate communications, advertising, and marketing materials to effectively convey the brand’s message. This involves recording scripted content for various mediums, including commercials, explainer videos, e-learning modules, and telephone systems. The main goal is to create a polished and professional image for the company, increase brand recognition, and engage the target audience.

Through corporate voiceover, businesses can effectively communicate their message, establish credibility, and make a lasting impression on their customers.

Why is Corporate Voiceover Important?

Corporate voiceover is crucial for businesses as it allows them to effectively communicate their message and establish a professional image. This essential tool helps companies to convey information clearly, engage their target audience, and create a consistent brand identity. By adding credibility to videos, presentations, and advertisements, corporate voiceover ensures that the message is delivered in a clear and compelling manner. Moreover, it also humanizes the brand, making it more relatable and trustworthy.

In today’s highly competitive market, where consumers have numerous options, corporate voiceover plays a crucial role in capturing attention, building trust, and driving business growth.

How Does Corporate Voiceover Differ from Other Types of Voiceover?

Corporate voiceover differs from other types of voiceover in several ways:

Intention: Corporate voiceover focuses on representing a company or brand, delivering information, promoting products or services, and establishing a professional image.
Tone: Unlike character voiceover or narration, corporate voiceover tends to be more formal, authoritative, and business-oriented.
Style: Corporate voiceover often requires a neutral or natural accent to cater to a global audience, while other types of voiceover may involve accents or character portrayals.
Content: Corporate voiceover typically involves scripts related to corporate communications, training videos, advertisements, presentations, and explainer videos.

What are the Best Practices for Corporate Voiceover?

When it comes to corporate voiceover, there are certain best practices that can elevate the quality and impact of the final product. In this section, we will discuss the key elements that contribute to a successful corporate voiceover and how to implement them effectively. From understanding the brand and audience to using professional voiceover artists, paying attention to tone and delivery, and incorporating emotion and storytelling, we will cover all the essential aspects of creating a top-notch corporate voiceover. So, let’s dive in and discover the best practices for corporate voiceover.

1. Understand the Brand and Audience

Understanding the brand and audience is crucial in corporate voiceover. Here are the steps to achieve this:

Research the brand: Familiarize yourself with the brand’s values, mission, and target audience.
Study the brand’s tone: Determine the desired tone for the voiceover, whether it’s professional, friendly, authoritative, or conversational.
Analyze the audience: Identify the demographics, preferences, and interests of the intended audience.
Adapt the voiceover: Tailor the voiceover to match the brand’s identity and resonate with the target audience.
Consider the context: Understand where the voiceover will be used (e.g., commercials, training videos) and adapt the delivery accordingly.

In 1987, Nike revolutionized the sports industry with their “Just Do It” campaign. Their corporate voiceover, emphasizing empowerment and determination, resonated with athletes of all levels and became a cultural phenomenon. This campaign helped Nike boost their brand image and solidify their position as a leader in the athletic footwear and apparel market.

2. Use a Professional Voiceover Artist

Using a professional voiceover artist is essential for creating a polished and effective corporate voiceover. To ensure that you are working with the right professional, follow these steps:

Research: Look for voiceover artists with experience in corporate projects.
Portfolio: Review their previous work to gauge their style and versatility.
Auditions: Request audition samples to determine if their voice fits your brand.
Communication: Clearly communicate your expectations, project details, and deadlines.
Collaboration: Work closely with the artist throughout the recording process for a cohesive outcome.

In the early 20th century, radio advertising became popular, leading to the rise of voiceover artists who brought products to life through their captivating voices. This paved the way for the effective corporate voiceover we know and use today.

3. Pay Attention to Tone and Delivery

When it comes to corporate voiceover, it is crucial to pay attention to tone and delivery in order to have an effective communication strategy. Here are some steps to consider:

Understand the intended tone: Determine the desired emotional response from the audience and align the voiceover accordingly.
Practice modulation: Use variations in pitch, pace, and volume to convey different messages and maintain listener engagement.
Focus on clarity: Ensure clear pronunciation, enunciation, and articulation, avoiding any ambiguity or confusion in the delivery. In particular, pay attention to tone and delivery to effectively communicate your message.
Emphasize key points: Use emphasis and inflection to highlight important information and maintain audience interest.
Maintain consistency: Ensure the voiceover matches the overall brand image and style consistently across different platforms and materials.
Seek professional guidance: Consider working with experienced voiceover artists or agencies to enhance the quality and impact of the delivery.

4. Keep it Concise and Clear

Keeping your corporate voiceover concise and clear is crucial for effective communication. To achieve this, follow these steps:

Identify key messages: Determine the main points that need to be conveyed in the voiceover.
Avoid unnecessary information: Cut out any non-essential details or technical jargon that may confuse the audience.
Use simple language: Opt for clear and straightforward language that is easy to understand.
Focus on brevity: Keep the voiceover script concise and to the point.
Practice pacing: Ensure a steady and measured delivery, allowing the audience to absorb the information.

Pro-tip: Remember, less is more! By keeping your corporate voiceover concise and clear, you can effectively engage your audience and deliver your message with impact.

5. Use Appropriate Language and Jargon

Using the right language and terminology is essential in corporate voiceovers to effectively communicate with the intended audience. Here are some steps to ensure the use of appropriate language and jargon:

Conduct research on the target audience to understand their language preferences and industry-specific terminology.
Use clear and concise language to avoid confusion and maintain audience engagement.
Avoid using technical jargon that may alienate or confuse non-experts.
Tailor the language and tone to align with the brand’s image and values.
Consider cultural sensitivities and language nuances to ensure inclusivity.
Maintain consistency in the use of language and terminology throughout the voiceover script.

Remember, using appropriate language and jargon enhances the credibility and relatability of corporate voiceovers, resulting in effective communication with the target audience.

6. Incorporate Emotion and Storytelling

Incorporating emotion and storytelling into a corporate voiceover can greatly enhance its impact and connect with the audience on a deeper level.

Identify the emotions you want to evoke and the story you want to tell.
Use tone, pacing, and intonation to effectively convey the desired emotions.
Create a compelling narrative that resonates with your target audience.
Include personal anecdotes or relatable experiences to engage listeners.
Employ descriptive language to paint a vivid picture and elicit emotional responses.
Weave storytelling elements throughout the script to maintain interest and captivate the audience.

In 2013, Dove’s “Real Beauty Sketches” campaign successfully incorporated storytelling by exploring women’s self-perception and highlighting the discrepancy between how they saw themselves and how others saw them. The emotional narrative resonated with millions, sparking conversations about beauty standards and self-acceptance.

7. Use High-Quality Equipment and Recording Techniques

To achieve professional corporate voiceover recordings, it is crucial to use high-quality equipment and follow effective recording techniques. Here are some steps to ensure this:

Invest in a high-quality microphone and audio interface for clear and crisp sound.
Utilize a soundproof recording space or a portable vocal booth to minimize background noise.
Position the microphone correctly, maintaining the appropriate distance for optimal sound capture.
Monitor sound levels and adjust settings to avoid distortion or clipping.
Utilize pop filters and foam windscreens to reduce plosives and unwanted noise.
Consider using professional audio editing software to enhance the recording quality.
Regularly maintain and update equipment to ensure consistent high-quality recordings.

By following these steps, companies can produce corporate voiceovers that are polished and impactful.

What are Some Examples of Successful Corporate Voiceover?

In the world of corporate voiceovers, there are certain brands that stand out for their effective use of this marketing tool. From tech giants to beverage companies, let’s take a closer look at some examples of successful corporate voiceovers. We will explore how brands like Apple, Coca-Cola, Google, and Nike have utilized voiceovers to create a strong and memorable brand identity. These examples will provide valuable insights into the best practices for using voiceovers in a corporate setting.

1. Apple

Apple’s corporate voiceover is a crucial aspect of their brand identity and marketing strategy. To effectively implement a corporate voiceover like Apple:

Create a comprehensive and consistent brand voice guide that outlines the tone, messaging, and values of the company.
Hire a professional voiceover agency that is familiar with the Apple brand and can deliver the desired tone and style.
Incorporate voiceover into a variety of marketing materials, including TV commercials, online videos, and product launches.

2. Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is a prime example of a successful corporate voiceover. The friendly and upbeat tone featured in their commercials perfectly captures the essence of their brand. By utilizing professional voiceover artists, they are able to effectively convey their message to a wide audience. Coca-Cola keeps their voiceover concise and clear, delivering their messaging with emotion and storytelling. They also make use of high-quality equipment and recording techniques, resulting in a polished and immersive experience. Through the implementation of corporate voiceover strategies, Coca-Cola has been able to establish a strong and recognizable brand voice across various marketing materials.

3. Google

When it comes to corporate voiceover, Google sets an excellent example. Here are some steps to implement successful corporate voiceover, inspired by Google’s approach:

Create a comprehensive brand voice guide that outlines your desired tone, style, and messaging.
Hire a professional voiceover agency with experience in corporate projects, like Google has done.
Utilize voiceover in various marketing materials, such as commercials, explainer videos, and phone system recordings, just like Google does.

By following these steps, your company can establish a strong corporate voiceover presence, similar to Google. Remember to prioritize clarity, professionalism, and alignment with your brand identity.

4. Nike

Nike, a global leader in sports apparel and footwear, has successfully incorporated corporate voiceover into its marketing campaigns. Here are the steps they followed:

Create a comprehensive brand voice guide to establish the tone, style, and messaging that aligns with Nike’s brand identity.
Hire a professional voiceover agency to find the perfect voice talent that represents Nike’s values and resonates with their target audience.
Implement voiceover in various marketing materials, including TV commercials, online videos, and radio ads, to consistently convey Nike’s message across different platforms.

Nike’s use of corporate voiceover has played a significant role in their success. From iconic slogans like “Just Do It” to inspiring narratives in their commercials, Nike has effectively utilized voiceover to evoke emotion, motivate athletes, and establish itself as a brand that embodies determination and excellence.

How Can a Company Implement Corporate Voiceover?

As companies strive to create a strong and consistent brand identity, the use of corporate voiceover has become increasingly popular. But how exactly can a company effectively implement corporate voiceover? In this section, we will discuss three key strategies that companies can use to utilize corporate voiceover to its full potential. From creating a comprehensive brand voice guide to utilizing voiceover in various marketing materials, these best practices will help elevate a company’s brand voice and messaging.

1. Create a Comprehensive Brand Voice Guide

A Comprehensive Brand Voice Guide is crucial for successfully implementing corporate voiceover. Here are the steps to create one:

Identify your brand’s core values, personality, and tone.
Define your target audience and their preferences.
Create guidelines for language usage, including vocabulary and grammar.
Determine the appropriate tone for different communication channels.
Specify guidelines for selecting and training voiceover talent.
Develop examples and templates for consistent messaging.
Regularly review and update the Brand Voice Guide to adapt to changing trends and audience preferences.

Pro-tip: Involve key stakeholders from different departments to ensure a comprehensive and unified brand voice.

2. Hire a Professional Voiceover Agency

Hiring a professional voiceover agency is crucial in corporate voiceover to ensure high-quality and effective results. Here are the steps to follow:

Research reputable voiceover agencies that specialize in corporate voiceover.
Review their portfolio and listen to samples to assess their expertise and style.
Request quotes and compare prices, considering the agency’s reputation and experience.
Communicate your project requirements and timeline clearly to the chosen agency.
Collaborate closely with the agency throughout the process, providing feedback and guidance.
Review the final product and make any necessary revisions before finalizing.

Fact: Hiring a professional voiceover agency can significantly enhance the overall brand image and message delivery, leading to increased audience engagement and brand recognition.

3. Use Voiceover in Various Marketing Materials

Utilizing voiceover in various marketing materials is a powerful way to enhance brand communication and engage audiences. Here are some steps to effectively implement voiceover in marketing materials:

Create a comprehensive brand voice guide to ensure consistency across all materials.
Hire a professional voiceover agency to find the right voice talent for your brand.
Incorporate voiceover in TV and radio commercials to capture attention and deliver key messages, making it the third step in using voiceover in various marketing materials.
Use voiceover in explainer videos or product demos to educate and inform customers.
Add voiceover to corporate presentations or webinars to enhance professionalism and engagement.
Include voiceover in e-learning courses or training videos to deliver content effectively.
Utilize voiceover in phone system greetings or on-hold messages to create a positive customer experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a corporate video and why is it important to have it available in multiple languages?

A corporate video is any video content created by a company to convey their message to a specific audience. It is important to have corporate videos available in multiple languages to reach a wider audience and effectively communicate the company’s message to different language speakers.

What are the different recording styles used for translating corporate videos?

There are multiple recording styles for translating corporate videos, including narration, UN-style voice-over, voice & dialogue replacement, and lip sync dubbing. Each style has its own benefits and is suitable for different types of videos and audiences.

How do I choose the best recording style for my corporate video?

The best recording style for a corporate video depends on various factors such as the type of video, the audience, and the emotional performances of actors. For example, narration works well for marketing videos and tutorials, while UN-style voice-over is recommended for CEO reports and client testimonials. It is important to consider the visual focus of the video and the presence of on-camera speakers when selecting a recording style.

What is the role of a professional localization provider in the dubbing process?

A professional localization provider, like JBI, plays a crucial role in the dubbing process. They work with a team of voice actors and translators to produce a translated version of the video that accurately reflects the original audio and emotional performances. They also ensure a smooth dubbing process and a high-quality finished product.

What are some tips for selecting the right voiceover artist for my corporate video?

When selecting a voiceover artist, it is important to know exactly what you are looking for and not settle for someone who is not the perfect fit. It is also helpful to be virtually present during the recording session to provide tone direction and make any necessary adjustments. Phone patches can also be used to participate in the recording session remotely.

What is the average read time for a corporate video and how can I engage my audience throughout the video?

The average read time for a corporate video is about 2-3 minutes. To engage your audience throughout the video, it is important to have a clear and concise message, visually appealing content, and a professional voice actor with a good American accent and a woman’s voice (if necessary). Tricky terms should also be explained or clarified in the video to ensure understanding from all viewers.