So!
I'm helping out on many different projects, all run by bronies, though not all are linked to MLP.
One such brony is starting work on a game. Due to non-disclosure and other legal things, I won't reveal anything, but it's a non-MLP game that I may be doing lots of vocal stuff for. Either way, the project leader has expressed interest in voice acting but is concerned because he has a weak voice.
Now, here's the thing... While a voice may be soft or unable to take a lot of strain, those of us with stronger voices usually don't have anything physically different than anyone else. It's simply a matter of exercises, proper care, and practice. On the other hand, what can be done to quickly improve?
Well, this is a combination of microphone magic and the above techniques.
Soft voices are really only a problem with poor recording equipment. Obviously, if it's a bad mic, it will pic up lots of static and the white noise removal won't work well because it will remove most of the speaker's voice. With a good mic, the recording quality is much better. You can record a second of silence before you start speaking, use that as your white noise reference point, use the noise removal (most recording software has this tool), and then amplify your vocal track without excess noise. Even Audacity, my preferred recording software, has all of these neat tricks and it's FREE! Plus, many voices can only be done softly. Piccolo from Dragon Ball Z is an excellent example. Chris Sabbat got right next to the mic and spoke extremely softly to get that voice properly.
So, that's the technical-wizardry aspect of voice overs for those with weak voices. This technique is excellent when a voice actor is first starting out because it allows you to begin recording before you've built up your vocal cords, but keep in mind a strengthened voice leads to changed pitches and tones, so you may have to work extra hard later to match the same voice.
As for the rapid progress on the vocal side, it only requires dedication. I already mentioned this in a previous blog post, so I'm only going to briefly cover caring for your voice here.
1. Avoid sugary foods in general
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
3. Water, green tea, and honey are your best friends
4. Tobacco, other forms of smoke, and large quantities of caffeine will make your voice a sad panda
5. Warmup!
6. Be cautious
What do I mean when I say be cautious? Why? Because you're toning a new muscle group. You can (and very well might) overextend your vocal cords and thus lose your voice. When first building your vocal muscles, which takes time and experience, you need to keep an eye on your voice. Feel it out. Are you getting sore? Are neck muscles tensing? Is your esophagus constricting? Is it taking more effort to speak? Pay attention to your throat and the sounds it's producing so you don't overdo it.
Take your time with lines. Practice speaking. Don't record too much in one day. There's always other work to be done. Recording sessions rarely last more than a few hours per person in a day anyhow, so don't overdo it. If you do a full eight hours of voice acting, of course you're going to be sore or lose your voice, especially if you've never been on-stage.
So those are the tips for rapid progress. Use tech magic, take care of your voice, be careful.
What about building your voice over time? Well, the single best way is theater. Even if you've never been in a play and don't want to, learning to speak to the back row of an auditorium is the hands-down best way to build your voice. Find a gym and deliver a speech to a friend at the back of the room until she can hear every word enunciated clearly.
Continue remembering the basics. Know your limits and only push them a little. Always warmup before a new recording session. Don't EVER skimp on the warmup, you'll regret it. Be kind to your throat with less sugar (pop is horrible for your throat) and more fluids and coating substances like honey. Then just practice, practice, practice. Get a bit louder over time.
Microphones can do a lot for you, but some characters are heroes and need to scream, yell, and get angry. What do you do in those situations? Well, you follow the guidelines I've laid out here to build your voice and then remember the following:
This is the most important lesson I can impart. You can feel real, full anger and deliver it convincingly WITHOUT, I repeat WITHOUT, going to the highest, loudest vocal register you can manage. As I've said in previous posts, almost every voice actor for DBZ passed out in the booth at least once. Why? Because they went to the angriest and loudest they could without listening to what their body was telling them. Most of the recordings for the show, the screaming that is, are not from the tapes where they passed out. They still sound convincing, though, don't they? It's about learning to act, emote, and feel what your character feels without overcompensating or letting it get away from you. It takes an acting coach to learn that, though. All I can say is ask for help.
So, for my friends over at Invocation of Awesome, there's your post on how to improve your voice if you're worried about losing it or damaging your vocal cords. Hope that helped!!
Also, here's that voice candy I promised two weeks ago. >.>
Or here. Aaand:
Or if you can't see it, here.
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