Online Coaching for Voice Actors

Voice over, in its nature, is a business where face does not matter. It pretty much seems to be perfectly compatible with the internet revolution. That is why, nowadays, majority of the voice over trade is happening virtually across the world. 

If voice acting services per se can take place without the need of physical presence, why can voice over coaching not? 

With the availability to connect with nearly anyone virtually wherever they are, voice actors need not have to consider a voice over coach only because they are near.

What is Remote Voice Over Coaching?

From the word itself, it’s the type of voice over coaching that takes place without having to physically meet your coach. Remote voice over coaching is basically training using various methods like webinar, e-learning courses, podcasts, face-to-face live video conferences, and the like.

Many online voice over coaching sessions make use of Skype and tele-training that both offer a free-flowing and optimal training experience.

But is online coaching just as good as in the flesh coaching?

Why would talents prefer remote voice over coaching?

Many of the best voice over coaches and training programs are located in metropolitan centers such as Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. The location barrier is the ultimate reason why voice talents would love to take online voice over training.

Most particularly those residents outside the metropolitan area, voice actors are likely to do whatever it takes to get themselves free from the burden of having to trudge off to their coach’s location, especially if they have their own recording studio. Why? Because admit it or not, you would practically sort of feel like there’s a loss in your part that you are spending hours to travel for something that isn’t going to give you a profit yet, given the case that you have your own studio and there are many options for online voice coaching available in few taps.

Don’t get us wrong, we’re not saying that voice actors don’t put passion and perseverance to learn. It’s just the realistic point of view, with the given condition that makes it a common sense to consider online coaching. After all, we all wanted to feel like we are winning when committing ourselves into some venture.

When working with a private voice over coach, voice actors are given tips and tricks that apply relatively to their individuality. Your skill level, learning curve, niche, equipment, business knowledge, experience, and location are all facets that voice over coaches take into consideration when tailoring their training to your needs – and none of this changes with online coaching, if both of you are doing your part accordingly.

In online voice over coaching, you can also optimize the sessions that you have with your coach. You can address your questions about the business, how to market yourself, build referrals, expand your network, develop strong client relationships, and a lot more about voice over.

Your voice over coach can of course help you produce your voice over demos remotely. Via video call or just call, your coach can listen and direct you on your performance.

As long as you can clearly hear and/or see each other, there is nearly nothing you can not do in online coaching and there is nothing lost in the overall experience.

Nonetheless, there are still, of course, voice talents who prefer voice over coaching in person.

Why would talents stick to the in-person voice over coaching?

One obvious reason is if the coach is very accessible to the talent. There’s no reason why you wouldn’t take the chance to meet your voice over coach in person. 

While reading articles online, watching videos and webinars, and participating in online forums can go a long way in a voice actor’s education, there is something irreplaceable about conversations and consultations in the flesh.

Some voice actors prefer to communicate with their voice over coaches physically because they are strongly inclined to the conception that the experience is more valuable and effective when there is a face-to-face contact. This is true, because there’s almost never a barrier to encounter. 

But ultimately, the decision is yours. Both voice over coaching formats anyway present their own benefits and downside and it’s up to you which you think is more workable to you. Whichever you prefer, there must for sure, a unique value to you and it is relative to your unique situation. 

To experienced voice actors, we’d love to hear your experience when you had your voice over training or if you’re currently under one. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below how your training setup worked uniquely for you.