One thing I've found is that voice over media is becoming more and more common as internet use expands exponentially.

From podcasts and MP3s, to website videos to books on ‘tape', the vocal artistry is a profession that has become not only common, but highly competitive. Like regular actors, there is an enormous amount of skill involved with the vocation. Anyone can tell a B-movie actor from a polished one.

In voice acting it's much the same. You can tell almost instantly the seasoned veteran from the ‘would-be's and ‘wanna-be's, you can hear it within a few seconds of listening to their demos.

Not only will sound quality be evident by the type of equipment they can afford, but there is a notable quality (or lack there of) in the material produced. But, because of the competitive nature of the business, even some Hollywood veterans have gotten in on the act, turning their already refined acting skills on screen to a few extra dollars off screen.

From Sigourney Weaver to Clint Eastwood, you'll find the professions are so closely linked they often overlap. The biggest difference is the lack of visual cues.

On screen, an actor appeals to 2 senses: sight and sound. Off screen, all talent must convey the message only in auditory form, requiring the actor to focus even more on breathing, inflection, tonality and timing. And the true professional will attain the best results within only a couple takes, saving the end user time and money.

Realistically, an amateur burns up way too much money on editing time, equipment and payroll as well as the initial studio time and associated charges. Eventually though, through experience and hard work, the best of the best will rise to the top to compete with the elite.

Voice overs are quickly becoming one of the most important elements of any marketing strategy and advertising campaign, and are a valuable way to persuade your target market consistently, and effectively. By adding a human element to your marketing messages, you can encourage people to pay attention, boost sales, and most importantly, create a positive brand connection with all customers.

Those who are considering using voice actors in their marketing projects would do well to learn a few key terms and definitions that are commonly used to talk about the voice over field.

Audition Tapes: Prospective voice actors and actresses will submit their audition tapes as they apply for the job. In addition to allowing you to judge the abilities of each actor, these tapes also can be kept on hand to help you keep track of the numerous applicants you will be interviewing.

Demo Tapes: In addition to the aforementioned audition tapes that accompany voice actors' and actresses' applications, you will want a recording of your prospect reading a sample script of your choosing. This demo tape can be recorded either in your own studio or, if possible at the applicant's own.

Recording Studio: This is where all recording of audition tapes, demo tapes, and other related material takes place. You can rent a recording studio for your project, or request your voice over talent to make their own tapes at their recording studio and submit them accordingly.

ISDN: ISDN recordings, which have greater clarity than recordings produced by the average recording studio, are generally used by professional voice actors and actresses.

Commercial Voice Overs: With an emphasis on direct selling, commercial voice overs are a powerful way for marketers to communicate with potential customers. Commercial voice over scripts mention the product or service by name and promote it in a variety of ways.

Narrative Voice Overs: These often accompany a film, video, or story and are scripted to entertain and inform, rather than sell. However, you may require a narrative voice for a portion of a commercial or sales segment.

Impressions: A voice actor or actress who can impersonate a famous voice can add an extra layer of humor to your ad campaign, and advertisements including impressions never fail to capture the attention of an audience. This is an easy way to make your product or service stand out from the pack.

Performers' Unions: Voice actors and actresses are often part of these professional organizations, which assist them in developing their craft and negotiate market rates. The Screen Artists Guild (SAG) and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) are the unions you will most frequently encounter in working with voice talent.

Actors: Voice over professionals are often individuals who were trained in drama and gravitated to the field of voice work because of their marketable skills and talents. A skilled voice actor or actress is a huge asset to any marketing project.

Whether you're working with actors, professional artists, or just sourcing for new talent, you'll need a process to find the right match for your project. Being comfortable with the terminology of the industry can help you work with professionals and find the right fit with ease.

About the Author: Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Actor from Minneapolis, Minnesota and Has Been Providing the Voice Talent for Dozens of Projects and Advertisements Since 1991.