0044: How To Use Silence In Your Voice Over Work

Video:

Audio:

Show notes:

Hey there, hero!

We talk a lot about how to be more effective, polished and creative with the sounds we make when we voice copy.

But let’s not forget the “negative space” (as graphic designers call areas that have no content) of voice work: silence.

It’s far more useful than one might think.

After you watch/listen to this episode, what are your thoughts now about being brave about silence? Let me know in the comments below.

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Responses

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  1. Hey David,

    Well spoken and a great reminder to use”The Power of Silence” where needed
    in our reads. Those of us who come from a radio deejay background where everything is “fast”
    are especially in need of this reminder that silence can work to your advantage. Keep up the insightful and useful podcasts.

  2. Silence is a wonderful tool, and the absolute master of how to use silence was Jack Benny. That pregnant pause after a crook asked him on his radio show “Your money or your life?” was comic gold. It got him the biggest laugh of his career when, after the pause, he said “I’m thinking it over!” I’ve tried to get close to that, and someday I’ll hit it.

  3. I also volunteer as a docent at a local museum. And I have found that a strategically placed pause to be very effective in getting people to lean in and perk up.

  4. In radio we only have the vocal, but the King on Silence has got to be Paul Harvey And…the rest…of the story. you were left hanging just long enough to want the next word or phrase. Not so much that you got bored and left, it seemed to be a normal part of speaking for him. In teaching a class for a civic theater, years ago, this was the topic I chose. It makes such an impact. rather than responding will yelling, the quiet followed by the measured responses that fill the Godfather series create much more meaningful impacts.

  5. Hi David,
    Wow, this was a real eye opener, or should I say ear opener. It makes a great deal of sense that silence used properly is effective. And yes, I did notice you used silence in this recording and I did not hear any umms or errrs. Good coaching.

  6. I’m working on this in life, on camera, and on the mic. It does make a huge difference especially when you have a young-sounding female voice. People pay more attention to what you are saying.