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If you have never heard of the voiceover term “the half-voice”, it goes by other names – active hush, quiet-voice, chest-voice, and others. In the VO world, half voice is a hushed or chest-voice that is softer but retains intent.
It is not a whisper, but it is a unique place in our voice dynamics that gives a much more personal message. The half-voice is more of an intentional flair; an important component in certain conversational reads. You may have heard the phrase, talking TO someone, vs. talking AT them. This is where the half-voice comes into play. This of it as speaking right next to your listener. I have also heard it described as being right in the listener’s ear.
The half-voice is extremely important to those coming from a broadcasting background where performances tend to be one volume – LOUD! This half-voice also takes a lot of the throat out of the delivery (again, where a lot of former broadcasters tend to squeeze and give that affected “radio read”.
Half-voice is a secret weapon we use to calm the announcer or radio voices that have been trained to bark the message. Learn how to do it and find a rich element in your delivery. It works.
For more voiceover coaching and voice over demo production services, reach out to Radio Lounge. We are here to help boost your voiceover career.
The Half-Voice
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M. Bruce Abbott is the Creative Director/Partner at Radio Lounge. Bruce has over 30 years experience as a voice actor, casting and production director, as well as extensive advertising, marketing, and podcasting experience.
