How a Female British Voice Over Can Enhance Your Corporate Videos
Corporate videos. Was there a time when that term didn’t make you want to gag? I recall in the bad old days corporate videos were a homogenous conglomeration of dreary PowerPoint slides bound together with a vaguely expository voiceover whose main purpose seemed to be to put you to sleep. But not anymore. Now corporate videos must be engaging, connective, and memorable. And as important as the visual part is, let’s not forget about the audio. After all, it’s the voice that’s doing all the delivering, and if you’re looking to get your message across, you need to make sure it’s in the right hands. That’s why in my humble opinion, if you’re looking at using a female voice over for corporate videos, you have to go British, and that’s because a female British voice over is second to none.
The Power of a British Accent
Let’s start with accents. There’s something about a British accent that lends gravitas, isn’t there? It suggests confidence, cleverness and – yes, let’s say it – class. When you hear a British voice, especially in a corporate context, then everyone starts listening. It’s no coincidence that so many international brands adopt a British voice to deliver their message when they want to sound authoritative and subtle.
And yet – all British accents are not the same and not every British voice will suit your brand. That’s the magic of the female British voice over: you get the authority that you’d expect from a British accent without the sense of officiousness.
Why Female Voices Stand Out
So why choose a female voice? Well, female voices have a natural warmth and familiarity that cuts through the cold corporate image. Corporate videos can be very impersonal, very clinical. A female British voice over adds the human touch without losing the professionalism.
I’ve only ever had one male client who initially booked a male American voice over, then switched to a male British voice over, then switched to a female British voice over, and laughed: ‘That’s it! That’s what I want!’ That’s the thing with voice over. It’s not just a one-dimensional pitch, it’s a zillion-dimensional one. Clients often think they want something authoritative, punchy, and traditional (ie, male and American). But women can bring that punch. We can bring that authority too. And we can bring it in a way that men just can’t: we can make it feel human. That’s why clients are increasingly switching to a female British voice over for their corporate videos. I’ve seen it again and again. They’ll try the punchy, authoritative male voice over. And then they’ll try the punchy, authoritative British female voice over, and they’ll realise the whole thing has suddenly come together in a way they hadn’t expected. It’s punchier, it’s more approachable, it humanises everything. It’s more effective.
Tone and Delivery Matter
Of course, it isn’t just the voice that counts – it’s the way that the voice is used. A good female British voice artist can help you to get tone right for your video. Are you producing an annual report? Then you will probably want a voice that is formal, clear, confident and precise. But an internal training video might need something a little more relaxed and friendly – a voice that makes the content feel accessible and fun, rather than a lecture. You can listen to some good demo examples here: www.ingridvoiceover.com
It is the duality of a female British voice over that gives us the edge. You can have the stamp of formality and polish that you need in a corporate or professional piece, or you can have it sound more conversational. It’s all about the tone, and a good voice artist can alter that tone to fit the message. It’s the tone that needs to be just right – professional enough but never stuffy; authoritative yet approachable.
Personal Insights: Bringing Corporate Videos to Life
I’ve done my share of corporate videos over the years, and the right voice truly can make all the difference. I remember one job in particular – a multinational firm was rolling out a series of internal training videos. They’d had a few different voice overs try their hand at the script, but none of it had quite gelled. The material was good, but the tone was a bit flat, a bit disengaged.
They switched over to a female British voice over, and the impact was instantaneous. All of a sudden, the videos felt more human, more intimate. The voice added some polish that put the viewer at ease and made the content easier to swallow. Workers responded better, and the training became more effective. It was a beautiful illustration of what a carefully chosen voice can do not merely for the video, but for the whole experience.
Connecting with a Global Audience
What about the global appeal of a British accent? If your video has an international audience, then the voice-over of a British woman can offer a neutrality that still comes across as brand-specific, distinctive and professional. The challenge is to avoid sounding too regionally specific or sector-specific. A British voice can offer the best of both worlds – one that’s understood and respected worldwide.
Conclusion
In the world of corporate videos, your choice of voice is as important as the visual and the message. If you are looking for a female British voice over, the perfect fit for your project is a voice that conveys the right amount of professionalism and approachability to your video; one that makes your content not only watchable, but memorable. It is about creating a connection with your audience, giving your brand the right amount of authority and approachability, while leaving a lasting impression. Next time you plan your corporate video, give a female British voice over a try, and you could be surprised at the level of content it can bring to your video.
