2. Be aware of the subtle regional nuances in Flanders
Flemish listeners can tell straight away whether a voice is authentic. A forced accent or an overly formal tone is counterproductive. In Flanders, we often prefer a natural, approachable accent that resonates with people. Think of well-known voices such as Kirsten, with her soft and friendly tone, or Sander, who brings a fresh and familiar tone to the table. They speak the language of the target audience without sounding contrived. This creates a sense of familiarity and builds a connection with the listener more quickly.
3. Apply the director’s tip for a natural sound
As a voice director, I often see people asking a voice actor simply to speak naturally. That’s harder than it seems, because a microphone amplifies every detail.
My most important practical directing tip is to ‘smile on the vowels’. When a voice actor physically smiles whilst speaking, the muscles in the mouth change. The tone becomes warmer and the message immediately sounds a lot more engaging. Pay attention to this when listening to the demos of our 92 available voices. A voice recorded with a smile holds the listener’s attention for much longer.
4. Combine local voices with international needs
Often, it doesn’t stop at a single Flemish video. Many Belgian companies operate across language boundaries. It’s therefore useful to work with a partner who can switch quickly between different languages. Our voice-over artists record in their own native language, whether that’s French (BE), German, English, Polish or Spanish.
For example, you could use Ruben, who speaks Dutch, for a campaign in the Netherlands, whilst Sarah, with her years of experience, appeals to the English-speaking market. For the Italian market, a voice such as Giuseppe or Andrea can set just the right tone. This ensures that quality remains consistent across all languages.
5. Use a clear selection process to find the best match
To avoid having to spend hours listening to demos, it helps to use a set selection method. When making your choice, pay attention to the following three points:
- Pace: can the voice slow down for complex instructions and speed up for a call to action?
- Flexibility: does the voice artist have experience across different genres, from e-learning to radio?
- Clarity: does the pronunciation remain clear, even when background music is added to the recording?
Client Stijn recently gave us a 5/5 rating and wrote that the prompt follow-up and delivery within a few days ensured a smooth process. Thorough preparation and a clear briefing make all the difference here.
