voice-over Belgium - what should you look out for when choosing a voice?

The right accent: from Antwerp to West Flemish

In Belgium, we’re blessed with a rich variety of accents and dialects. Although a neutral, standardised Belgian Dutch is usually the safest choice, a subtle local accent can add just that little bit of extra character and authenticity. Just think of a warm, soft Limburg voice for a local family business, or a lively Ghent accent for a trendy start-up.

The most important thing is that the voice comes across as natural and suits the region where your target audience is based. Ask yourself: does this voice speak the language of my customers? A professional voice-over artist knows exactly how to adjust their intonation to strike the right chord with the listener, without sounding forced.

The right tone: what do you want the listener to feel?

A voice does much more than simply read out a script; it conveys a feeling. Before you start listening to samples, it’s a good idea to decide what emotion you want to evoke. Do you want to convey reliability and authority, or perhaps enthusiasm, humour and creativity?

When listening to demos, pay attention to the following elements:

• Pace: Is the text delivered calmly and clearly, or is there a lot of momentum and energy?
• Pitch: A lower voice often conveys calm and expertise, whilst a higher voice is more readily perceived as cheerful and approachable.
• Warmth: Does the voice sound as if a good friend is talking to you, or is the tone more businesslike and informative?

Experience and the technical quality of the recording

Having a lovely voice is one thing, but being a professional voice-over artist is a real craft. Experienced voice-over artists not only have perfect control over their voices, but they often also have their own professionally equipped studio. This ensures that the sound quality is impeccable, without any distracting background noise, annoying echoes or plosive sounds.

When you work with a professional, you can also count on the timing being spot on. They know exactly how to breathe between sentences and how to emphasise the right words. This saves you a great deal of editing work afterwards and a lot of frustration when finalising your video or advert.

Flexibility and smooth collaboration

Recording a voice-over is rarely a one-off task without any feedback. Sometimes the emphasis needs to be adjusted slightly, or a line in the script changes at the last minute. It is therefore incredibly important to choose a voice-over artist who is flexible and open to direction.

Clear agreements make for good working relationships. Find out in advance about the options for a possible re-recording and how quickly the voice actor can deliver. Prompt and open communication ensures that your project is completed on time and to the required quality standards.

Frequently asked questions about voice-overs in Belgium

What is the difference between a voice-over and a voice actor?

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, the difference lies in the details. A voice-over artist often reads scripts for instructional videos, documentaries or e-learning. A voice actor goes a step further and really gets into the character’s skin, for example for animated films, radio plays or theatrical radio adverts.

Can I also use a voice-over for French-speaking Belgium?

Absolutely. If you’re launching a campaign across the whole of Belgium, you’ll often need both a Dutch-speaking and a French-speaking voice. It’s wise to work with an agency that can provide native speakers for both national languages, so that the tone and message align perfectly in both parts of the country.

What should I bear in mind when writing the script?

Always write your script as if you were reading it aloud. Spoken language is very different from written language. Use short sentences, avoid complicated sentence structures and ensure there are enough pauses where the voice-over artist can breathe naturally.

Find the perfect voice for your project

Choosing the right voice doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By paying attention to the accent, the desired emotion, the experience and the flexibility of the voice-over artist, you’ll lay the foundations for a successful production that really resonates with your listeners. Are you ready to discover which voice will bring your project to life? Then take a look at our extensive range and find the ideal voice-over in Belgium that perfectly suits your brand.