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Voiceover: meaning, definitions and examples

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voiceover

[ˈvɔɪsˌoʊvər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

media

The voiceover is the process of adding a voice narration to a video or film.

Synonyms

commentary, dubbing, narration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
voiceover

As mentioned earlier, it’s also used in advertisements, where a voice explains the product or service being advertised over visuals.

  • The commercial had a friendly voiceover explaining the features of the new car
  • The charity ad had a touching voiceover asking for support
narration

Describes the act of telling a story, often in literature, documentaries, and films, where a narrator guides the audience through the plot.

  • The book's narration was captivating and drew in the readers
  • The narration in the wildlife documentary made it even more interesting
commentary

Often used in sports, news, or events coverage where an expert or host provides real-time analysis or remarks.

  • The football match was exciting, especially with the engaging commentary
  • The live commentary provided great insights into the political debate
dubbing

Refers to the process of replacing the original voice track of a film or TV show with a translated version, often used in the context of foreign films.

  • The French movie was dubbed in English for international audiences
  • The anime series had excellent dubbing in several languages

Examples of usage

  • The voiceover in the documentary was clear and engaging.
  • She provided the voiceover for the commercial.
  • The voiceover artist had a soothing voice.
  • The voiceover explained the history of the ancient ruins.
  • During the movie, the voiceover described the character's inner thoughts.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'voiceover' combines 'voice,' which comes from Old French 'vois,' meaning 'sight,' and 'over,' suggesting it happens above or beyond something.
  • Voiceover as a concept has roots in the early days of radio, where announcers narrated content and made it more engaging for listeners.

Pop Culture

  • In animated films, voice actors often create memorable characters that can become iconic, such as the voices of Mickey Mouse and Homer Simpson.
  • Voiceovers are commonly used in commercials to grab attention and clearly communicate the product's benefits.

Technology

  • Advancements in AI technology have enabled automated voiceover creation, allowing brands to generate voices that sound human for various applications.
  • Software now exists that helps to analyze and improve the delivery of voiceovers, ensuring they resonate better with audiences.

Psychology

  • Studies show that the tone and quality of a voice can significantly affect how messages are perceived, influencing emotions and decision-making.
  • A well-done voiceover can evoke nostalgia or excitement, enhancing the viewer's connection to the visual content.

Literature

  • Voiceover techniques parallel literary narration, where the narrator's voice shapes the story, providing insights and adding depth.
  • Just like in novels, a strong voice can turn mundane descriptions into a compelling narrative that draws readers into the experience.

Translations

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