{"id":5800,"date":"2022-07-27T11:38:16","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T11:38:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tatutrad.net\/?p=5800"},"modified":"2024-10-06T14:23:45","modified_gmt":"2024-10-06T12:23:45","slug":"what-is-voice-over","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tatutrad.net\/en\/what-is-voice-over\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Voice-Over?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

No doubt you\u2019ve watched a documentary or news programme and heard the presenter’s original voice in the background and a superimposed voice in your language. Bingo! This technique is called \u2018voice-over\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In today\u2019s post, we\u2019re going to explain what it’s all about, its main function and what sets it apart from other similar audiovisual techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

V.O. or voice-over<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When we talk about voice-over, we\u2019re referring to the production technique that uses a superimposed voice.<\/strong> This technique involves recording the voice of a speaker who doesn\u2019t appear on screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to explain what voice-over is, though, we need to talk about voice acting,<\/strong> as V.O. depends on this professional voice recording mode. Broadly speaking, it is a kind of oral translation or interpretation played over the voice of the original character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This service is mostly used when translating documentaries, series, reality shows<\/strong> and adverts.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The benefits of voice-over<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the main reasons behind the emergence of voice-over is to do with the sense of credibility<\/strong> that it contributes. In fact, this was one of the main reasons why voice-over first appeared in documentaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another of the reasons is related to the sense of drama.<\/strong> The ability to see and hear people express their feelings is a great television resource for increasing viewer numbers. This is why many programmes prefer to employ this technique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does voice-over differ from dubbing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You’re probably wondering what the difference is between voice-over and dubbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In dubbing, the person\u2019s voice in the original language is entirely replaced by a substitute voice in the target language. This technique is often used in films or series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In voice-over, however, the original voice is still heard behind the superimposed voice. The volume of the former is simply decreased so that the viewer can hear the latter over the top, without completely removing the original character\u2019s voice. Therefore, unlike in dubbing, there is no need to synchronise<\/strong> the movement of the character\u2019s lips with the translation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also worth noting that V.O. is preferable to subtitling in certain audiovisual productions. The viewer can focus their attention on what is happening on screen, without having to divert their gaze to read the subtitles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When is voice-over used?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This mode has a number of applications and functions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n