AI Voice Replaced by Human Voice

AI replaced by human voice. Yes, it happens! So, I thought I’d share a good news story for a change. I should add that there’s been more than one, but I’m going to focus on this particular story.

Voice Over Talent Wanted

A friend tagged me. She saw a post from someone she knew looking for a British female voice over and thought this job was right up my street. It was. I messaged the person who’d posted. She replied. A while later, she requested a demo. We chatted. I recorded. More than was needed, because it felt right. And I sent a proposal. Heartfelt. Because I wanted this. I waited. A month or two passed. I’d just begun to think someone else must have been given the work, when that beautiful email arrived saying “We’d love to work with you on this!”

Voice Over Talent Booked

It turned out, that this particular client had been using a human voice for decades. That human retired. So, they tried AI. Understandable, particularly when they’re a charity and money doesn’t grow on trees. It was a disaster. Because this work is for humans. Humans with sight issues. I mean, who wants a dodgy AI voice that wouldn’t know nuance if it hit them in the digits?

AI Voice Replaced by Human Voice

This year, I began narrating the newsletter for the Macular Society and I love it! It’s published four times a year, and it’s packed with fascinating, useful stuff. Information about research, breakthroughs, research grants, the work they’re funding. Real human guidance about day-to-day things like how to put on your make-up when you have macular disease. I’m learning a lot! And I love what they’re doing. The man of the nest’s granddad had macular disease and one of my very good friends has sight issues, so it’s lovely for him and a real treat for me that he’s adding a little bit of his own audio magic to the work.

This is a magical full circle thing. When I was at uni, I chatted with BBC Presenter Peter White and then ran a project with people who had sight issues, creating a dummy radio programme. I went on to work with Peter when I was a BBC Radio Studio Manager, and now he lives in the same town as me. I love those full circles!

Human Care

Whether it’s an on hold, a commercial, an animation or anything else, I care. And when I’m voicing, I’m thinking about you. The listener, the viewer, the audience. I want you to feel something. Valued, cared for, inspired. I want you to feel that you matter (unless the script dictates otherwise!). And I care about members of the Macular Society, too. If you know anyone who’d benefit, I highly recommend they check it out. There’s a lot of incredible support available.

Thank you for reading, and just drop me a line if you need help with your next project – you’ll find demos here. Oh and I have a brand new animation reel, too. As ever, this human and her studio dog Neville (still banned from the studio for theft!) will be delighted to assist – we appreciate you!