Let’s Get Pitch and Volume Right
Written By: Rukayat Alabede.
In voiceovers, the script only accounts for half of the story. What truly brings a script to life is how you use pitch and volume. The two tools can take your delivery from “okay” to “oh wow, who’s that voice?“
First things first, what is Pitch?
Pitch refers to how high or low your voice sounds. It is closely linked to emotional expression, and research has shown that changes in pitch impact the perceived emotional content of speech. A higher pitch conveys excitement, youthfulness, or urgency, while a lower pitch carries authority, warmth, or seriousness.
The goal of a voice artist is to shape-shift between low and high pitch depending on the mood of the script. Always try to vary it strategically to match the mood, character, or message of the script. For example:
– High pitch: “We’ve got an exciting new offer just for you!”
– Low pitch: “At the heart of every home, there’s a story waiting to be told.”
The first excites and energises with a higher, lively pitch, while the second comforts and grounds the listener with a lower pitch.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet for emotions and their pitch patterns:
- Happiness: Higher pitch, increased pitch variation
- Sadness: Lower pitch, reduced pitch variation
- Anger: Higher pitch, increased pitch range
- Fear: Higher pitch, rapid pitch changes
- Boredom: Lower pitch, monotonous pitch
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Working with Pitch
While pitch control is essential for effective voice acting, there are several common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overusing pitch extremes: Extremely high or low pitches can become grating or unnatural.
- Lack of pitch variation: Failing to vary pitch can result in a monotonous performance
- Inconsistent pitch: Inconsistent pitch can distract and pull the audience out of the experience.
Pitch control enables you to convey emotions, attitudes, and character traits. By paying attention to your pitch, you keep your delivery dynamic and engaging.
Now that we understand what “Pitch” actually means, what is Volume?
Often misconceived by many, Volume actually refers to how strong or soft your voice comes across. In voice-over, volume is less about shouting and more about control.
While Soft delivery can draw listeners in, creating intimacy and focus, Louder delivery can energise and emphasise key points. Volume shifts work like visual zoom-ins and zoom-outs, guiding your listener’s attention exactly where you want it. See the difference?
Tips for Mastering Pitch and Volume
- Mark your script: Highlight sections where the tone should rise or fall, and where the voice should get louder or softer
- Practice emotional mapping: Match pitch and volume shifts to the emotional beats in the script
- Record and listen back: What you think you’re delivering may not be exactly what the microphone hears. Listen again.
- Avoid overdoing it: Too many dramatic shifts can sound unnatural. Balance is key.
- Warm up: Pitch control improves when your vocal cords are relaxed and responsive.
Pitch and volume are like colour and lighting in a film: individually powerful, but breathtaking when used together. We all know how a commercial starts with a soft, low-pitched, intimate line and then suddenly bursts into a brighter, louder pitch to reveal the grand finale. This contrast grabs attention and leaves a lasting impression.
Pitch and volume are the heartbeat of voice performance. Mastering both techniques sets your delivery apart and makes your voice truly unforgettable. If at this point, you still don’t understand the difference between pitch and volume, breathe in! Breathe out! Take it from the top!
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