Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis!
Yes - that is a real medical term! Now, say that 3 times with empathy. :)
For many years, voice actors have been able to count on a steady diet of regular healthcare industry work. Typically, this work consisted of the narration and explanation of medical terms (like the one above) and procedures, medical animations, new pharmaceutical drug benefits, and best practices for patients. These days, however, Medical Narration is so much more than just big words. The staples aren’t going anywhere, but what’s really exciting for the VO actor is that there is more work than ever in healthcare due to new and emerging markets. Exciting new health tech companies, a focus on wellness care, an aging population, and not to mention a global pandemic all equates to a broader variety of need for quality voice over artists. You can and should be ready to capitalize on this industry.
The Business of Wellness
Yes, Health care is most definitely a business. As a matter of fact, it is a subset of the corporate world. And like any business, it’s always looking towards growth and innovation. Broaden your view of what is possible and how health care reaches into so many facets of our everyday lives. “Wellness” has become a new buzzword and way of life for just about everyone on the planet. In fact, according to the global wellness institute, in 2018 the global wellness economy was valued at 4.5 trillion dollars. Wellness expenditures are more than half as large as total global health expenditures based on data from the WHO. This industry is always looking for ways to differentiate their branding and stand out to consumers. This translates directly into the need for updated and unique voices that can speak to the brand trends of each company.
The Future of Medicine is Now
The technology industry has turned its eye to opportunities in healthcare. Biotech, A.I., genetic engineering, cloud computing solutions, blockchain, and robotics are all playing a role in new healthcare markets. These new healthcare technology companies are creating dynamic content for their brands and products that need voice over. This emerging market will only continue to grow as advances in health-tech are adopted into standard practice. As a voice actor, it’s important to remember to customize your marketing to take advantage of these increasing opportunities. If you can establish your credibility and mastery of the medical technology read, med-tech companies could seek you out as the voice of their brand.
Living better, living longer
The United Nations calls Longevity the most significant social transformation of the 21st century. Worldwide over 900 million people are older than 60, and that number is expected to reach 1.4 billion by 2030! As the population ages, their healthcare needs continue to expand. There are many innovative companies dedicated to providing for the healthcare needs of this population. Expanding your practice of narration for this newer segment could provide a real tangible uptick in VO clients and work.
The Effects of COVID 19
The global pandemic has affected every single person on the planet in some way. In addition, the mental health fallout from this unprecedented disease is more impactful then we could have imagined. Fear of an unknown virus, in addition to being isolated, has taken a real toll on the global population. As a result, the mental health community is creating new and necessary materials to help. Content is being created for all ages from the elderly to children. More than ever, there is a need for a compassionate and empathetic voice over for patients, providers, and educators. You may not be a doctor or nurse, but you are the voice of information, education, and calm. Understand this to help create empathy in your reads, try to be part of the solution. If you can master the connected and compassionate read, you will be in demand as a voice actor in the years to come.
Medical Mindset and Preparedness
In general, your Medical and Healthcare mindset should come from a place of compassion and understanding - one that translates right down to your performance and your business! If you want success in this genre, get prepared. Make it a point to continually educate yourself on this ever-evolving industry. Do your research, practice, work with a coach - and make sure your medical demo is more than just big words and technical reads for education. Include a variety of styles that address each market in the industry. Keep your eyes open and take notice of the messages you see and hear every day. You’ll be surprised at just how much work there is out there for you!
Much love and Keep on rockin' your biz.
XOXO,
About the Author: Anne Ganguzza is a full-time voice talent and award-winning director and producer who works with students to develop their voice over and business skills - including VO demo training and production. She specializes in Conversational Commercial and Narration styles, including Corporate, E-Learning, Technology, Healthcare - Medical, Telephony, and On-Hold. Located in Orange County, CA, Anne offers private coaching and mentoring services to students in person and via Skype, ipDTL or Zoom.