I started playing a new D&D game last night, and halfway through, I realized that my character was voiced by Timothy Dalton in Hot Fuzz (link). For some people, doing a particular voice for your characters (and NPCs) can be really fun, while others don't enjoy it. It's certainly not a requirement, even for a GM, but it can help to make NPC/NPC conversations a little clearer.
What I've found helps is watching TV and movies, and trying to emulate phrases or quotes, then trying to extrapolate that out into a full-blown accent. Obviously if that starts to get a little bit racist, pull it back (especially if you start to sound like Star Wars episode 1's Trade Federation). and reconsider your life choices. You certainly don't have to be doing it professionally, but just adding a little bit can give you quite a range. Things that can help to practice a voice: - Work on your tone and pitch, rather than regional accents. You can do a lot just changing those. - Don't be afraid of sounding a little bit silly. You're gaming with friends, and shared vulnerability is a big part of that. You opening that door may make your other players of GM feel more comfortable doing so, too. - Practice in private, while you're driving or watching TV. Get comfortable with a voice when you're not under pressure. Try by reading tips like these out in a character's voice, so you get to round them out with things more than just "charge", "yes", "no", and "going there". - You'll feel embarrassed. It's going to be a result. Just accept that. - Try a voice for 5 minutes at a time, and see how you feel. If you realise that it's going to be hard to keep up, or it's damaging your throat, modify that! (I once ended up voicing a troll for one session which made me unable to speak the next day- don't do that!) - Browse Youtube or something for tips- there are plenty of people doing this professionally who are already teaching the techniques, for FREE! How good is that! Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 18 January 2020. Comments are closed.
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