How to Create a Sinhala Character Voice
Creating character voices is a fun and creative process that can bring your characters to life in a unique and engaging way. Although fun, the process could be different to a language. Creating a Sinhala character voice would not be the same as doing one in English. Check out our portfolio page for samples of Sinhala character voices. Here are some steps and tips to help you develop distinct and a memorable Sinhala character voice:
Tips To Develop a Distinct Sinhala Character Voice
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Understand Your Character
Before you start creating a Sinhala character voice, have a clear understanding of your character’s background, personality, age, and role in the story. Consider the following:
Age: A child’s voice will differ from an elderly person’s.
Gender: While voices are not strictly tied to gender, it can influence pitch and tone.
Background: Accents, dialects, and speech patterns can reflect where your character is from.
Personality: Is your character shy, confident, quirky, or serious?
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Experiment with Pitch and Tone
Pitch and tone are the most noticeable aspects of a voice. Practice speaking in different pitches (high, medium, low) and tones (soft, harsh, nasal, gravelly). Sometimes the BEST Sinhala character voice could be your own voice. Here is an animation video we did for the Ministry of Qatar of the importance of staying hydrated.
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Play with Accents and Dialects
Accents and dialects can add depth to your character. Your character may be of Kandyan descent, so research upcountry accents. Maybe your character’s first language is not Sinhala, then adopt how someone whose mother tongue is not Sinhala would talk in Sinhala. Research and practice different accents, keeping in mind authenticity and sensitivity. Some popular accents include:
British (Received Pronunciation, Cockney, Scottish, etc.)
American (Southern, New York, Midwestern, etc.)
Australian (Western, Eastern)
Indian (regional)
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Consider Speech Patterns and Mannerisms
Every character can have unique speech patterns, such as:
Pacing: Fast, slow, or varying speed.
Pauses: Frequent pauses, long pauses, or none at all.
Vocabulary: Formal, casual, slang-heavy, or using certain catchphrases.
Rhythm: Staccato, fluid, rhythmic, or choppy speech.
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Practice Emotional Expression
Your character’s voice should reflect their emotions. Practice how your character would sound when they are happy, sad, angry, scared, or excited. This helps to make the voice dynamic and realistic.
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Use Physicality to Inform the Voice
Sometimes changing your physical posture or facial expressions can help you find a character’s voice. For instance, a slumped posture might lead to a more tired or relaxed voice, while a straight, rigid posture might produce a more formal or tense voice.
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Record and Listen
Record yourself speaking as the character and play it back. This helps you hear what works and what doesn’t. Make adjustments as needed.
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Consistency is Key
Once you’ve developed a voice, practice it regularly to maintain consistency, especially if the character appears frequently. Consistency helps in making the character believable and recognizable.
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Study Other Voice Actors
Listen to professional voice actors and study how they create different voices. Analyze their techniques and see what you can incorporate into your own practice.
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Have Fun and Experiment
Don’t be afraid to try outlandish and exaggerated voices. Sometimes the most memorable characters come from bold choices.
Practical Exercises
Mimicry: Try to mimic voices from movies, TV shows, or cartoons. This can be a great way to expand your vocal range.
Reading Aloud: Read books or scripts aloud using different voices for each character.
Voice Journals: Keep a journal where you write notes on how you create each character’s voice, including pitch, tone, accent, and any specific speech patterns.
Examples
Here are a few character voice examples for inspiration:
Old Wizard: Deep, gravelly voice with a slow, deliberate pacing and a touch of mystery.
Young Hero: Bright, energetic, and slightly high-pitched with a confident and determined tone.
Eccentric Inventor: Rapid, slightly high-pitched with a quirky, excited manner and frequent pauses for thought.
Villain: Low, smooth, and menacing with a slow, calculated pacing.
By combining these techniques and tips, you can create a wide range of possibilities and create a distinctive and compelling Sinhala character voice.
If you need a Sinhala character voice done, then Contact Us and let us know how we can help you.