Dan McCharles’ journey into voice data work with Voices began almost by chance, yet it has evolved into a meaningful and promising experience for the Kenyan musician and worship pastor.
Having spent over 15 years as a music teacher and worship leader, Dan was already comfortable with his voice and a home studio setup he’d maintained for more than a decade.
However, professional voice acting wasn’t initially on his radar.
That changed last year when a friend introduced him to a voice data project on Voices. Skeptical at first—due to prior negative experiences with dubious clients—Dan hesitated to apply. “I wasn’t really sure about it when I first made the application,” he recalled. “There’ve been a lot of other scammers out there.” After submitting some short video recordings, weeks passed without a response, and Dan moved on. Then the surprise came: an email confirming that eight of his videos had been approved and payment was on its way.
This moment was pivotal. “For them to get back and say I’m being compensated for the work that I did, that kind of gave me hope that… they are actually companies and sites out there that are legit,” he said. The legitimacy and transparency of Voices restored his trust in the online voice acting world.
Dan’s first major voice data project involved recording around ten hours of conversational audio with a partner. The sessions covered a variety of everyday and imaginative topics—from picnics in the woods to fictional scenarios—requiring Dan to engage deeply with the scripts, often envisioning himself as an audio actor in a movie. He described the process as unexpectedly fun and creatively fulfilling. “As I was reading the voice data…it gave me this feeling like I was actually in a movie even though it was not visual,” he explained.
Payment through Voices was another highlight, reflecting the platform’s professionalism. Using PayPal, Dan found the process seamless and timely. Though the project closure took some weeks, once payment was released, funds appeared instantly in his account. Beyond payment, Dan appreciated Voices’ commitment to protecting contributors. When approached off-platform by someone trying to divert his work, he received immediate warnings from Voices, underscoring their dedication to content security and fair compensation. “Voices is actually really concerned in protecting the voice actors and their projects and privacy,” he noted.
While Dan has yet to secure traditional voiceover gigs from Voices, he remains optimistic and regularly auditions for new opportunities. He credits the experience for honing his skills and growing his confidence. “The more I get to do it, the more relaxed I become and the more natural…the sound becomes better,” he said, emphasizing that perseverance is key for newcomers.
Looking ahead, Dan sees great potential in voice data work. The convenience of recording from his home, combined with flexible scheduling, makes it an appealing full-time pursuit if the volume of work increases. For now, juggling multiple roles including lay pastor, he values Voices as a supplementary income and a platform that could one day support a full career transition.
Dan’s story stands as a testament to the expanding opportunities Voices provides for diverse talents worldwide—offering credible, protected, and creatively rewarding work in the evolving realm of voice data. His experience encourages others to take the leap, persevere through uncertainty, and discover their own voice in this growing industry.
Project Highlights
- Length & Format: Dan’s first major project was a 10-hour, two-person conversational recording, covering a wide range of topics—from picnics in the woods to imagined movie scenarios.
- Collaboration: Working with a partner, Dan found the process unexpectedly fun and dynamic. Mistakes led to laughter, and retakes became opportunities for improvement.
- Skill Development: The volume and variety of work helped Dan refine his delivery, becoming more natural and expressive with each session.
- Creative Satisfaction: He described the experience as feeling like “acting in an audio film,” which was both surprising and deeply rewarding.
Payment and Platform Security
Dan noted that payment through Voices was straightforward and reliable.
Using PayPal, he found the transaction seamless once the project was approved. Although there was a wait period for project closure, once payment was released, it arrived instantly. The platform’s attention to the safety and interests of its contributors further bolstered his trust—Voices actively warns talent about off-platform offers, emphasizing content protection and fair compensation.
Advice for Aspiring Voice Data Contributors
Dan is a strong advocate for perseverance in voice data work. His key advice:
- Just Start: Even without prior professional experience, taking the first step is crucial.
- Be Patient: Success often takes time; expect delays and keep auditioning.
- Trust Voices: The platform stands out for its legitimacy, prompt payments, and protection of artists’ work.
Embrace the Process: Voice data projects can be more enjoyable and creatively stimulating than expected, often offering more fun than traditional e-learning or narration scripts.
