Sibilance
Sibilance is a common term in voice acting and audio production that refers to harsh or whistle-like sounds that occur when pronouncing "s", "z", "sh", and similar sounds. Think of the hissing effect you might hear in words like "assist" or "essence." Voice actors need to control sibilance because these sounds can be distracting or unpleasant for listeners. It's similar to how a microphone might make someone's "s" sounds too sharp or noticeable in a recording. Other terms that mean the same thing include "excessive s sounds" or "harsh consonants."
Examples in Resumes
Developed techniques to reduce Sibilance in commercial voice-over work
Trained voice actors in controlling Sibilant sounds for audio book narration
Successfully completed 50+ audio projects with minimal Sibilance issues
Typical job title: "Voice Actors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Voice Actors
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you train other voice actors to control sibilance?
Expected Answer: An experienced voice actor should explain techniques like proper mic positioning, exercises for tongue control, and demonstrate understanding of how to teach others to manage these challenging sounds.
Q: How do you adapt your sibilance control techniques for different types of voice work?
Expected Answer: Should discuss how different projects (audiobooks, commercials, animation) require different approaches to managing sibilant sounds and share specific examples from their experience.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What techniques do you use to control sibilance during long recording sessions?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe practical methods like proper hydration, mic positioning, and specific vocal exercises they use to maintain consistent sound quality.
Q: How do you identify when sibilance is becoming a problem in your recordings?
Expected Answer: Should explain their self-monitoring process, how they recognize problematic sounds, and methods they use to correct issues during recording.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is sibilance and why is it important to control it?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic understanding of what causes sibilant sounds and why they can be problematic in voice recordings.
Q: What are some basic techniques you use to reduce sibilance?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe basic methods like proper microphone distance and basic vocal exercises to control 's' sounds.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of sibilant sounds
- Simple techniques for controlling s-sounds
- Proper microphone positioning
- Basic vocal warm-up exercises
Mid (2-5 years)
- Consistent control of sibilance
- Advanced breathing techniques
- Various microphone handling methods
- Self-monitoring and correction
Senior (5+ years)
- Training others in sibilance control
- Adapting techniques for different projects
- Problem-solving difficult vocal situations
- Managing long-term vocal health
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to demonstrate basic control of s-sounds
- No knowledge of proper microphone technique
- Lack of understanding about vocal health
- No experience with different recording environments
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Speak Up! How Voice Search Is Changing Job Listings and What HR Needs to Do About It
Forget Coding—Can You Communicate? Why Soft Skills are the New Hard Skills
Silencing the Noise: How No-Meeting Days Supercharge Recruiter Productivity
