Political advertising. Why do we hate it? Because most political ads follow the same formula: doom, gloom, and a hefty dose of fear. Dark, ominous music. A voice-over warning of imminent disaster. Let’s be real—I’ve voiced plenty of these ads. They’re the bread and butter of political voice overs, and I don’t hate them. They work. That’s why campaigns and creative houses keep using them.
But every once in a while, a political ad stands out. It breaks through the noise. It makes you sit up and notice.
Last year, an ad I narrated for the Americans For Contraception Act won a Reed Award, a Pollie Award, and a SOVAS for exactly that reason. It was different. Conversational. Down-to-earth. It felt like one person talking to another about something that mattered. The visuals, the tone—everything broke the standard political advertising playbook.
This past month, I saw it happen again. Another ad that did something different. But this time, instead of a conversational, one-to-one approach, it stood out through humor. I won a Reed Award for my voice-over in the comedy category—which, first of all, is just a ridiculously fun thing to say out loud. Funny political ads don’t come around often, but when they do, they’re magic.
A perfectly timed pause. A wry twist of delivery. A moment of levity in an otherwise high-stakes political landscape. Because politics—while often deeply unfunny—is also deeply human. And when you tap into humor in political advertising, you tap into connection.
Why Humor Works in Political Advertising
Political advertising is a high-stakes game. Campaigns are trying to cut through the noise, influence opinions, and ultimately, win votes. Traditional political ads rely on fear, hope, or outrage—big emotions that drive action.
But humor? Humor disarms people. It gets past their defenses.
A well-crafted funny political ad catches the audience off guard, makes them laugh, and—most importantly—makes them remember. When an ad makes someone laugh, they’re more likely to talk about it, share it, and recall it when it matters most. In a world where voters are bombarded with political messaging, that’s a game-changer.
It’s no surprise that award-winning political voice over performances often come from ads that break convention. Whether through humor in politics or a memorable political ad, the ones that stick are the ones that get talked about.
The Role of Voice-Over in Comedy Political Ads
Comedy in voice-over isn’t just about reading the lines—it’s about how you deliver them. Inflection is everything. The slightest shift in tone can make a joke land perfectly or fall flat.
A political ad with comedy demands precision. A sarcastic edge, a knowing wink in the voice, or just the right amount of exaggeration can turn a line from mildly amusing to genuinely funny.
Great writing gives the voice actor something to work with—rhythm, contrast, and misdirection—to make the humor land. A well-written script allows for the inflection, pacing, and pauses that transform a simple line into something truly memorable.
Behind the Mic: Recording an Award-Worthy Political Ad
This award-worthy ad came through at a time I won’t forget—during Hurricane Helene. No power, no water, no internet. But when a great project comes, you make it work.
I recorded my takes in my home recording studio, relying on battery power, with no way to send them off immediately. Instead, I’d walk down to the local grocery store, where they had a generator running their internet station. I’d upload the files, send them to the producer, and wait for feedback.
She’d call me with notes—advice about picking the right inflection, comedic beats, and tone—and then I’d trek back home, record another round of takes, and repeat the process. We built and refined that ad bit by bit, perfecting it under crazy circumstances.
And post-hurricane? The producer came back, wanting multiple versions tailored for different races. That little storm-survival recording session turned into something that ran in key races and ultimately landed me a Reed Award nomination for political voice-over.
Because when it comes to voice over, no matter the obstacles, the right performance—and the right message—always finds a way to get heard.
The Power of an Award-Winning Political Voice Over
I’m certainly no expert in political advertising strategy—I can only speak to what I see from my side of the mic. And what I see is that when something stands out, it gets noticed.
Whether it’s humor in political ads, a conversational tone, or a completely fresh approach, the ads that break the formula are the ones that stick with people.
That’s what makes this Reed nomination meaningful to me. It’s a reminder that political voice overs aren’t just about saying words—it’s about how those words are delivered. And sometimes, the right delivery can change everything.
Are You Looking for a Political Voice Over That Stands Out?
If you’re crafting a political ad that breaks through the noise, humor might be your secret weapon. And whether it’s comedy, confidence, or a heartfelt message, I’d love to help bring it to life.
👉 Let’s connect. annecloudvoiceover.com
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