Before "hello" became common, "ahoy" was a common greeting, especially in maritime contexts. Ahoy was used by sailors to hail other ships or to get someone's attention from a distance. It was a strong, commanding word that could be heard over long distances, which made it practical for its time…

One of the key moments in "hello" becoming popular came with the advent of the telephone in the late 19th century. Thomas Edison is often credited with popularizing the use of "hello" as a way to answer the phone…

The reason for this may have been simple: hello was easier to say and had a more neutral, approachable tone compared to other options…

"Hello" was a simple, neutral word chosen to bridge a gap between two people who couldn’t see each other face-to-face.

As a voice-over artist, I do something similar every day—bridge the gap between a character, an idea, or a product and the audience, all through the magic of voice.

Much like "hello" opened the door to a new form of connection with the invention of the telephone, pursuing a career as a voice-over artist is about opening doors to new worlds, experiences, and connections...

So, whether I’m saying "hello" into a microphone or embodying a character, it’s all about creating that moment of connection with the listener.

- Anthony McCarthy