Terms like “authentic” and “believable” are part of voice-over, like “on fire” and “feeling it” are part of sports. They mean a performer is tapped into a common flow that permeates all experience. 

But as much as voice-over directing and casting invoke “main street” as a performance goal, the industry is inundated with tools and product brands that have a semi-religious following. Certain microphones and other gear are understood to be wear-tested, decade-defining, and billions-delivering. They charge a premium because of thrilling production stories and insider provenance. The best studios provide them. The best projects use them. They are elite, royal tools of the voice-over trade. 

Anybody pursuing voice-over confronts an uncomfortable contradiction: it can be pricey to sound ordinary. Sticker shock can hit every part of the signal chain from your vocal cords to the client’s ears. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and inundated. You wish a Sensei could teach you how to fight back. You don’t need to learn a martial art like Karate or Krav Maga, but some unromantic and life-altering craft like “Advanced Savings Technique: Pro Sound For Savvy Budgets.” 

Well, not to worry: I’m going to tell you how to sound like royalty with a main street budget. 

Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone 

Royal Standard: Neumann U87, Neumann TLM-103
Savvy Standard: TZ Stellar X2, AudioTechnica AT2020 

Large diaphragm condenser microphones have a special warmth. Their default “heart-shaped” cardioid pattern picks up just a bit of “room sound.” This is the sound your voice makes reflecting off nearby surfaces. This doesn’t mean you want to record voice-over in a parking garage or gymnasium. Even in a treated environment, this type of microphone gives subtle coloration. 

With the rise of social media and endless out-of-studio content, the cultural expectation of “real” performance has drifted towards a tad more room sound than in prior decades. These savvy standards can hook you up for as low as one-twentieth the price of top royal standards. 

Hypercardioid (“Shotgun”) Microphone 

Royal Standard: Sennheiser 416
Savvy Standard: Audio-Technica AT875R

Hypercardioid microphones achieve a focused, directional audio pickup pattern. This reduces the pickup of room sound in favor of a “right between your teeth” presence. 

Historically, these microphones were most associated with a classic “announcer” sound. Other factors aside, they can make a performance seem more precise and stylized. Their proximity effect (amplification of bass frequencies with closeness) is legendary. 

The savvy standard here costs one-fifth of the royal standard. It won’t compete with the royal standard for recording penguins mating in Antarctica, nor doing a two-year documentary on front-line firefighting. However, it is very similar in most voice-over situations. 

Audio Interfaces / Mic Preamps 

Royal Standards: Apogee Symphony, RME FireFace, Neve 1073
Savvy Standard: MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface 

Decades ago, premium microphone preamps were light-years ahead of affordable ones. The “preamp” is the first part of the physical path your microphone uses to get its sound to your recording. 

Not all preamps are audio interfaces (which convert an analog signal into digital information for a computer, phone or tablet). With the rise of USB microphones (including versions of the AudioTechnica AT2020 mentioned earlier), not all microphones even need a separate preamp. They have one built-in. 

To complicate things further, other common products like mixers, compressors and digital signal processors each technically have preamps. Line-level and mic-level signals add another factor. 

Because the majority of buyers encounter preamps tied to sound interfaces, it’s common to hear “preamp” describe sound interfaces in casual use. “Preamp” can be a generic term for “the box you plug a mic into to record it digitally on a third device,” usually using an XLR cable. 

This term spaghetti boils down to a key takeaway: today’s affordable sound interfaces have great preamps. My favorite savvy standard clocks in at one-fifth to one-twentieth the price of top royal standards. Take it from me: the sound is almost indistinguishable.

P.S. If you haven’t yet taken our introductory voice-over class, where we go over everything one needs to know about getting started in the voice-over industry,  sign up here!

P.P.S If you want to learn more from VO experts and grow the knowledge you already have, join our VO Pro group!

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 Before we dive into all the different programs out there, let’s start with the basics. A Digital Audio Workstation — or DAW — is simply the software you use to record, edit, and produce your audio. If you’ve ever opened up a program to record your voice, trim out a mistake, add a little compression, or export a file for a client, congratulations—you’ve already been using a DAW.

Think of it like the toolbox on your computer or phone that makes your voice-over sound clean, polished, and ready to send. Some DAWs are super simple, others are loaded with features, and the right one for you often comes down to how you like to work and what your budget looks like.

If you’ve hung around the voice-over world for any length of time, you’ve probably heard about Audacity. It’s free, it’s simple, and it’s helped a lot of us get started recording auditions and jobs without spending a dime. For many voice actors, it’s all they’ll ever need. You can record, edit, and deliver clean files with zero upfront cost…what’s not to love?

But at some point, you might start wondering, “Should I try something else? Is there a DAW that could make my life easier or my workflow faster?” The good news is that there are plenty of other options out there, and you don’t have to be an audio engineer to use them.

Let’s chat about some of the most popular alternatives voice actors use and why they might be worth checking out, plus a few ways to record on your phone when you’re on the go.

Adobe Audition – The Crowd Favorite

One of the most talked-about DAWs among voice actors is Adobe Audition. It’s part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, which means it plays really nicely with other Adobe programs like Premiere Pro.

The big draw? It’s built for speed and flexibility. The interface is clean, the editing tools are powerful, and the noise reduction features, especially the spectral display, make cleaning up audio way easier. Mouth clicks, hums, weird background noise? Gone with just a few clicks.

The catch? It’s subscription-based, currently around $22/month. That can feel pricey, but if you’re booking regularly, many pros find it worth the investment for the time it saves.

Reaper – The Budget Powerhouse

If you like the idea of upgrading but don’t want a monthly bill, Reaper might be your new best friend. It’s a super flexible DAW that runs on both Mac and PC, and you can fully customize it to fit your workflow.

It’s also very affordable, around $60 for a personal license, and the trial version is fully functional. A lot of VO folks love that it’s lightweight and fast, even on older computers.

Now, full disclosure: Reaper looks a little intimidating when you first open it. The interface isn’t as “friendly” out of the box as Audacity or Audition. But once you get the hang of it, or grab one of the VO templates floating around online, it’s incredibly powerful.

TwistedWave – Sleek and Simple

For Mac users who just want something clean and straightforward, TwistedWave is a fan favorite. It’s not a full multitrack DAW; it’s designed mainly for single-track voice work, which is perfect for most VO sessions.

It’s easy to use right away, and its batch processing is fantastic. If you’ve ever had to normalize and export a bunch of files at once, TwistedWave can do it in minutes. Bonus: there’s even an iPad and browser version for recording on the go.

The only downside? It’s Mac-focused, so PC users will have to look elsewhere. But if you’re in the Apple ecosystem, it’s a fantastic tool.

Pro Tools – The Studio Standard

If you’ve ever been in a big music or post-production studio, you’ve probably seen Pro Tools. It’s the industry standard in those worlds, and some voice actors use it for that reason.

For high-end projects or clients who request Pro Tools compatibility, it’s a solid option. It’s also insanely powerful; there’s basically nothing you can’t do in it.

But let’s be real: for most voice actors, it’s overkill. It’s expensive, the learning curve is steep, and unless you’re mixing music or doing a ton of complex audio work, you probably don’t need it.

 Ocenaudio – Another Freebie

Not ready to spend money? Ocenaudio is another free DAW that’s worth checking out. It’s simple, lightweight, and some users find it faster than Audacity.

It has some nice built-in effects and makes it easy to clean up files without a lot of extra steps. The only drawback is that it’s not as widely used in the VO world, so finding tutorials or templates may take a little digging.

Hindenburg Journalist – Perfect for Narration and Podcasts

If you do a lot of narration or podcasting, Hindenburg Journalist might be a hidden gem. It’s built specifically for spoken-word audio, and it shows.

The software auto-levels your tracks, has a super-easy editing workflow, and is designed for voices rather than music. It’s a bit niche, and you may not need it if you’re mostly doing commercials or character work, but for narration-heavy projects, it’s a dream.

What About Recording on Your Phone?

Sometimes you’re traveling or stuck away from your booth, and a last-minute audition pops up. Good news, there are solid options for recording directly on your phone.

For iPhone users, TwistedWave’s mobile app is a lifesaver. It lets you record, edit, and even apply basic processing right from your phone. Pair it with a decent travel mic, and you can deliver audition-quality audio on the fly.

Another popular option is Ferrite Recording Studio (iOS). It’s designed for podcasters and journalists, but works great for VO. It has multi-track capabilities and built-in editing tools, all optimized for touchscreens.

If you’re on Android, WaveEditor is a strong choice. It offers recording and editing in one app and supports plenty of file formats.

And if you want something more robust on mobile, check out Audio Evolution Mobile Studio (available on Android and iOS). It’s closer to a full DAW, with multi-track recording, effects, and editing tools. For folks who need more control while traveling, it’s a solid option that bridges the gap between a simple voice memo app and a desktop DAW.

Even the basic voice memo apps built into your phone can work in a pinch; just make sure you’re in a quiet space and clean it up later.

Are phone apps a replacement for a treated home studio? Not really. But they’re fantastic for emergencies or when you need to record a quick audition while you’re on the road.

So, Which DAW Is Best?

Here’s the truth: the “best” DAW is the one that makes your life easiest, fits your budget, and helps you deliver clean audio to your clients. Some folks stay with Audacity forever and never feel limited. Others upgrade to Audition or Reaper and swear they’ll never go back.

The most important thing is how comfortable you feel using it. A DAW is just a tool; your clients care about the quality of your final product, not the software you used to make it.

Exploring new DAWs can feel intimidating at first, but it’s also exciting. Each one has its own personality and strengths. Try a few demos, experiment with a phone app or two, and see what fits your workflow. Whether you stick with Audacity, upgrade to a more powerful DAW, or add a mobile option like Audio Evolution for travel days, the goal is the same: deliver great audio and make the process as stress-free as possible.

P.S. If you haven’t yet taken our introductory voice-over class, where we go over everything one needs to know about getting started in the voice-over industry,  sign up here!

P.P.S If you want to learn more from VO experts and grow the knowledge you already have, join our VO Pro group!

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Let’s pause for a moment. 

You’ve heard the phrase “pregnant pause.” How does a pause become pregnant—ripe with meaning, freighted with consequence, tingly with anticipation?

A pause is not simply empty space between phrases, like the gap between words on a page. True, it does set one phrase off from another, but it can also serve as connective tissue, linking one thought with others, propelling momentum forward, and underscoring emotion or intention. 

A pause can be expressive in its own right and can be meaningful in a variety of ways. For example: 

• Creating suspense: “She opened the letter…PAUSE…and froze.”
• Providing a transition: “That was the past. …PAUSE…This is now.”
• Establishing authority: “Let me be clear. …” PAUSE
• Focusing attention: “With plans in place, the project would begin…” PAUSE
• As a staging device, preparing us for what follows: “On your mark…” PAUSE
• Ratcheting up tension, stirring anticipation: “And now the story can be told…” PAUSE. OR, the classic: “Once upon a time…” PAUSE.

The lines above would not have had nearly the impact without the “set-up” provided by the pause. 

Pausing in comedy is essential for a joke to work – we call this comedic timing: “Take my wife…Please!” The pause tricks the listener into anticipating an expected meaning. Caught off guard, the unexpected line, “please”, triggers the laugh. 

Pauses are endlessly manipulated for “dramatic effect”. Politicians, preachers, motivational speakers, and carnival pitchmen all seem to have a knack for inflating rhetoric with strategic pauses. 

Simple exposition would be dull and monotonous without the accents pauses provide. The rise and fall of stirring rhetoric is driven forward by gate-keeping pauses—building and releasing tension. 

Pauses don’t exist apart from language; they derive their meaning from the words that surround them. A powerful phrase earns a pause; the pause, in turn, amplifies the phrase. 

Words and pauses can sometimes be (nearly) one in the same, “I told you to STOP!” PAUSE 

Strategically placed pauses are naturally woven into speaking patterns and should not be ignored or slighted. They are essential to conversational cadences. They have a beat of their own, on a footing comparable with words and phrases. Syncopated speech depends on the presence of pauses, equally weighted, equally emphatic. “I came. I saw. I conquered.” 

So what does this mean to the working actor?

While effective, pauses can be overused. They have to be deployed discreetly, tactfully. Overuse of pauses—exaggerated, drawn-out pauses—sound gimmicky, call attention to themselves, and quickly become tiresome. 

Much of commercial and narration voice work is limited by settled conventions, which often means brisk, minimally inflected patter. Certain genres call for baked-in-the-cake inflections and intonations: Promos, trailers, documentaries. Consequently, opportunities for dramatic expression are limited, as contrasted, for example, with the interpretive freedom allowed actors in film and theater. 

There are, however, exceptions: testimonials, character work in commercial dialogues, and documentary re-enactments. Animation and audiobooks are certainly exceptions. Sometimes scripts naturally call for full, fat pauses, for example: “On December 7^th, 1941, Japanese forces launched a devastating attack on Pearl Harbor.” 

PAUSE. No direction notes needed. 

A pause often accompanies a breath—because audible inhalations can also be punctuators. A quick intake of breath brings us to attention and puts us on alert. 

For the working actor, authentic, instinctive reads are the key to delivering natural, unobtrusive pauses. Calculated pauses, on the other hand—the kind that marked up scripts often encourage—spoil the broth. Incorporate pauses, but don’t exaggerate them. Pauses should be woven into the natural, textured flow of language. Pauses provide resonance for ideas and sentiments expressed. Lines and pauses are joined at the hip, one leading the way, the other imparting an affirming nod. Give words the room they need to breathe, and that sometimes means just taking a pause. 

P.S. If you haven’t yet taken our introductory voice-over class, where we go over everything one needs to know about getting started in the voice-over industry,  sign up here!

P.P.S If you want to learn more from VO experts and grow the knowledge you already have, join our VO Pro group!

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As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to take a step back and evaluate your progress, check in with clients, review finances, and set new goals for the year ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this end-of-year reflection can provide valuable insights to help you elevate your voice-over career in the coming months. Here’s how to wrap up the year on a productive note.

1. Check In with Clients

As the year comes to a close, it’s a good time to reconnect with those you’ve worked with. Sending a short, personalized message to express gratitude for their business over the past year can help strengthen your professional relationships and keep you top of mind for future projects.

This is an excellent opportunity to:

• Express appreciation for their trust in your work.
• Update them on your availability and any changes to your rates or services for the upcoming year.
• Suggest new services you could offer or ideas based on trends you’ve observed in the industry.
• Wish them a wonderful holiday season.

Don’t forget about past clients either! Even if you haven’t worked with them recently, a thoughtful message could re-open the door for future collaborations.

2. Review Your Finances

The end of the year is an excellent opportunity to do a comprehensive review of your financial health. Start by assessing your income and expenses:

• Income: Track how much you’ve earned over the year, broken down by project type, client, or platform. This will help you understand which revenue streams are most profitable and which ones may need more attention or adjustment.
  
• Expenses: Review your business expenses, including equipment, software, website maintenance, and marketing costs. If you haven’t already, now is a good time to start organizing your receipts and invoices for tax season.
  
• Savings: Consider your long-term financial goals as well. See where you can start setting aside some income for future savings.
  

Understanding where your money is coming from and going can help you make smarter decisions in the New Year and ensure that you’re on solid financial footing.

3. Set New Goals and Priorities

The end of the year is an ideal time to set goals for the upcoming months. Whether you’re looking to expand your client base, improve your vocal skills, or enhance your marketing efforts, goal-setting helps keep you focused and motivated. Here are some areas to consider when planning for the New Year:

• Skill Development: You may have identified areas for improvement in your voice-over abilities – whether it’s mastering a new accent, improving your delivery for specific genres (audiobooks, trailers, characters, etc), or refining your editing skills. Invest in training or workshops that can help you build your craft.
  
• Marketing and Branding: Think about how you can improve your visibility and attract more clients. This might mean updating your website, optimizing your social media profiles, or producing new demos that showcase your versatility. It could also involve expanding your network by attending industry events, joining new online platforms, or collaborating with other creatives.
  
• Expanding Your Niche: If you’ve mostly worked in one area (like eLearning or commercials), consider branching out into new niches. Diversifying your portfolio can help you reach new clients and increase revenue.
  
• Work-Life Balance: It can be easy to blur the lines between work and personal time. Set boundaries for your work hours and prioritize self-care. Consider adjusting your schedule to avoid burnout and give yourself regular breaks to recharge.
  

4. Reflect on Your Achievements

Don’t forget to take a moment to reflect on and celebrate all you’ve accomplished over the past year. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and overlook your successes, but acknowledging your progress can help boost your confidence and motivation. Whether it’s landing a big client, improving your voice-over skills, or achieving a financial milestone, celebrating your wins will give you the energy to push forward into the new year.

As the year comes to a close, wrapping up your voice-over business involves a mix of reflection, reassessment, and planning for the future. By being proactive now, you’ll ensure that your voice-over career continues to grow and thrive in the months ahead.

P.S. If you haven’t yet taken our introductory voice-over class, where we go over everything one needs to know about getting started in the voice-over industry,  sign up here!

P.P.S If you want to learn more from VO experts and grow the knowledge you already have, join our VO Pro group!

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When it comes to voice-over work in commercials, adding more drama is a good way to grab the listener’s attention and make the commercial more memorable. Commercials are often short, meaning every second counts. To make the most of that time, you need to capture the listener’s attention and keep them emotionally engaged. Adding drama is an effective way to do this.

But how exactly do you add more drama into a commercial voice-over? Let’s dive into some key strategies.

1. Understand the Emotional Core of the Script

Drama in voice-over starts with a deep understanding of the emotion of the script. What’s the commercial really about? Are you selling a feeling as much as a product? Is the goal to evoke excitement, trust, nostalgia, or urgency? These questions will help you guide your delivery and determine the kind of dramatic tone that’s appropriate.

For example, a commercial for a sports drink might call for a high-energy, fast-paced delivery full of excitement and drive. However, a luxury car ad may lean into slow, smooth, and confident tones to convey sophistication and class. Identify the emotion that supports the product or service and make it your focus when performing the voice-over.

2. Play with Cadence

Your cadence is how you control the rhythm, flow, and speed of your speech, which plays a big role in adding drama. By varying your cadence, you can highlight key moments and guide the listener through the emotional highs and lows of the commercial.

Slowing down your speech at key moments creates gravity and gives listeners time to absorb important information. This works especially well for more dramatic, serious messages or when you want to emphasize luxury or importance.  

Speeding up your delivery can create excitement, urgency, and energy, particularly in commercials focused on limited-time offers or fast-moving products.

Pauses and where you put them can also play a big role. A pause can build anticipation, allow for reflection, or give key points room to breathe. It’s often used in dramatic storytelling, and in commercials, it can create tension and make the final reveal all the more impactful.

3. Use Intonation for Emotional Impact

   

Intonation refers to the rise and fall of your voice, and it’s a great tool for adding drama into a commercial voice-over. By varying your pitch, you can build suspense, convey enthusiasm, or even hint at a hidden story beneath the words.

For example, starting a sentence with a lower, more serious tone and then lifting it as you reach a conclusion can create an arc of excitement or suspense. Also, lowering your voice at the end of a sentence can give it a weighty, resonant feel, which is good for important or emotionally charged information.

Experiment with rising and falling tones to emphasize emotional peaks and valleys. Avoid a monotonous delivery, which can make the script fall flat.

4. Adjusting Volume

Changing the volume of your voice can also add dramatic flair. Just like in movies or live theater, louder moments grab attention, while quieter moments draw the listener in more intimately. In a commercial, louder moments are typically used for calls to action, like “Don’t miss out!” or “Order now!”

However, softer, quieter tones can be equally effective for building drama. Imagine describing the details of a luxury product or service in a hushed, almost secretive voice. This creates intimacy and intrigue, drawing the listener closer.

Use louder volumes for moments that need emphasis or urgency, but softening your voice when delivering more personal, reflective, or intimate messages.

5. Match the Script’s Energy

Your voice-over should match not only the message of the script but also its energy. A mismatch between the tone of your voice and the content of the script can confuse the audience. For example, a voice-over for a children’s toy commercial might need a playful, upbeat, and energetic tone, while a commercial for life insurance would require a calm, reassuring, and slightly serious delivery. 

Identify the overall tone of the script, whether it’s fun and lighthearted or more serious and reflective. Then match your delivery to that energy.

6. Use Personal Connection to Engage the Listener

Make it feel personal. Speak as though you’re addressing the listener directly, drawing them into the narrative. This sense of connection increases emotional impact and ensures the listener feels engaged.

For example, using a conversational tone (such as when you’re talking to a friend) can make a voice-over more relatable, while a confident, authoritative voice may convey expertise and trust. 

Focus on creating a connection with your listener. Speak to them, not at them.

Adding drama to a commercial voice-over script can elevate the impact of your performance. Drama in voice-overs isn’t about being over-the-top; it’s about enhancing the emotional core and giving the performance weight and meaning. Have some fun practicing with different script types and watch how the drama can help them shine. 

Check out our free PDF with pro tips from real working voice-over actors here!

Want to learn more about voiceover? Sign up for our introductory VO webinar.

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The dynamic world of voice acting demands more than talent: it requires a growth mindset. Cultivating a growth-centered approach can unlock your full potential and propel you toward your dreams in this industry. Let’s explore how you can develop this powerful mindset and transform your voice-acting journey. 

Understanding the Growth Mindset 

A growth mindset embodies the belief that you can develop your abilities through dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn. For voice actors, this means viewing your vocal skills, acting abilities, and industry knowledge as areas for continuous improvement rather than fixed traits. 

Embrace Challenges 

Voice acting has the ability to transform challenges into opportunities. Each audition offers a chance to learn and grow, regardless of the outcome. Instead of avoiding difficult roles or unfamiliar genres, embrace them as exciting opportunities to expand your range and skillset. 

For example, if you typically voice cheerful characters, challenge yourself to audition for a brooding antagonist. Preparing for this role will stretch your abilities and uncover new strengths. Remember, while landing the role brings joy, the true goal is learning and improving through the experience. 

Practice Consistently 

Consistent practice forms the foundation of growth in voice acting. Dedicate time each day to vocal exercises, even if only for 15-30 minutes. These can include:

• Warm-up exercises to prepare your voice 

• Articulation drills to enhance clarity 

• Breathing control exercises to boost stamina 

• Reading scripts aloud to hone interpretation and delivery 

Incorporate regular self-recording into your practice routine. Listen back critically to identify areas of improvement. Practice makes perfect, and over time, you’ll sharpen your ear for your own performance, enabling continuous self-directed improvement. 

Seek and Embrace Feedback 

Feedback fuels growth, though receiving it can be challenging, especially when critical. Develop the skill of accepting feedback without defensiveness. Remember, critiques provide valuable information to help you improve, they are not personal attacks. 

Actively seek feedback from peers, coaches, and industry professionals. Join voice acting communities online or in-person to share your work and receive honest critique. When you receive feedback, reflect on it and consider how to incorporate these insights into your next performance. 

Continuous Learning 

The voice-acting industry is constantly evolving with new technologies, trends, and opportunities. Adopt a learner’s mindset and cultivate curiosity about all aspects of your craft. 

Attend workshops and seminars to master new techniques and gain industry insights. Read books on voice acting, performance, and the business side of the industry. Follow industry blogs and podcasts to stay updated on trends and opportunities. 

Consider acquiring related skills to enhance your voice acting career. For instance, basic audio editing skills can prove invaluable for producing high-quality home auditions. 

Celebrate Small Wins

While pursuing your big goals, don’t overlook the small achievements along the way. Recognizing and celebrating these wins maintains motivation and builds confidence. 

Did you nail a difficult accent in your latest audition? Celebrate it! Finally mastered that challenging tongue twister? Acknowledge it! Keep a “win journal” to record these achievements, no matter how small. On tough days, this journal will remind you of your progress. 

Develop Resilience 

Rejection inevitably accompanies a voice actor’s journey. A growth mindset enables you to view each “no” as valuable feedback and a stepping stone toward improvement. 

After each rejection, reflect: what can you learn from this experience? Perhaps you can refine your audition technique, polish a particular accent, or enhance your interpretation of certain character types. 

Remember, even the most successful voice actors face regular rejection. It doesn’t reflect your worth as an actor or person, it simply forms part of the process. 

Set Realistic Goals 

While big dreams inspire, breaking them into achievable milestones maintains motivation and provides a clear path forward. Set both short-term and long-term goals for your voice acting career. 

For instance, a short-term goal might involve auditioning for ten new roles each month. A long-term goal could be to land a recurring role in an animated series within two years. 

Regularly review and adjust your goals as you grow. Celebrate achieving a goal, then set a new, slightly more challenging one to keep pushing yourself forward. 

Stay Curious and Experiment 

Curiosity drives growth. Remain open to new experiences and approaches in your voice acting journey. This might involve: 

• Exploring different voice acting genres (e.g., animation, video games, audiobooks) 

• Experimenting with various character voices and accents 

• Trying new vocal techniques or performance methods 

• Collaborating with other voice actors on passion projects 

Challenge yourself regularly. For instance, try voice acting a scene from your favorite movie in three entirely different styles. This experimentation can lead to exciting discoveries about your abilities and preferences. 

Conclusion: Your Unique Journey 

Remember, your voice is unique, as is your journey as a voice actor. Embrace the growth process and trust in your ability to improve. With a growth mindset, every experience, success or setback, transforms into an opportunity to learn and progress. 

By consistently applying these principles, you’ll not only enhance your voice acting skills but also cultivate the resilience, adaptability, and passion necessary for long-term success in this exciting field. Your potential knows no limits. With a growth mindset, you’ll achieve remarkable feats in your voice acting career. Keep going! 

Check out our free PDF with pro tips from real working voice-over actors here!

Want to learn more about voiceover? Sign up for our introductory VO webinar.

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I hate the term “work/life balance”. As a mother of five kids, it feels like an unachievable goal, and I always seem to fall short somewhere. Reaching that elusive balance can be one of the most challenging aspects of being an entrepreneur. Our work doesn’t get left at the office, it follows us around wherever we go, sometimes whether we want it to or not. We set boundaries, but they often shift and change as rapidly as the weather.

Let’s use a day at my house as an example. From 6:00 am until 8:30 am is a crazy time, because I have three different kids in three different schools. First, I make sure the teens are up and eating breakfast, then I drive to school, then run home and fit in an audition or two. 

Next, I run into the house to make breakfast for the second time that day, and I make sure my youngest is dressed and his homework is done. Spoiler alert, it usually isn’t. Then we read together, go to the bus stop, and wait for the bus (that’s always late). I usually check emails and messages during this wait, even though I know I should be socializing with the other moms. But I just don’t have the energy. 

Then, it’s back home to try to get the rest of the auditions in by 9. After that, it’s back in the house to clean up from the morning chaos, and then I usually pick produce in my garden, weeding, and possibly grocery shopping. 

By 11 it’s back in the studio to work, market, and maybe do a session depending on the day. Oh, and don’t forget to check in on social media, make a post on Linkedin or TikTok, and engage with others’ content.

Are you tired yet? Because at this point I haven’t even had lunch.

All that is assuming that a child isn’t sick that day, no one has a doctor’s appointment, and my older kids don’t need me. I usually try to fit some exercise in, but honestly, it’s usually the part that gets left off. 

Sound familiar? Your day might look different, but we all have our own brand of chaos, don’t we?

So how do we find a path that leads to a successful career AND a happy healthy life in the midst of the beldam? 

The first step is essential for all of us: you need to truly understand YOUR personal definition of success. 

Success looks vastly different for each of us, and you will never truly be happy following someone else’s path. If you don’t know what success looks like for you, how do you know what you’re working towards?

Me, I always feel a little frustrated when I start comparing my career to my peers without a houseful of kids. But, my definition of success looks much different than theirs: success in my career comes back to the reason I started working in the first place. I had one goal, and it wasn’t fame or fortune, it was to be able to support my children in college so they could graduate without debt.

I have to constantly remind myself that it’s okay if I don’t achieve the same benchmarks as my peers because we aren’t reaching for the same stars.

Something that really helps me is to focus on work/life prioritization rather than work/life balance. I can never truly do everything at once. No one can! Instead, I focus on identifying what is most important at the moment and letting the rest go. Sometimes that means that I shut the studio door, and trust my family to take care of themselves so that I can meet the needs of a client. Sometimes that means that I lock the studio up and focus on being fully present with my family inside my home. I have to constantly be triaging my time and deciding what is most important – and truthfully, sometimes it takes a kid pulling my phone from my hand to realize that I need to put work away. 

If you have a partner in your home, their support can be important in achieving the success you are after. My husband has never done a voice-over in his life, but he can talk about the industry like a pro. When I mentioned to him that I might want to begin this career journey, he was all in from the very beginning. I remember one night I came into our room after getting the kids in bed to find him with several tabs pulled up on the computer with microphone options. He listens to me, provides a sounding board, and even spends time researching and coming up with ideas to help me grow. This communication and support is vital to success.

Another thing that really helps our family is to hold a family council at the start of each week. We coordinate what needs to be done that week through a shared digital calendar that everyone is required to update. The calendar helps, but those face-to-face conversations are vital. I have ADHD, and this helps me to stay on track and helps my family support each other in our various needs.

I also encourage you to outsource – and I’m not talking about business here! If you can afford it, hire a cleaner, find a sitter to help a few hours a day, order your groceries for pickup, or pay for a meal delivery service.

Even with the support of my family, prioritizing what’s most important, detailed scheduling, and outsourcing some things, it’s still a constant challenge. I’ve had to learn to let some things go. Recently we gave away our chickens and downsized our garden. I also stopped spending as much time on hobbies like woodworking and baking. These are all GOOD things that add to my life, but they also draw on my time. Sometimes we have to be willing to let go of what is good, to focus instead on what’s most important to our definition of success.

So, what do you think? Is work/life balance a lie? I suggest that instead of seeking balance, we find ways to prioritize our lives and recognize that we can achieve our version of success through the support of our family and friends – and that is where true happiness lies.

Check out our free PDF with pro tips from real working voice-over actors here!

Want to learn more about voiceover? Sign up for our introductory VO webinar.

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“Mom, it’s happening again!” my daughter shouted from the back seat of our 17-year-old Chrysler minivan. She was holding up the fabric of the roof of our vehicle, which had begun to lose its adhesiveness a few weeks prior. 

I handed her a thumbtack to keep the fabric up as I drove my well-worn, child-toting minivan to her soccer practice. 

I was trying to be grateful for what I had. I really was. But it wasn’t just the minivan’s roof that had problems. The driver’s window wouldn’t roll down. One of the side doors didn’t open automatically anymore. The wiring to the rear tail light was fried. There was a huge crack through our windshield. And finally, the air conditioning went out – right before the heat of summer. We were quite the site to behold driving around town!

I knew what I wanted: a Volkswagen Atlas. The kind with captain seats, enough space for all the sports equipment, and a ceiling that stayed up by itself. I had never driven one, and I didn’t know anyone who had one. In fact, I couldn’t remember seeing them very much in my city. When we finally said goodbye to our faithful minivan and were test-driving SUVs, I saw Atlases EVERYWHERE. Where had they all come from? 

The truth is that those Volkswagens had always been there, driving around my city. I just didn’t have eyes to see them. I wasn’t looking for them. 

You see, you will find what you’re looking for. 

No matter how many challenges we face as entrepreneurs in the voice-over industry, I am convinced that there is always more goodness than hardship. We just need eyes to see it.

The best way I’ve found to develop a growth mindset and my ability to see the goodness in my life is through practicing gratitude. 

Now, before you roll your eyes and try to close out of this article, hear me out. 

Practicing gratitude is just like any other discipline. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Your ability to find goodness quickens. It becomes your default thinking rather than something you have to consciously choose. Your powerful mind will do what you train it to do: focus on the positive. 

Gratitude is the mother of positivity. Gratitude gives birth to a whole new mindset. And a positive mindset in this industry really matters! It changes our perspective and our outcomes.

You’ve probably had one of these days as a voice-over artist: You overthink auditions, struggle with tech, fear direct marketing, and compare yourself to every other voice talent on your social media feed. 

But what if your default mindset was different? What if you practiced gratitude for the number of auditions you receive, your ability to learn hard things, the opportunity to share your services with the world, and the unique value you hold in this industry?

Just like me and my Volkswagen, you will find what you’re looking for. I couldn’t see all of them in my town because I was focused on the many problems of my current Chrysler minivan. If you want to find problems in your career and life, I promise you will find them. But if you want to find and focus on the good things in your life and career, try these simple habits:

1. Get a Gratitude Jar. Place this jar on your desk or in your booth. Write down one thing every day that you’re grateful for, and put it in your jar. Maybe you got a positive response from direct marketing, you nailed an audition, your coach gave you great feedback, or you booked a job. Maybe your friend sent you a kind text, your favorite shoes were on sale, or your kid connected with you in a special way. 

When you’re having a hard day, pull out a few of these and remind yourself that there is so much good in your life.

At the end of the year, re-read each slip of paper, and see how very wonderful your life has been!

2. Take a walk, and identify three things that you love about the present moment. The birds, the solitude, the sunshine – whatever gets your attention. 

3. Find another voice-over artist and commit to texting each other one positive thing that happened in your week.

These regular practices will help transform your thinking, which will transform your acting abilities, your business, and your life. When you focus on the good, it changes your perspective, motivation, and energy. If you want a more positive mindset, start with gratitude. 

There is so much goodness already happening in your life. Can you see it?

Check out our free PDF with pro tips from real working voice-over actors here!

Want to learn more about voiceover? Sign up for our introductory VO webinar.

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Improvisation is an important skill for a voice actor to hone – and one that isn’t often talked about! There’s plenty of voice-over skill to be gleaned from learning improv, and lots of great improv skills that can be brought into the booth. While screen actors tend to know the importance of the great art of improv, it’s extremely beneficial for voice actors as well!

If you’ve never taken an improv class or seen a show yourself, I highly recommend doing so! It’s enriching for our own career as voice actors of course, but it’s also fun. According to Wikipedia, improv is, “The form of theatre, often comedy, in which most or all of what is performed is unplanned or unscripted, created spontaneously by the performers. In its purest form, the dialogue, action, story, and characters are created collaboratively by the players as the improvisation unfolds in the present time, without the use of an already prepared, written script.” Even in that definition, we can start to see how this is going to apply in our field. 

Whether you’re just beginning to learn about improv or are ready to appear on Who’s Line is it, Anyway?, here are some of the biggest takeaways you can bring into your voice acting:

Character & World-building

During improv, a scene will unfold without you having any preparation beforehand. You’ll need to adapt quickly to what’s happening, decide on who you are going to be in that scene, and then maintain that character and world around you (along with your improv peers). This is such an important part of being a good voice actor! 

Whenever you are auditioning for a new character, you’ll only have a little information about who they are and what they’re doing. It’s up to you to make those decisions, and then act accordingly! Even when it’s less obvious – such as in commercials or corporate narration – having the ability to quickly understand your character and the world around them is essential. Just because you’re not a wacky character doesn’t mean you get to skip this part! When you get a commercial or narrative script, you still need to decide what role your voice is playing in selling a product or explaining a service. Are you supposed to speak to your audience as if you’re the expert? Their friend? Their parent? A radio announcer? Using good critical improv skills and some direction from the client, you’ll be able to embody exactly who it is your client is looking for.

Timing

Improv tends to be comedic – so comedic timing is a skill one must hone to be a great improviser. But knowing when to make a funny joke is just a part of having good timing. Improv also teaches you when to enter and leave a scene, when to take a beat, breath, or laugh to make a scene more impactful, or when to assist a fellow actor to help them shine. All of this can also make our line reads better behind the mic. When you receive a script, it may not have much in the way of pacing and delivery notes for you to follow. These are decisions you have to make as an actor! Being able to examine your script and decide which lines need what pacing or emphasis, what you should deliver as a joke versus something serious, and when you should mix in a laugh, a grunt, or a sigh is all part of what makes a voice actor’s talent become next-level. 

Expanding Your Range

Improv can be a harrowing experience for the introvert. You never know who you might be in the next scene. It can be nerve-wracking to not prepare what we’re going to say in advance. And what if no one laughs at our jokes? Yikes! 

But, getting out of your comfort zone can make us better actors, and honestly, probably better people overall. Doing improv takes guts, but putting yourself out there will allow you to reap the rewards. Imagine all the new things you could do if you only knew you could. Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone is how we expand our range of possibilities as an actor, both on and off the stage. If you only ever used your natural speaking voice, how would you know that you can do a terrifying villain monologue? A spot-on impression of a baby? Maybe a drunken fool stumbling out of an 1800s tavern? Improv will bring new characters out of you that you had no idea existed before. 

If you’re interested in taking a super-fun improv class with SAV, you can do so by clicking here.

You’ll truly never know what you can do until you try. Let improv help you find that out! 

Check out our free PDF with pro-tips from real working voice-over actors here!

Want to learn more about voiceover? Signup for our introductory VO webinar.

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In voice-over, your voice is your most valuable asset. It’s the tool that conveys emotions, tells stories, and captivates audiences. But beyond the technical aspects of tone, pitch, and pacing, lies an often overlooked yet crucial element: personality. Your voice-over work shouldn’t just sound good; it should resonate with who you are as a person. Here are some tips to help you infuse your voice-over with your unique personality:

1. Know Yourself

Before you can effectively infuse your voice-over with personality, you need to know what that personality is. Take some time to reflect on your quirks, passions, and values. What makes you tick? What makes you unique? What is unique about your voice and the way that you speak that is different from others? Understanding your own personality traits will give you a solid foundation to build upon.

2. Be Authentic 

Authenticity is key in voice-over work. Audiences can tell when someone is being genuine, and they’re more likely to connect with voices that feel real. Embrace your natural voice and mannerisms rather than trying to mimic someone else or reading a script the way you think it should sound. Your authenticity will shine through and resonate with listeners.

3. Practice Self-Expression 

Voice-over is a form of self-expression. Experiment with different styles, tones, and inflections to find what feels most authentic to you and what comes most naturally. Whether you’re recording a commercial, narration, or character voice-over, inject a bit of yourself into every performance.

4. Use Your Emotions

Emotions are powerful tools in voice-over work. Channel your own emotions into your performances to create a deeper connection with your audience. Whether it’s excitement, empathy, or humor, let your genuine emotions come through in your voice-over work.

5. Find Your Signature Style

Just as every person has a unique personality, every voice-over artist has a signature style. Discover what sets you apart from others in the industry and embrace it. Whether it’s a distinctive tone, a particular cadence, or a knack for comedic timing, lean into your strengths and make them a cornerstone of your voice-over brand.

6. Be Versatile 

While it’s important to have a signature style, versatility is also crucial in the world of voice-over. Don’t be afraid to stretch yourself and try new things. Experiment with different genres, accents, and characters to showcase the full range of your personality and abilities.

7. Listen to Feedback

Feedback is an invaluable tool for growth in voice-over work. Pay attention to what clients, colleagues, and listeners have to say about your performances. Take constructive criticism in stride and use it as an opportunity to fine-tune your craft and better align your voice-over with your personality.

8. Stay True to Your Values

Your voice-over work should reflect who you are as a person, so it’s important to stay true to your values. Whether it’s integrity, authenticity, or empathy, let your core values guide your performances. Audiences will appreciate the sincerity and depth that comes from speaking from the heart.

9. Continuously Improve

Voice-over, like any skill, requires constant practice and refinement. Commit to ongoing learning and growth to hone your craft and further develop your unique voice-over style. Whether it’s taking acting classes, studying vocal techniques, or simply practicing regularly, invest in yourself and your abilities.

10. Have Fun

Above all, voice-over should be fun! Let your passion and enthusiasm shine through in your performances. When you’re having a good time behind the mic, it’s contagious, and audiences will be drawn to your energy and authenticity.

Connecting your voice-over with your personality is about more than just sounding good; it’s about being true to yourself and letting your unique traits and quirks shine through in your performances. By being authentic, you can create voice-over work that resonates with audiences on a deeper level. 

Check out our free PDF with pro-tips from real working voice-over actors here!

Want to learn more about voiceover? Signup for our introductory VO webinar.

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