Underplay the Read Hey Reader, A tendency that I find a lot of VO talent have, especially newer ones, is the instinct to "perform" and sort of "put on" a voice or style when reading a script. While there are cases when this could be called for, generally it is going to result in a performance that is too "forced" or dare I say "cheesy". Sometimes the best read is the one that sounds like you’re doing the least. Don't Act It Out, Just Be It In voice-over, we often have the impulse to "sell" a...
9 days ago • 1 min read
Quick Story Hey Reader, I just wanted to share a quick story in this week's tip, and hopefully you can glean something from it. I have a client I've been working with for probably about 5 or so years at this point, doing various commercials - TV, Radio, CTV, Web, etc... The sessions always go super smooth, the jobs pay very well, the producers are great to deal with, everything is great - except....they almost always pay late. We have a net 30 agreement meaning they pay within 30 days of...
16 days ago • 1 min read
Setting your Levels Hey Reader, Let’s talk about something I see a lot of talent, especially those starting out, struggle with: setting your recording levels. It's one of those things that can feel super technical, but it's really not. It's just a simple step that makes a world of difference. Basically it's about turning that input gain knob on your interface to just the right spot for your voice, gear, and recording space. If it’s too quiet, you’ll have to boost the volume later. When you do...
23 days ago • 2 min read
Keep Clients Happy Hey Reader, Arguably the best thing you can do for your VO business is keep your current clients happy and coming back. Here's a few things that'll help you do that. Respond Quickly to Communications People like responsiveness. The quicker you get back to an email or message the better. Like...if you are at your computer as the message comes in and you read it, respond in one minute. It doesn't mean you have to do that all the time, but the client will remember that...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
A helpful use of AI for VO! Hey Reader, Just wanted to share something I've been doing lately that I think is a pretty good use of AI. It's not about cloning, AI Voices or anything like that - something much simpler. I know the whole concept and idea of AI can be a little scary in the voice-over world. That doesn't mean you should avoid it altogether. I think it can actually be really helpful with quoting projects. Here's what I mean and the exact prompt I used in Google Gemini to help me...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Voice-Over Pro Tip Cold Reads Hey Reader, For experienced voice talent, a cold read isn't just about reading the words; it's about instantly understanding the story and making a great first impression. So, how do you go from a good first read to an audition-winning performance? Here are a few strategies to sharpen your cold reading skills: 1. Read Ahead With Your Eyes This is a game-changer. Your eyes should always be a few words ahead of your mouth. This simple trick gives your brain a...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Voice-Over Pro Tip Bringing Life to Corporate Reads Hey Reader, Corporate scripts have a reputation for being dry, but they're a massive part of the voice-over world. The key to a great corporate read isn't to just read the information on the page; it's to find the human story within the technical language. If you're ever faced with a script full of jargon and data, here are three tips to help you bring it to life and make it sound natural and engaging and like something someone would want to...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Voice-Over Pro Tip Great VO Auditions Hey Reader, A winning audition is about much more than just a great performance (although it's largely about that). It's about a complete package of skill, attention to detail, and professionalism. It's always good to review the components of a great VO audition, so let's review them and make sure you're not leaving anything out on your next one. The Performance Read the script aloud before hitting record. Don't just read it in your head. A quick, even...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Voice-Over Pro Tip Compression for VO Hey Reader, You've probably heard the term "compression" in a voice-over context. It's one of those audio tools that can feel a bit like a mystery, but once you understand its purpose, it can become an essential part of your editing workflow. So, what is compression? In the simplest terms, a compressor is like an automatic volume knob. It reduces the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of your recording, creating a more consistent and...
2 months ago • 2 min read