Thinking About Getting Into Voice Over? Here’s What I’d Tell You First
If you’re new to voice over, I’m going to tell you something up front that I wish someone had told me early on:
You Don’t Need a “Perfect” Voice to Start in Voice Over
A “perfect” voice is not a pre-requisite. You need skills, consistency, and a little patience.
A lot of beginners get stuck wondering if their voice is “good enough.” The truth is, there’s no single voice that works for everything. Commercials, narration, corporate videos, video games, etc., they all need different sounds. What clients really want is someone who sounds natural, clear, and believable.
That’s the part you can learn.
Your Recording Space Matters More Than Expensive Gear
Let’s talk equipment, because this is where people tend to overthink things.
You do not need an expensive studio to get started. What you do need is a quiet space with as little echo and background noise as possible. Closets, treated corners, portable booths; those can all work if you set them up right.
Bad audio will cost you auditions faster than a bad read. So focus on controlling your space first. Start with solid, basic gear and upgrade later. Skill always comes before equipment.
Don’t Just Read the Script — Talk to Someone
This is a big one.
Voice over isn’t about reading words off a page. It’s about understanding who you’re talking to and why you’re talking to them.
It’s something I had to learn. Before I record anything now, I ask myself:
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Who am I speaking to?
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What’s the point of this message?
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How should this feel?
Even something like corporate narration or e-learning still needs intention. If you focus too much on how your voice sounds, the read usually feels stiff. If you focus on meaning, the performance starts to click.
Talk to one person. Keep it real.
Practice Voice Over Like a Professional (Even Before You’re Paid)
You don’t need paid gigs to practice professionally.
When I was starting out, I spent a lot of time:
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Reading real scripts out loud
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Recording myself and listening back (yes, it’s uncomfortable)
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Trying multiple reads of the same script
- Mimicking spots I heard on the radio in my car.
Listening back is where the growth happens. It’s not always fun, but it works.
And coaching? Worth it. A good coach can save you years of guessing and bad habits.
Don’t Rush Your Voice Over Demo
I see this mistake all the time.
Your demo is not a “learning tool.” It’s a marketing tool. If you rush it, you’re basically telling clients you’re ready when you’re not.
Before investing in a demo, make sure you:
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Can deliver solid reads consistently
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Know what styles fit you best
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Have gotten real feedback from people who work in the industry
There’s no rush. A strong demo opens doors. A weak one quietly closes them. A bad demo is worse than no demo. Believe me.
Treat Voice Over Like a Business from Day One
Even if voice over is just a side thing right now, it’s still a business.
That means learning how to:
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Communicate professionally
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Meet deadlines
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Deliver clean audio
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Understand basic usage and expectations
Clients remember people who are easy to work with. Talent gets attention. Professionalism gets repeat work.
Ignore the “Get Rich Quick” Voice Over Noise
Voice over isn’t a shortcut career. It’s a craft.
Some weeks you’ll book. Some weeks you won’t. That’s normal – even when you’re established. What matters is showing up, practicing, and improving a little at a time.
If you build good habits and stay consistent, momentum comes.
Final Thoughts for New Voice Actors
If you’re just starting out and feeling unsure, that’s normal. Everyone I know in this industry, including me, started out wondering if they were good enough.
The people who stick around are the ones who stop chasing shortcuts and start building skills.
If you’re early in your voice over journey and want straightforward guidance, with no hype, no pressure, I’m always happy to point people in the right direction. Whether that’s feedback on a read, advice on next steps, or just answering a few questions, reach out and say hello.
Your voice already has value. Now it’s about learning how to use it.
Some great coaching resources (There are a lot of great VO coaches. These are some of the coaches I’ve worked with. When choosing a coach, make sure you are compatible with them and they are able to coach you in the genres you’re looking to explore).
Tina Morasco
David Alden
Marc Cashman
Mary Lynn Wissner
J. Michael Collins
Bruce Kronenberg
Additional resources:
Gravy For The Brain
Voice Over Resource Guide
Voice Actor Websites
