Preparing yourself for voice-over may sound like a simple task, but in reality, proper preparation can save a great deal of work, frustration, and misunderstandings with the client. It also helps ensure that you are fully ready for the recording session.
When we receive a script for a voice-over project, the first step should always be to ask the client for as precise an explanation as possible regarding the desired style and tone. At times, we may think we know exactly what intonation suits the project, but the client may not see it the same way. The more information we receive, the more accurate we can be. If possible, asking for a reference or example of a voice-over similar to what the client is looking for can greatly help us better understand their expectations.
It’s also important to clarify with the client or the person commissioning the project whether they have listened to your voice samples and feel that your voice is a good fit. You wouldn’t want to record, edit, export, and deliver a project only to receive a response that the client didn’t like your voice and chose someone else.
You could argue that there is a signed contract and, once you’ve recorded, it becomes the client’s issue. Contractually, you might be right — but from a relationship standpoint, you likely won’t work with that client again.
As voice-over artists, we should be as flexible as possible with our clients. Conduct a proper needs assessment, understand in depth what is expected of you, and in certain cases — especially with longer scripts — record a few sample lines for approval. As mentioned earlier, the intonation you believe fits may not necessarily match the client’s expectations.
Provide a few example sentences, confirm the tone and direction with the client, and only then send a formal work agreement. Remember: do not record the full project without a signed contract that clearly outlines all the terms protecting you, as detailed in the sections on working with clients and pricing voice-over services.
After the contract has been approved, a few sample lines recorded, and you’ve received the green light to proceed, go through the entire script carefully and make sure you fully understand what is written. Read it as many times as needed to internalize the text and become comfortable with the wording.
If there are unclear words, ask the client to send you a voice note — for example via WhatsApp — pronouncing them, and write them down in a way that will be clear to you during recording. If you notice language errors or are unsure about certain phrasing, verify that the text is indeed written correctly. If corrections are needed, confirm them with the client, and only after receiving approval should you move on to recording.
Before starting the recording, it’s recommended to drink a glass of room-temperature water and try to step into the character as much as possible. As mentioned many times, a voice-over artist is essentially a vocal actor whose role is to convey emotion to the listener. Never forget that — whether you’re recording a long narration or a short 6-second sponsorship.
Every recorded word matters. Remember to be clear and to use all the tools at your disposal in the most professional way possible, as expected from you.
We do not finish a recording if we are not satisfied with the result. We will re-record as many times as necessary until we are fully satisfied with the outcome.
