So, you’ve been hired for a voiceover gig—congrats! 🎉 You walk into the studio, the headphones go on, the mic is ready, and then... you’re not entirely sure what they’re asking you to do. Cue the inner panic, right? Wrong! Here’s the deal: when in doubt, just ask.

Why Asking Questions Is a Pro Move

First off, let’s clear something up. Asking questions doesn’t make you look unprepared or unprofessional. Quite the opposite, actually! Asking for clarification shows that you’re invested in getting the job done right. It saves time for everyone involved—the studio engineer, the director, the ad agency, and of course, you. Think of it as a fast track to success. 🚀

The Hidden Pitfalls of Guessing

Imagine this: You think you understand the direction, but you’re not 100% sure. Instead of asking, you go for it, only to find out later that you missed the mark. Not only have you wasted time, but you’ve also potentially jeopardized your reputation. One of the quickest ways to turn a successful session into a failure is by guessing instead of asking. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen, and it’s not pretty!

Recording Tips: Communication Is Key

In voiceover, as in life, communication is everything. If you’re unclear about the direction, the style, or even the pronunciation of a word, speak up! A simple, “So what you want me to do is...?” can make all the difference. You’ll find that most directors and engineers appreciate the initiative. Plus, it demonstrates that you’ve done your homework—something anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge fan of. Study, study, study! 📚

Different Studios, Different Lingo

One thing to keep in mind is that terminology can vary depending on the studio, the project, or even the region. What one person calls a “read,” another might call a “take.” What’s important is that you’re on the same page as everyone else in the room. And how do you get there? You guessed it—by asking questions! 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️

Success in Simplicity

Here’s a little secret: The pros aren’t the ones who know everything. They’re the ones who aren’t afraid to admit when they don’t. Asking questions is a sign of confidence, not weakness. It’s how you turn a good session into a great one, and how you ensure that your auditions are always on point.

Embrace the Learning Curve

Finally, remember that every session is a learning opportunity. Whether it’s your first audition or your hundredth, there’s always something new to learn. And sometimes, the best way to learn is by asking the right questions. So, don’t be shy. That’s how you set yourself up for success and build relationships (that in turn, get you hired over and over). By asking questions you’re showing that you care about the project and respect the time and effort the people that hired you took to create it. As Voiceover artists, our goal is to tell their story the way they want it to be told. It’s what we get to do! 🌟

***And, on the note of studying. If you want to have ALL the tools you need to be a successful Voiceover Artist...I got you! Just  click the link below or go to www..virtualvoiceover.com (at a price you could make back in your first booking!:).