How to direct a voiceover artist in a studio session

You’ve cast the project, you’ve chosen the voiceover artist you want for the job and now it’s time for the studio session. Directing a voiceover artist in a studio session can be a challenging task. 

Directing Voiceovers

There are voice directors who specialise in doing this as a full time job and know exactly how to get great results from voiceover artists. 

Remember, if it’s your first time directing talent in a session, the tips below can get you a long way in ensuring you walk away with some great takes.

Understand the message

Make sure you have a clear understanding of the script and the tone you/your client wants to achieve before the session. This will help you communicate your vision to the voiceover artist.

Explain clearly

Spend a few minutes before you start recording telling the voiceover artist the context of the project, its intended audience, and the overall goals. This will help them understand who they are talking to and help them deliver the appropriate tone and style.

Respect the process

Provide a comfortable and supportive environment that allows the voiceover to focus on their performance without feeling judged. Ensure they have what they need in order to start the session… water, sides, headphones etc.

Communicate effectively

Give clear direction and use descriptive language to convey the mood and emotion you want to achieve. If you feel like the talent isn’t understanding what you mean then try to think of useful examples that could help them get there. When feeding back after takes, always start with something positive then move onto the point by point feedback.

Listen actively 

Listen to the voiceover artist's performance carefully and give feedback on specific areas where they adjust their delivery. You can even ask for their input so it's more of a collaboration, but remember, at the end of the session you have to walk away with what you, your client and your colleagues all want.

Be positive and understanding 

Remember that voiceover artists might feel nervous about a session and anxious about performing well so mistakes do happen. Whilst more experienced voiceover artists might have great techniques for reducing errors there are sometimes personal factors that can get in the way. We can’t always be perfect every time so try to give positive encouragement and try not to let any frustration show. If the talent feels like they are failing then this feeling often spirals. 

Avoid getting stuck

Sometimes in studio sessions, you can get stuck on a loop going over and over small things. A word that sounds funny to the ears, a sentence that doesn't quite read or maybe you're not sure of the exact pronunciation of the company name in the required dialect, accent etc. If this happens, make a decision to revisit a tricky part at the end of the session. Recording the bulk of the text is essential and any sticky bits you can come back to later on. 

This is by no means the holy grail but I think it’s a good place to start. I’ve been in plenty of recording sessions where I’ve felt really supported, and others where I’ve felt a little on edge or under pressure. Having someone direct the session who is calm, positive and engaged not only improves the overall experience for everyone involved, it also often leads to better results.   

By following these tips, you can help create a positive and productive system of working with voiceovers and get the best performance out of your voiceover artist.

Comment below is you have any tips you want to add to this list.