YOU! And that’s a good thing. You shouldn’t try to sound like someone else!

 

As a new voiceover talent it’s very tempting, while listening to commercials, online videos and the like to try to emulate the voice that you’re hearing. Getting practice trying different sounds, tones, and styles is definitely a good thing, but when it comes to auditioning, always bring YOU to the table.

 

After all, you’re the only one who sounds like YOU. (Even if you’re voice does bare some canny resemblance to another actor, there’s something in it — and you — that is uniquely your own.) And you need to capitalize on that!

 

Yes, from time to time you will absolutely see a script that says they are looking for someone to sound like “X actor in Y film/commercial/other online video” or for a “so-and-so sound-alike.” In the case of the former, that direction usually means that they really like the delivery style and tone of their reference piece, and not necessarily that they want someone to sound like they actually ARE that person. Now, in the case of the latter example, when someone is looking to cast a sound-alike, well, that usually means they can’t afford the real McCoy, so they’re hoping for a good imitation.

 

But really, each one of us has our own unique voice, style and characteristics, and THAT is what we should be bringing to the table each time we audition. After all, if you’re always trying to sound like someone else, you’re never going to find your own voice! And from my experience, casting directors (or whoever is casting for a project) really like finding NEW voices. They like finding someone unique and fresh, a voice that will make them and their product stand apart.

 

So love your voice, for all its wonderful quirks, strengths and subtleties. Be proud, be confident, and most of all, BE YOU!