How to Effectively Direct Voice Talent for Quick, Accurate, and Stellar Results
So, you’ve got a script, a vision, and a voice-over artist ready to bring your words to life. Great! But how do you ensure that the final read is exactly what you envisioned—without burning hours in back-and-forths or making your talent question their entire career choice?
The secret? Effective direction. Whether you’re directing in person, via Zoom, or through detailed notes, here’s how to get the best performance while keeping things smooth, speedy, and frustration-free.
1. Be Crystal Clear on Your Vision (Before You Even Say “Action")
Before directing your talent, you need to know exactly what you want. That means understanding the tone, pacing, emotion, and style of the read. Ask yourself:
Should it sound warm and conversational or authoritative and polished?
Is this a high-energy commercial or a laid-back eLearning module?
Who is the target audience, and what feeling should they walk away with?
A little prep work goes a long way in avoiding confusion later.
2. Give Direction, Not a Monologue
Voice actors are brilliant at bringing scripts to life, but they can’t read minds (at least, not yet). When giving direction:
Keep it concise. “A friendly but confident tone, like you’re giving advice to a good friend.”
Use real-world comparisons. “Imagine you’re a barista explaining the difference between oat and almond milk.”
If possible, provide a reference. A past recording, a celebrity voice, or even a quick impression (we won’t judge) can work wonders.
3. Be Specific, But Not Too Specific
Saying, “That line needs 14% more excitement,” will only make your talent blink at you in confusion. Instead, try: “Let’s add a bit more energy to that last phrase, like you’re really excited to share this news.”
Similarly, micromanaging every breath and pause can backfire. Trust your talent’s instincts—they do this for a living!
4. The Power of "Less is More"
If you overload your voice actor with 15 different directions at once (“More energy, but not too much, also slow it down, but keep it engaging, oh and add a tiny smile, but not too smiley”), they might short-circuit. Instead, focus on one or two key adjustments at a time.
5. Tone Tweaks: Show, Don’t Just Tell
If something isn’t quite right, instead of just saying, “That wasn’t it,” offer a quick example. “Try it like this: ‘Exciting, but not over-the-top infomercial hype.’” (Bonus points if you can act it out, but no pressure!)
6. Encourage Multiple Takes – But With Purpose
If the first take isn’t perfect, that’s okay! Ask for a second (or third) take with slight variations. A simple approach is:
One take exactly as directed.
One with a little more energy or subtlety.
One with the actor’s own interpretation.
Often, that third take is the magic one.
7. Don’t Forget to Give Positive Feedback
Directing isn’t just about correcting—it’s also about reinforcing what’s working. A quick “That was fantastic! Now, let’s try one with a touch more warmth” keeps morale high and helps your talent stay confident.
8. Keep the Vibes Light (No One Wants a Stressful Session)
A relaxed voice actor is a better voice actor. If the session is tense or overly rigid, it can impact performance. A little humor, a friendly approach, and respecting their expertise will make the process enjoyable and efficient.
9. Trust the Process (and Your Talent!)
Great voice actors aren’t just button-pushers—they’re artists. Sometimes, their interpretation might surprise you in the best way. Be open to their creativity, and you might end up with something even better than you imagined.
Final Takeaway
Effective voice direction is all about clarity, communication, and a little bit of fun. When you balance precision with creative freedom, you’ll get the results you need—quickly, accurately, and with stellar quality. Now go forth and direct like a pro!
Need an amazing voice-over for your next project? Let’s make it happen! 🎤
