Stephanie Stephens

Voice Over Talent

top female voice talent

Rise Above Voice Over Competition

Voice Over Blog

Just as it has been, the voice over industry in 2025 is booming—there’s no doubt about that. With thousands of aspiring talents, paid platforms like Voices.com and Voice123, email marketing strategies, and coaches eager to, well, coach, it’s easy to feel lost in the noise. Still, you can rise above voice over competition with a strong strategy.

Even though many voice talents are securing work, many are struggling to stand out and make a sustainable living. The constant cycle of auditions, competition, and the pressure to market yourself tirelessly can leave you feeling defeated.

But here’s the thing: your journey is uniquely your own, and success is within reach, even in an environment that feels saturated. It’s all about finding your own voice, both literally and figuratively, and staying persistent in ways that are authentic to who you are as a talent.

In this post, I want to share with you how to navigate this competitive landscape, how not to get discouraged, and most importantly, how to stand out in a way that doesn’t involve simply trying to “keep up” with everyone else.

Don’t Fall for the Numbers Game

It’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of auditions and competition on platforms like Voices.com and Voice123. On these pay-to-play sites, you can submit dozens of auditions every day, but the odds of getting hired can feel slim. After all, you’re competing with at least 50 others, sometimes more, all vying for the same role.

But here’s the truth: These sites may provide quantity but they rarely provide quality connections. The more you focus on cranking out auditions to meet quotas or to get your name in front of the largest number of people, the more you risk losing sight of what makes your voice unique. You’re a human being, not a robot cranking out auditions as fast as possible. So, stop comparing yourself to everyone else. Instead, focus on crafting a few high-quality auditions where you can truly showcase the nuances of your voice.

Rather than focusing on the numbers, think about what you can bring to the table that others can’t. Are you great at character voices? Do you have a warm, soothing tone that resonates with certain brands? Is your delivery relaxed and conversational, the perfect fit for e-learning or corporate videos? When you focus on that, rather than how many people you’re competing against, you’ll start seeing progress.

Leverage Your Uniqueness

It’s easy to believe that success in voice over means blending in with everyone else. After all, if everyone else submits the same style of reads, why shouldn’t you? But this mentality is a trap. To succeed in the crowded world of voice over, you need to embrace what makes you different.

Voice over work is not just about sounding “good”—it’s about authenticity. There’s a market for every type of voice. Whether you have a quirky, high-energy read, a deep, authoritative tone, or a soft, calming delivery, the key is to find your niche and lean into it. Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Instead, focus on the industries or types of work that are best suited for your sound.

If you’re unsure about what sets your voice apart, ask for feedback from peers, coaches, and trusted colleagues. Recording demos is also a great way to highlight your strengths. Don’t shy away from making bold choices that showcase your style. When you hone in on what makes you unique, you’ll stop seeing yourself as just another voice in the sea of competition—you’ll see yourself as a valuable asset.

Build Relationships, Not Just Email Lists

Many voice talents fall into the trap of thinking that a massive email list is the ticket to consistent work. While it’s true that cultivating a solid client base is essential, it’s not just about numbers—it’s about relationships. Bombarding production studios, agencies, and corporations with impersonal emails may land you some gigs here and there, but it’s unlikely to lead to long-term success. Building genuine relationships with clients, coaches, and other professionals in the industry is key.

To rie above voice over competition, reach out to companies you admire, offer something of value (such as your knowledge or insight into the industry), and show a genuine interest in their work. Be patient. Building real relationships takes time. The voice-over world isn’t just transactional; it’s a community. You’ll find that clients are more likely to return to you for future work when they feel you understand their needs and when you’ve established trust.

Consistency is Key—But So Is Self-Care

In the face of constant competition, it’s easy to push yourself harder than you should. You’re likely hearing about people making money from huge email lists or securing roles on major projects. It can be tempting to double down and grind harder, but burnout is a real risk.

Remember that you’re not in a race against anyone but yourself. While consistency in auditions, outreach, and practice is important, so is knowing when to take a step back.

Don’t get discouraged if your time hasn’t come yet. In fact, treat the industry like a marathon, not a sprint. Make time to improve your craft, develop new skills, and invest in your mental and physical well-being. Your voice is your greatest asset, and if you neglect to take care of it—or yourself—burnout will leave you feeling defeated.

Your Time Will Come

Success in voice over is often not an overnight achievement. It’s the result of persistence, learning from setbacks, and continuing to believe in your unique abilities. The good news is that opportunities are endless, and your time will come—if you remain committed to your craft and stay patient. Think that you can rise above voice over competition!

Voice over is an industry that rewards resilience. Keep refining your skills, building relationships, and embracing your individuality. Your moment will arrive when the right client hears your voice and recognizes that you’re exactly what they need.

Final Thoughts on Voice Over Competition

The key to thriving in this competitive environment is simple: Be authentic, be persistent, and be kind to yourself. Don’t fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, especially those who seem to have “figured it out.” Embrace what makes your voice special and continue to show up every day with dedication and belief in your abilities.

The voice-over world is vast, and there is room for everyone. The only question is: Are you ready to trust the process and keep going, even when it feels like the odds are stacked against you? Stay confident, stay unique, and most of all—stay persistent. Your time will come.

I’m busy with voice over, but every now and then, I need a little “atta’girl” too! I love my voice over work in corporate narration and medical narration, especially. It’s all about the joy (and making a living!) as you rise above voice over competition.

Check out my voice over work here.

How to Build a Successful Relationship with Your Voice Over Agent

Voice Over Blog

You want to build a successful relationship with your voice over agent. Navigating the competitive world of voice over work can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding and working with an agent.

A good voice over agent can be your biggest ally, opening doors to opportunities and helping you grow your career. However, it’s essential to establish a solid working relationship. Here are some key strategies to ensure that you and your agent are on the same page.

Whether you’re doing commercial voice over, focusing on corporate narration, or another VO genre, you may really appreciate working with a great agent.

Understand Your Voicer Over Agent’s Role

Before diving into the specifics of how to work effectively with your agent, it’s crucial to understand their role in your career. Your agent is there to:

  • Market Your Talent: They present you to potential clients and auditions, showcasing your unique skills.
  • Negotiate Contracts: Your agent will handle the nitty-gritty of contract negotiations, ensuring you get fair pay and terms.
  • Provide Industry Insight: Agents often have years of experience and can offer valuable advice on trends, skills to develop, and networking opportunities.

Recognizing this will help you appreciate their expertise and build a collaborative relationship.

Maintain Open Communication in the Relationship

Communication is the cornerstone of any successful partnership. Here are some ways to keep the lines of communication open with your agent:

  • Regular Check-ins: Schedule periodic updates to discuss your career goals, recent auditions, and any changes in the industry. This ensures that both you and your agent are aligned in your pursuits.
  • Feedback Loop: Encourage your agent to provide feedback on your auditions, and be open to constructive criticism. This will help you improve and stay competitive.
  • Be Proactive: Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, ideas, or interests. If there’s a specific type of work you’re passionate about, let your agent know. They may be able to align opportunities that fit your aspirations.

Set Clear Expectations in the Relationship

From the onset, it’s vital to establish clear expectations between you and your agent. Discuss your goals, availability, and preferred communication style to avoid misunderstandings. Here are some areas to cover:

  • Career Goals: Share your long-term and short-term goals. Whether you aspire to work in audiobooks, or animation, your agent can tailor their efforts to suit your aspirations.
  • Availability: Be upfront about your availability for auditions and projects. If you have a busy schedule, let your agent know when you can realistically take on new work.
  • Response Time: Discuss how quickly you expect to hear back about auditions or opportunities. Agreeing on a timeline can help manage expectations on both sides.

By setting these expectations early on, you lay a strong foundation for a productive working relationship.

Be Professional and Respectful in the Relationship

In the creative industry, professionalism goes a long way. Here are some best practices to keep your relationship with your agent positive:

  • Timeliness: Always be punctual for auditions and meetings, and meet deadlines for any required materials. If you need to cancel or reschedule, do so with plenty of notice.
  • Respect Their Time: Understand that agents often juggle multiple clients. If you have questions or concerns, try to consolidate them into fewer communications to avoid overwhelming your agent.
  • Express Gratitude: Simple acts of appreciation can make a big difference. Whether it’s a thank-you note after landing a gig or a message acknowledging their hard work, expressing gratitude fosters goodwill.

Keep Improving Your Skills

Lastly, your personal growth as a voice over artist can enhance your relationship with your agent. Here are some ways to invest in your skills:

  • Training: Regularly attend workshops, classes, or seminars to refine your craft. This not only improves your abilities but also demonstrates your commitment to growth, which agents appreciate.
  • Diversify Your Skill Set: Explore different genres or styles of voice acting. Being versatile can make you more marketable and open up more opportunities.
  • Stay Informed: Keep abreast of industry trends, technology, and changing client needs. This knowledge can be invaluable during discussions with your agent and can help you both stay ahead of the competition.

It’s a Two-Way Street in the Relationship

You can build a successful relationship with your voice over agent, and it requires effort and collaboration. I’ve learned that by understanding their role, maintaining open communication, setting clear expectations, demonstrating professionalism, and continually improving your skills, you can create a dynamic partnership that propels your career forward. Remember, your agent is there to advocate for you, but it’s a two-way street. Investing in this relationship will pay off as you navigate the exciting world of voice over work.

May you and your agent book the most coveted spot in this week’s auditions! Go get it!

 

 

Don’t Compare Your Voice Talent to Others’

Voice Over Blog

So, there are thousands of voice actors in the United States alone. And you, oh great voice, are one of them. Two decades ago, if we can remember that far back (!), there were a few hundred people who did all the “big work.” Please, don’t compare your voice talent to others’ voice talent.

Now, the landscape is very different. Just as script styles have changed, and continue to change quickly, depending on the latest trend, so, too have preferred voice styles. It’s so easy to look at many of the “top” voice talents and think, “He/She sounds so (fill in the blank with a complimentary adjective.)”

Hey, maybe you do, too.

Achieve voice over success just being YOU.
Your unique sound can help you achieve voice over goals. (Credit: TheDigitalArtist)

Diversity in Voice Talent Is ‘In’

But remember that “natural” and “conversational” continue to appear in script specs, and all kinds of voices are ultimately reading those lines and making bank. (Mostly) gone are the days of the BIG announcer, shouting voice. Casting directors and marketing pros want voices that reflect the broad brush strokes of America. Even regional accents and dialects book voice jobs, because those people live here, too. And people with accents and dialects buy things.

Voices with texture and character, the ability to be soft and yet powerful, non-salesy and yet convincing, get plenty of work. When someone tells someone else that “You have a great voice,” that can be interpreted in a myriad of ways in today’s uber-competitive voice over environment.

What are “they” looking for? Often, whether it’s casting for acting or voice over, “they” don’t know it until they see it or hear it. It’s totally subjective. That’s why, when we enter the booth, we can stress and strain over “What do they want?” to no avail. We deliver the best, most on-target voice over performance we can, and either they like it for their purposes, or not. So there.

We Are All Different Voices

We live in a world where, no matter what we do or how we do it, there are people who do it better than us or worse than us, but rarely do two people very do anything at exactly the same level, whether it’s sports, educational attainment, or…voice over.

Feeling inferior, lesser than, or jealous? It’s so easy to compare ourselves to X voice talent or Y voice talent, and come away feeling bad, but that’s unhealthy and not beneficial. As psychologist Michael Alcee, Ph.D. writes in Psychology Today, “A violin makes different music than a trumpet; a viola has even subtler differences of sound. This isn’t a fault, but rather what makes the orchestra so beautiful, and what makes each instrument truly special.”

Risks of Comparing Your Voice to Others’

So what does comparing your voice to someone else’s do, if you’re not careful?

It tanks your confidence level: If you need one thing in addition to your voice talent and skillset, it’s confidence.

It creates unhealthy social comparisons: Those can make you depressed and unhappy, and may even prompt you to think, “Oh, what the heck. I wasn’t going to get this anyway.”

It causes you to lose your sense of self: We are all individuals, with an individual sound, much to the delight of those who cast us in commercials or for narration. If we try to mimic the sound of someone else, there goes “us.” If you’ve ever been accused of being a “nonconformist,” it’s OK to do that with your own voice! That’s better than doing a read a certain way because “I think I should,” or “X voice talent does it this way and they’re booking way more than I am.”

It can make you a bit selfish: Don’t you feel good when you compliment someone? It feels like you’re giving freely of yourself, taking joy in celebrating their achievements. Think about X voice talent, “Wow. I

It takes the shine off of your own journey: Very few people hit the mark entirely the first time, coming out of the gate to book the majority of their auditions right off the bat. Achieving success in increments has a good “feel” of accomplishment to it, especially when we’ve worked hard to attain specific goals, some of which may have been rife with challenges.

It prompts you to say “I should”: That can lead to discontent, never being satisfied. Our value as a person, and as a talent, becomes diminished. The breadth of our voice over ability, even if we’re still honing the fine points, is much bigger than a few sentences about what we should or should not do.

Trust yourself in your voice over work.
You may be just “the voice” “they” want! (Credit: by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay)

‘Comparison (in Voice Talent) Is The Thief of Joy’

We weren’t around when he was, but America’s 16th president, Theodore Roosevelt, said “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Even in the mid-1800s, he knew what he was talking about.

So:

Be nice to yourself in the booth or out. Continue to practice your craft, and yes, DO listen to other voice over artists, and do read other blogs about how to maneuver in this crowded voice over business. Do listen back to your reads with “fresh ears,” and ask yourself how you might do them better if you ever have another chance. When you hear a voice you like, think how you might emulate certain aspects of the read and still sound like YOU.

Because, at the end of the day, YOU are just fine in the voice talent sphere. Even better. So please don’t compare your voice talent to others’.

 

What Makes an Effective Commercial Voice Over

Voice Over Blog

Doing an effective commercial voice over means being an influencer—and doesn’t everyone want to be that? A commercial voice over promotes a business or a brand and its products or services—it influences. In other words, it’s selling, and an effective commercial voice over can mean more sales.

Maybe you’re a client needing commercial voice over talent, or you’re a talent wanting to do more of them. Now the marketplace has expanded far beyond radio and television, more traditional mediums. Social media, including YouTube, along with podcasts and websites, mean more opportunities to promote a business, and more need for great commercial voice over.

The voice of a commercial voice over must be many things to many people but needs to sound like the most important person—and voice—to one person. The best commercial voice actors have finely honed the art of talking to a person in a relatable way—and not as though it’s a stadium full of people.

The Right ‘Type’ of Commercial Voice Talent

The agency or script writer knows exactly who the target audience is for any commercial. It’s the group of people who’ll buy that product or service, usually heavily researched if it’s a major corporation or brand name. Creatives know for sure whether a millennial, GenX or mature adult will be buying, so it only makes sense to cast someone in that  same age group. The target audience needs to hear a voice that “sounds like” them, at least age-wise.

Be Informed About That Script

If you’re auditioning, do your homework and think about the industry you’ll be talking about, the tone of past commercials and their target audience. What does the advertiser really want to happen here, and how can you finesse the way you deliver the words to accomplish that mission? You want to carefully analyze and interpret those words like a scientist, with thorough preparation and thought—not just jump into the booth and read whatever comes to mind.

You’re telling a story, connecting with the target audience, engaging, and massaging the words. And guess what: The client may listen to only the first 10 seconds of your audition, because after all, they’ve probably got at least 50 other auditions that also deserve their attention. That’s why thorough preparation is so important to a successful commercial read.

Types of Effective Commercial Reads

Hard Sell

You know that commercial that shouts at you from the radio or television, and maybe you turn it off. But maybe it’s selling the thing you’ve been considering buying, so now, it has your attention. And maybe there’s a timeline or deadline to get “this once-a-year price.” Maybe the read is really fast because of so many details considered “necessary” to fit in. And maybe it’s not only loud, but highly energetic and a big forceful.

Soft Sell

This type of commercial voice over predominates in the current marketplace. And that’s why so many voice talents see “not announcery” in the specs detailing what the client wants in a read. Miss that mark, and that voice talent’s audition won’t get through the gate. The read is subtle, non-aggressive, sensitive, realistic, and much more conversational. It may be delivered with very little inflection, almost flat, and may require the listener to use their imagination.

Stay ‘On Trend’

Before you dive into the words, think about what you’re hearing from other commercial spots. Successful commercial voice talents keep their ears open to trends. The voice of 10 or 20 years ago is certainly not the voice of the 2020’s. Like fashion, voice over styles change, too.

Be Truthful with Yourself

Don’t be afraid to practice sounding like someone whose commercial voice talent you admire. Record yourself in the booth and listen back. Then do it again, and although it can be painful, be your harshest critic and practice until you’re happy with that read.

The most successful commercial talents break the rule about “no comparison” to other voices. At the top levels, voice talents often audition for the same job, and then they hear “who got it” when the spot plays. If you can go back to your initial audition and compare notes with the actual booked spot, veterans say that’s a great way to learn what you did right—and wrong, especially if you kept the copy and specs.

Get Pro Help for Your Commercial Voice Over

The biggest money is always in commercials, so it’s no wonder the market is so competitive. There’s no shortage of great voice over coaches, so spend a few sessions brushing up if you’re seasoned, and plan to do that a few times a year. And if you’re new, getting excellent coaching out of the gate is absolutely critical. It can save you time and despair and help keep you on track. Sometimes, your favorite commercial voice talent also does coaching, so check out their websites to see if that’s the case.

You can learn to deliver effective commercial voice over every time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boost Your Business Using Localization Voice Over

Voice Over Blog

Voice over is an incredible way to enhance your business’s marketing and communication strategies. Localization voice over can generate emotion and engagement when used correctly if you are using any kind of video or audio content. Your goal as a business owner is to ensure that your messages come across clearly to your audience, and the voice over is no exception. Depending on where your audience is, you might have to consider language barriers.

Business is becoming more global daily, and you want to ensure that all audiences can access your messages. Subtitles are well and good, but it will always be easier for an audience to hear their native language rather than trying to read along. This is where localization voiceover comes in.

What is Localization?

Localizing is when the voices for audio or video are translated and voiced in another language or accent to better match the intended audience. The entire process involves:

  • Transcribing a script for the original audio
  • Translating the script
  • Editing the script as needed
  • Choosing a voice actor who best matches the translated lines
  • Recording the new lines
  • Editing the final recorded content

When translating and editing a script, localization can help make audio and video clips relatable to the target market. Localizing the original dialogue is problematic because it is modified to fit the speaking style, pace, vocabulary, and dialect considerations. Phrases that may not have exact translations are phrased in ways that the new audience can understand.

There are different types of localization. There is standard localization voiceover and then dubbing. Dub is a more active form of localization where multiple voice actors re-record original dialogues. The number of speakers depends on the number of voices in the original audio clip. Dubs are more time-consuming and expensive to produce but offer a higher quality viewer experience.

Critical Benefits of Localization Voice Over

Choosing to go for a localized voice over has many benefits. You can reach a much wider audience by translating and modifying your messages to be more understandable. People will be more likely to engage with your content or buy your product if the marketing is in their native language. This includes sharing your messages on foreign social media channels.

Another obvious benefit of having a wider audience is that your business can grow beyond its domestic borders. With global messaging comes global clients, and showing foreign consumers that you are willing to speak their language will make it easier to conduct business with them.

A third benefit is that a localized voice over showcases your professionalism. By opting for a quality, professionally done voice over, existing and potential clients can tell you value your outreach efforts. A well-executed voice over shows you won’t cut corners regarding your foreign clients.

Types of Projects that Shine When Localized

While localization is a great tool, there are certain areas where it can bring out the best parts of a project when done right. These include:

  • Movies and TV shows: Voice overs cover narration, exposition, and internal monologues. This doubles for any promotional material for movies and TV shows, including trailers and social media posts. You can use localization for all of these purposes.
  • International sports events: Any sport with an international following can use localized voice over. If an event will air at a specific time or has a pay-per-view planned, then localized voice overs can help drum up promotion across the globe.
  • Educational videos: Explainer videos and educational programs also benefit from localized voice over. Especially with the internet, a larger audience has access to learning opportunities. Companies making videos or university courses turn to multilingual, online content to round out their educational programs.
  • Video Games: Much like TV and film, video games offer immersive experiences to their consumers. As games become more advanced and dialogue plays a more significant role, voice over plays a much larger role in making game worlds seem more relatable and immersive. More games offer foreign language dubs, making localizing a crucial aspect of modern game design.

See What Localization Voiceover Can Do for Your Business

No matter what type of project your business is considering, localization voice over is an option to consider to enhance your marketing and communications strategy. Speaking someone’s native language is bound to catch their attention, and localization is the way to do that. It can bring about a return on investment by attracting a wider audience and help you tap into international markets. Professional localization can help keep new and prospective customers engaged while assuring international markets that you take their business seriously.