Top 7 Mistakes Voice Talent Make — And How to Avoid Them

As a voice talent, it’s crucial to understand common pitfalls that can hold back your career. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced voice actor, avoiding these mistakes will help you deliver better performances and build stronger client relationships.

1. Ignoring the Brief

Reading the brief carefully is the single most important thing you can do before a recording session. Clients provide direction for a reason. Voice actors who ignore or skim the brief produce recordings that don’t match what was requested — and waste everyone’s time.

2. Poor Microphone Technique

A great voice recorded badly is still a bad recording. Learn proper microphone placement, maintain consistent distance from your mic, and use a pop filter to reduce plosives. Even small improvements in mic technique have a significant impact on recording quality.

3. Not Warming Up

Recording without warming up is like running a race without stretching. Warm up your voice for at least 10 minutes before every session with lip trills, tongue twisters, and gentle humming exercises. A warmed-up voice sounds more relaxed, resonant, and natural.

4. Underpricing Your Work

Setting your rates too low devalues your work and the industry as a whole. Research standard rates for your market and experience level. Charging a fair rate signals professionalism and attracts clients who value quality.

5. Inconsistent Delivery

Clients often need multiple takes or recordings across a campaign to sound consistent. Practise delivering the same script in the same style multiple times. Inconsistency between takes makes editing painful and damages your professional reputation.

6. Neglecting Your Home Studio

A poor acoustic environment can ruin an otherwise great recording. Invest in basic acoustic treatment — foam panels, heavy curtains, a closet recording booth. Regularly listen back to your raw recordings to catch any room noise or reflection issues early.

7. Not Following Up with Clients

Many voice actors complete a job and never reach out again. A simple follow-up message after delivery — asking if everything was satisfactory or if they have upcoming projects — can generate significant repeat business. Relationships drive careers in voice acting.