Overthinking and Overpreparing: Killers of an Authentic Voice

Deliberation and overpreparation is perhaps one of the biggest killers that can ruin an audition or sample.

Overthinking an audition can "overcook" your quality, and in turn, all the words on that script will lose its meaning. All of those burdgeoning thoughts of "I should place greater emphasis on that word" or "maybe I should say it like this" or "avoid breathing there" should be thrown out. All of those can be mastered with time, practice, and discipline, but focus on the entire message. Fiddling with the string can unravel the entire shirt.

One of the biggest challenges I faced when transferring my skills over from theater to voiceover was the need to be organic, natural, and authentic. Compared to theater, where you usually have 4-6 weeks to prepare for a character, for voiceover its the complete opposite; 5 to 15 minutes at most for an audition, 5 per day.

Reason being is not just necessarily for speed or mass-distribution; thought and care still needs to be involved in a performance, for sloppiness will not be considered at all. Most importantly, clients are looking for someone who can form a genuine connection with their audience. Just like how we naturally tell stories with our friends, coworkers, and families, that same emotional authenticity needs to be preserved in our craft.

They're not looking for someone to regurgitate their words. They're not looking for someone to put on a performance. Not a persona. Not a mascot.

They're looking for you.

Only "you" are the one who can transform their words into a meaningful and emotional connection. Be yourself. Take a deep breath. Trust your gut.

So the next time you do an audition, listen to that first cold take. REALLY listen to it for all of its imperfections, inflections, and voice-cracks because more often than not, that's what makes you unique from the rest. In spite of all those flaws, that first take may be what your client is looking for because that's how you naturally convey their message. Start from there, master your authentic sound, and own up to your craft.