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How to Give Useful Direction to Voice Talent
26/10/2026
Many people who commission voiceovers have never directed a recording session before. They know what they want to hear, but putting it into words can be tricky. "Can you make it more... I don't know, more something?" is a common moment in a first session. The good news is that voice talent are used to interpreting feedback, and a few simple techniques will help you get the read you want more quickly.
Start with a clear brief
Good direction starts before the session. Share a brief that covers the audience, the purpose of the recording, the tone you want and any reference examples. A sentence such as "a friendly neighbour recommending a local business" gives the voice talent a strong starting point. Include the script, a pronunciation guide and any video or timing information.
Let them have a first go
Resist the urge to give lots of notes before the first take. Let the voice talent read the script their way. Their instinct is often close to what you want, and hearing it helps you identify what to adjust. Many clients are surprised to find that the first take is already very close.
Describe feelings and intentions
Rather than technical instructions about pitch or speed, describe what you want the listener to feel or what the speaker wants to achieve. Examples include:
- "Sound like you're letting them in on a secret."
- "Reassure someone who's a bit worried."
- "You're excited, but not shouting."
- "Talk to one person, not a crowd."
These cues give the voice talent something to act, which usually produces a more natural result than asking them to "go up at the end".
Be specific about what to change
If one line is not working, say which line and what is wrong. "The second sentence feels rushed" is far more helpful than "try it again". If you want emphasis on a particular word, mention it, but use this sparingly. Too many marked words make a read sound forced.
Ask for options
When you are unsure, ask for two or three versions with different approaches, for example one warmer and one more upbeat. Hearing the options side by side often makes the choice obvious. It also gives editors flexibility later.
Keep the number of voices in the room small
With remote sessions it is easy for several stakeholders to join. Too many people giving notes can confuse the voice talent and slow the session. Nominate one person to give direction and gather others' comments before passing them on.
Know when you have it
It is tempting to keep asking for takes in search of perfection. In practice, a strong performance can lose freshness after many repetitions. If you have a take you are happy with, plus a safety take, it is usually time to move on.
Positive feedback helps
Let the voice talent know what is working, not just what to change. "That tone is perfect, just a touch slower" keeps the good elements while adjusting the rest.
Book your next session
We provide professional Australian voice talent and can help you direct your session, whether you join in person or remotely. Request a free quote with your script.
