There is nothing that produces more anxiety than your first BOOKED VO job.
From the euphoria of booking the job to actually getting directed can be a roller coaster of emotions.
Here are some of the tips I’ve learned over the years that may help reduce that anxiety.
BEFORE THE SESSION
EQUIPMENT INVENTORY CHECK
Do this at least the day before. Make sure everything is in working order. Check to see that things are charged. Set up a SC test with Source Elements (if using).
SCRIPT REVIEW
Look over the script (if you have it). If it’s a commercial, make sure you know what time you’re supposed to hit. Review any additional materials (ie video/music/etc). I always pull up my audition as well to remember my delivery and the different takes.
TIME CHECK
I double check the time (time zone especially), and add in 15 minutes before the session to my calendar.
DURING THE SESSION
BACKUP
I always ready a backup recording (even if using Source Connect) by labeling a file, saving it and having it ready to record. They may or may not need it but it saves time during the session if I already have it ready.
CLIENT INTERACTION
Depending on how the client is connecting with you, sometimes there’s a slight delay, or even a good amount of echo. I always try to minimize my talking while still being personable. This not only decreases the starts and stops because of the delay/echo, but it also helps move the session quickly.
Many times in a session, the director will say: “We loved your audition. Let’s go ahead and do a take. Give us an A & B.” I’ll usually ask for clarity on which take from my audition they liked. (This is because I usually give multiple takes, unless specified otherwise.) Then I’ll also give them the descriptors as a refresher.
I may say: “Did you have a preference on a take from my audition? The first one was really upbeat, and the second was more casual, relaxed.” That helps give me a clear idea of what they’re looking for, and gives them vocabulary to describe it.
DIRECTION
Receiving direction is harder than you think in these situations. Sometimes there are 4 or more people giving directions. I’ve had several sessions where one person gave me a direction, then another contradicted that direction. It happens. (And in this case, usually the engineer is the “voice of reason” and will call it out gently to the client. We love engineers.) But if the engineer doesn’t chime in…
The best tip for this is to REPEAT the direction. That gives you time to process it, and allows the director to confirm it. For example, you may say: “Great! Just to make sure I understand, you want me to speed up the first paragraph, add more weight to the opening line and be more confident on the end line?”
For our monthly mentorship program, we had John Roberts, owner of Soundbyte Studios join us. He’s owned Soundbyte for much longer than my VO career and has conducted thousandsand thousands of sessions. He helped the group figure out ways to troubleshoot potential issues and get an idea of what to expect from a booked session. If you want to check out the VO Monthly Mentorship Membership and how you can become part of a vibrant and interactive VO community, learn more HERE.
ADDITIONAL TIPS/ADVICE
- The engineer is on your side. If there’s an issue with your home studio, calmly tell the engineer and ask if they have any advice.
- Write down notes during the session, including the engineer/director/client/etc names. Connect with them on LinkedIn afterward with a note about how you enjoyed the session. Thank the clients for having you.
- Don’t get anxious about a line read or lots of direction. That’s normal. Just take your time and do your best. There’s a reason they booked you!
- If it’s an AWFUL session, it’s not the end of your VO career. It’s part of the learning process.
