VO Pro Tip: Active Listening in Live Directed Sessions

Published 1 day ago • 1 min read

Active Listening in Live Sessions

Hey Reader,

When you’re in a directed session, it’s easy to get "tunnel vision." You’re so focused on your mic technique, your script marking, and your next breath that you can sometimes miss what the client is actually telling you.

You may get a note from the client or producer and then proceed to give the exact same read again. Why? Because you were listening to the words, but not the intent.

Here is the pro tip: Practice Active Listening to nail the adjustment on the very next take.

Note the Non-Verbals: Sometimes the most important direction comes in the pauses or the "ums" and "ahs" from the booth. If the client sounds hesitant, they might be looking for a choice you haven't offered yet. Don't be afraid to ask, "Do you want to try one that's completely the opposite just to see?"
Don't Be Afraid to go Too Far with their Notes: Sometimes if a client gives a note like "let's try it with more energy and enthusiasm" don't be afraid to go further with that than you may initially feel. If it's more than the client wants, you've now defined "too little" in your first try, and "too much" in your second, and it can help you find that perfect middle ground.

Active listening turns a session from a "test" into a collaboration. When the client feels heard, they trust your performance even more.

-Michael

Check out all of the past VO Pro Tips here! VO PRO TIP ARCHIVE

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Thanks so much!

Curious about my own personal VO Work?

www.MichaelLangsnerVO.com

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