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The Voice-Over Roadmap

VO Pro Tip: How to Use your Demo

Published about 2 months ago • 2 min read

Using your Demo

Hey Reader,

When you're pitching for a specific gig or a client asks for a sample, do not automatically drop the link to your full, compilation demo reel.

Instead, take a second to tailor your response using an appropriate clip.

  1. Read the Client's Brief: Analyze the job posting or script. What is the core tone? (e.g., Sincere corporate, high-energy retail, warm e-learning).
  2. Match the Track: Go into your demo files and find the one sample clip you have that perfectly matches that specific tone, pace, and genre.
  3. Send Just the Snippet: Send only that isolated clip.

This is a strategic move: It proves you paid attention to their specific needs and shows them you are a problem-solver, not just a performer. Most importantly, it shows them exactly what you can do in the context they are looking for, without wasting time.

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When to Use the Full Reel

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So, when do you actually use the full, compiled reel? There are two primary places:

  1. Your Website & Pay-to-Play Profiles: Your main website, your personal landing pages, and VO P2P Sites are good spots for your full body of work. A client browsing your site is in discovery mode and wants to see your range. They may be more generally interested in what you sound like, versus looking for a specific type or style of VO. This is the right time to use the full compilation. (P2P sites are where your individual clips should go as well though!!)
  2. Agency Submissions: When applying to an agent, they need to hear your full range and how you perform across different styles. Agencies are assessing your overall booking potential, so the full reel is essential.

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Snippets on Your Site

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Even on your personal website, you shouldn't just rely on the full reel. Use those individual tracks strategically:

  • Create separate genre pages (e.g., "Corporate VO," "Commercial VO").
  • Embed the individual 10-15 second snippets on those pages as highly targeted examples. If they represent real work for high profile clients, make sure to highlight that in the names/descriptions above the audio players.

Your full demo proves you can do the work. The strategically chosen snippet proves you can do their work. Use your tools wisely. Hope this gives you some ideas for how and where to use individual demo clips, and full demo reels.

-Michael

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If you have a question or topic you'd like me to address in a future email like this - just reply to this email and let me know!

Hope you find this useful! Feel free to reach out with any questions! And if you find these emails helpful - please share VoiceoverRoadmap.com among any VO groups your part of - Facebook, Reddit, etc... or just tell others about it!

Thanks so much!

-Michael

Curious about my own personal VO Work?

​www.MichaelLangsnerVO.com​

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The Voice-Over Roadmap

The Voice-Over Roadmap is an educational platform for Voice-Over Talent of all experience levels to start, grow, and sustain a profitable business as a professional VO Talent. It is the creation of Michael Langsner, Professional VO talent with over 12 years of experience voicing projects for brands like Adidas, Google, Dell, Levi's and many others.

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