VO Pro Tip: Making an "Alternate" Performance Choice

Published about 1 month ago • 1 min read

An "Alternate" Choice

Hey Reader,

Have you ever looked at a script marked "High Energy" or "Excited" and felt like your read ended up sounding just like everyone else's?. When we see those descriptors, our brains often default to one specific sound: high pitch, fast pace, and "big" volume.

The problem is, that's exactly what the client is hearing from 90% of the other auditions they receive.

Today’s tip is about finding an "Alternate" choice that can help you stand out from the crowd.

The next time you’re tackling a high-energy script, try interpreting that "energy" in a completely different way. Instead of being loud and fast, try a read that is low-volume, slightly slower, but incredibly intense. Think of it like a stage whisper or the focused energy of someone sharing a thrilling secret. That's just an idea, there are a lot of ways you can interpret it.

This can also be something you save for a second take, if you feel like the more "generic" read type would better serve you for the first, although putting it first can definitely catch casting's ear when they are listening to audition after audition that are very similar.

By making the "alternate" choice, you:

Stand out from the crowd by giving the casting director a creative direction they might not have even considered.
Showcase your range and ability to interpret subtext beyond the surface-level adjectives.
Give the client options that still fit the "vibe" of the brand but offer a fresh perspective.

Remember, energy doesn't always have to be "big"—sometimes the most energetic choice is the one that forces the listener to lean in..

-Michael

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

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!

Curious about my own personal VO Work?

www.MichaelLangsnerVO.com

Want to help support future content from VORM? Use our Amazon Affiliate link when shopping on Amazon by clicking the link below!

VORM Amazon Affiliate Link

Unsubscribe · Preferences

VO Pro Tip: How to Use Claps or Snaps for Easy Editing

Claps and Snaps Hey Reader, It should be a goal for every voice-over talent to become an efficient audio editor. One of the best ways to speed up your workflow—and something I do personally in my booth every day—is using the "Clap (Snap) Method." When you’re recording a long-form narration or a batch of auditions, you’re bound to make a mistake or want to try a line again. Instead of stopping the recording and clicking around your DAW, just give a loud, sharp clap (or a snap) near the...

3 days ago • 1 min read

VO Pro Tip: Finding an "Arc" in Short Commercial Scripts

Finding an Arc in Shorter Scripts Hey Reader, We’ve talked before about finding the "Why" behind a script, but once you know why you’re speaking, you need to decide where you’re going. Even the shortest 30-second commercial has a narrative arc. If you read the entire script with the same energy from start to finish, you lose the listener. To keep them engaged, you need to identify the three "acts" of the spot: 1. The Hook (The Setup): The first few lines usually establish a problem, a...

10 days ago • 1 min read

VO Pro Tip: Get the Most Out of Your E-Mail Signature

A Professional E-Mail Signature Hey Reader, Think about how many emails you send in a week. Between following up with leads, sending auditions, and coordinating with current clients, that’s a lot of digital "real estate" you’re using. Are you making the most of it? A professional email signature is more than just a sign-off; it’s a passive marketing tool that works for you every time you hit "send." Why it matters: Instant Credibility: A clean, well-formatted signature tells the recipient...