VO Pro Tip: The importance of the first line

Published about 1 month ago • 1 min read

Voice-Over Pro Tip

The First Line

Hey Reader,

Obviously the way you read every line in a script is important to your overall performance and chances of booking a job if it's an audition. But arguably the most important line, is the very first.

For auditions, you have to remember that the casting team is listening to read after read after read from a number of talent, all reading the same script. And they likely are making quick decisions and not listening to the whole audition. So imagine hearing that first line over and over and over from different talent, it's important that yours stands out, so that they keep listening, and also hopefully book you.

It also sets up the tone and feel for the rest of the piece.

So what can you do with this information? Make sure your first line is well matched to the specs, clear and articulate (unless it's specifically not supposed to be) and interesting. Don't hesitate to read that first line over and over and sort of find your groove before getting into the rest of the script.

And also it might be worthwhile to go back and record a bunch of additional takes of the first line after doing the full read to get a great one that you can edit in.

Don't overlook the importance of that first line!

-Michael

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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