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The Voice-Over Roadmap

VO Pro Tip: The Pre-Read "Pause"

Published 23 days ago • 1 min read

Pre-Read "Pause"

Hey Reader,

As voice actors, we are often asked to deliver reads that sound "natural," "conversational," or "spontaneous." The biggest obstacle to achieving this is the fact that we are reading. Our eyes move faster than our brains can process the meaning, which can sometimes lead to a smooth but ultimately robotic delivery.

Something that may help you with this, is a subtle Pre-Read Pause.

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What Is the Pre-Read Pause?

The Pre-Read Pause is a strategic moment of silence just before a key phrase, idea, or even a single word. Its job is to simulate the spontaneous thought process of someone speaking off-the-cuff.

Instead of reading the script as one continuous block, you use the pause to "manufacture" a moment where your brain appears to be forming the thought. This makes the following words sound like they are being spoken for the very first time, giving your read an authentic, unscripted feeling.

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How to Apply It

Look for the most important word or phrase in the sentence—the one the client really wants the listener to remember.

As you approach the word, consciously inhale and drop your focus to really commit to the meaning of the upcoming words. The pause should be brief—think half a beat, sometimes even less—but it must be intentional.

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Example in Action

Consider this line for a car commercial:

"This new vehicle isn't just about speed. It's about getting to your destination feeling completely refreshed and connected."

A typical read might rush past the payoff. Using the Pre-Read Pause, you might read it like this:

"This new vehicle isn't just about speed. It's about getting to your destination (PAUSE) feeling completely refreshed and connected."

The brief pause before "feeling completely refreshed" forces the listener (and you!) to slow down and internalize the payoff, making the final phrase land with more weight and authenticity.

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The Pre-Read Pause transforms your voice from simply reciting words to actively thinking them. Use it to place the emphasis exactly where it belongs, giving your conversational reads that desirable, spontaneous texture.

-Michael

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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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