Underplay the Read

Hey Reader,

A tendency that I find a lot of VO talent have, especially newer ones, is the instinct to "perform" and sort of "put on" a voice or style when reading a script. While there are cases when this could be called for, generally it is going to result in a performance that is too "forced" or dare I say "cheesy".

Sometimes the best read is the one that sounds like you’re doing the least.

Don't Act It Out, Just Be It

In voice-over, we often have the impulse to "sell" a word, emphasize a key phrase, or "act out" an emotion. While that works for big, theatrical reads, it can kill the authenticity of a natural, conversational script—which is a huge portion of the work out there!

Instead of trying to project the emotion written on the page, try to simply embody the circumstance of the character.

When you underplay a line, you give the listener the room to meet you halfway. It feels real because real people don't try to sound dramatic when they're simply having a conversation.

Keys to Underplaying

1. Embrace Subtext: What is the character actually thinking, even if they aren't saying it? That unspoken thought should drive your read, not the literal words.
2. Focus on the Listener: Your listener isn't in a theatre; they're in their headphones or watching a online video. Read the copy to them, like you’re sharing something. This automatically pulls back the intensity and makes your performance feel intimate.
3. You can even try delivering what feels like a "flat" read. Sometimes what feels or sounds "flat" to you, is actually very grounded and natural, but if you are in the habit of "overperforming" it may not quite feel that way at first.

The less you project, the more they lean in. Give it a try on your next audition!

-Michael

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Thanks so much!

-Michael

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