Let me do your talking
A voice can be polished and technically perfect—and still not feel believable.
Sometimes the small imperfections are what make someone sound human.
When you hear a commercial or corporate video, what matters more to you: a perfect voice or a believable one?
Talent may get you noticed.
Reliability gets you called back.
In every business I’ve worked in, people remember whether you did what you said you would do.
When you hire someone, which matters more—talent or reliability?
I’ve been thinking about something…
I see a lot of talk about “reach” on social media.
I’m far from an expert, but is reach really the goal—or is it what happens after someone stops scrolling?
A view is nice. A real conversation is better.
What makes you stop and join a conversation here?
#VO #Connection #SocialMedia #Community
People think voice-over begins when
you step up to the microphone.
I don’t think it does.
I think it begins when you listen—really
listen—to what the client is trying to create.
Every project has a certain feeling behind it.
My job isn’t to make it sound the way I want.
It’s to help bring my clients vision to life.
The microphone comes later.
First, you listen.
Is there one thing or maybe more that your work has taught you about listening
Here’s a strange question:
If your latest video could walk into a room before your company’s name ever appeared, what impression would it make?
It couldn’t show your logo, hand out your business card, or explain your brand. It would have only one voice—and a few seconds—to earn someone’s attention and trust.
What kind of voice did you just send into the room?
A great voice isn’t always the right voice.
The right voice understands the story, the audience, and what the script needs to accomplish. Sometimes that means warmth. Sometimes authority. Sometimes it means sounding like a real person having a real conversation.
When you’re choosing a voice for a project, what makes you say, “That’s the one”?
Getting hired for one project is good.
Becoming the person a producer calls again is better.
Talent may get someone through the door, but reliability, communication, and taking direction well are what build a lasting working relationship.
When you hire creative talent, what makes you want to work with that person again?
Awards and recognition can feel good.
But in voice-over—or any business—the real measure of success is earning a client’s trust, delivering what they need, and having them call you again.
A trophy may sit on a shelf collect dust. A satisfied client helps build a career.
What means more to you: recognition from your industry, or repeat business from your clients?
Since it’s Labor Day, I’ve been thinking about something my good friend Pete told me years ago.
I started working with people when I was only 18 or 19, running a trucking company with my brother. Later came the dry-cleaning business and the airlines.
Along the way, I learned to listen, speak plainly, use common sense, and never cut someone off while they’re talking.
But around 2004 or 2005, my friend Pete gave me another lesson. He said, “Bret, you’re working really hard. Remember this: get paid for what you know, not for what you do.”
It took me nearly 30 years to understand that.
I’m sure there’s a lesson you’ve learned over the years.
Let me know in the comments!
When the best training material loses its audience, it’s usually because it sounds flat, rushed, or robotic.
A clear, natural voice doesn’t just deliver information—it helps people understand it, remember it, and stay engaged.
What makes training content easier for you to follow?