// Frequenty Asked Questions //

Voice Talent

When casting directors are in the market for a voice talent, it is common for them to conduct an audition. In order to make the best impression, a voice talent should be familiar with the basic expectations and skills that casting directors use to evaluate voice actors.

As a prospective voice talent, you may be asked to do a cold read from a script you haven't had an opportunity to study or practice. It is imperative that you be able to read well, with a conversational tone and natural inflection. You should be able to scan ahead while speaking without having to stop or pause, and without the opportunity to pre-read. An auditioning voice talent is expected to stay in character for the duration of the read. You may also be asked to produce a range of emotions. Pay attention to direction, and always maintain a friendly and receptive attitude. Employers may not always remember a consummate professional, but they certainly won't forget someone who is rude or bad-tempered, and they won't want to hire a voice talent that behaves poorly.

Other skills that a voice talent should cultivate are a good imagination and a wide repertoire. Be able and willing to provide fresh ideas if the opportunity presents itself. This will set you apart from your competition. Also take care to enunciate, especially words that end in T, D, M, and G. Avoid making unwanted noises such as lip smacks, taking loud breaths, and rustling paper. Keep extra sounds to a minimum so they don't distract from your performance. Anything which draws negative attention could be the difference between getting the job and being passed up.

Janet Ault is a female voice talent with hundreds of voiceovers to her credit, in all types of media: radio, television, e-learning, corporate industrials, voice messaging and voice prompts, audio tours, store-casting, jingles, interactive kiosks, characters, animation, and radio imaging.

	"Janet Ault has been a true asset to my production work since the first day she voiced a spot for me. She does just about everything from voice characterizations to imaging with an uncanny ability to follow direction closely always giving me a number of takes to choose from. And when it comes to turnaround time her work gets to me either on time or earlier. Janet Ault will always be on my shortlist of voice over artists." Jeff Atherholt Production Director WRBS - Baltimore, MD