top of page
Search

🚀 Get Out of Your Head (and Stop Channeling a Game Show Host!)

ree

Before we dive in, let’s be clear: this blog is mostly for folks aiming to nail commercial, narration, or eLearning voiceovers. If you’re dreaming of voicing a sassy dragon in an animated flick or a grunting or orc in a video game, some of this still applies, but you’re not my main squeeze here.


🧠 The Chaotic Brain Gremlin in Voiceover World

Your brain? It’s a chaotic little gremlin. When it comes to voiceover, it loves to trip you up like a prankster tying your shoelaces together. We've all grown up bombarded by voices on TV and radio—those smooth, iconic tones that sneak into your subconscious like uninvited houseguests. For me, it was Bill Mitchell, the guy with a voice like a gravel truck doing donuts in a quarry. He took over the Carlsberg “probably the best lager” tagline after Orson Welles got too diva and demanded a Scrooge McDuck-sized paycheck. (Check out Peter Dickson’s book, The voiceover Man, for the juicy details.) Bill’s voice was deep, gritty, and—here’s the kicker—100% him, even when he was just ordering a coffee.

Growing up in the UK, the BBC was my audio wallpaper. With only three channels (yep, I’m that old), the BBC’s newsreaders, continuity announcers, and David Attenborough's soothing nature doc voice were my jam. They shaped my weird hybrid RP accent, despite spending 75% of my life in Scotland, where my voice probably should’ve sounded more like a bagpipe with feelings. Those voices got me dreaming of being a posh announcer, even if my natural accent sounds like I’m auditioning for a role as “Confused British Guy #3.”


🌟 Inspiration vs. Impersonation: It's Okay to Be Influenced!

Here’s the deal: it’s fine to be inspired by your surroundings. But the biggest rookie mistake in voiceover? Thinking your natural voice is about as exciting as a soggy biscuit. Newbies get behind the mic and suddenly transform into a discount Morgan Freeman or a wannabe game show host. I see it all the time in group coaching sessions. We’re chatting, everyone’s voice is normal, and then—BAM!—they hit “record” and sound like they’re hyping up a crowd for a chance to win a new car. I’m sitting there thinking, “Mate, who are you? Did an alien hijack your vocal cords?”


🎤 The Secret Sauce: Famous Voices Are Just... Themselves!

Here’s the secret: those famous voices in your head? They’re not doing a wild impression of someone else. Even Robin Williams, the king of a thousand voices, had a natural cadence you could spot a mile away. Listen to:

And even non-celebs like Jodi Krangle (Podcast vs Commercial) or JMC (Interview vs Commercial) sound like themselves whether they’re on a podcast or selling you a car. Sure, they tweak their tone a smidge for effect, but it’s not like they’re gargling marbles to sound “professional.”


🔮 That Darn Magical Microphone Shenanigans!

And then there’s that darn microphone. It’s like a magical stick that turns normal people into overzealous game show hosts. (I’ve got a whole blog on why mics make people lose their minds—check it out.) Your mic isn’t a Broadway stage; it’s your best mate. Treat it like you’re whispering secrets to a pal over a pint. When you record, you’re not shouting to a stadium. You’re talking to one person, making them feel like you’re spilling the tea just for them. That’s like giving a speech: the best speakers lock eyes with you and make you feel like the only person in the room, not like they’re yelling at a crowd of faceless nobodies.


❤️ Memorable Voiceovers: They Touch Your Soul!

Think of a voiceover that stuck with you. I bet it hit you right in the feels. Take Tim Allen’s Pure Michigan spots. His voice doesn’t scream, “BOOK A TRIP NOW!” It’s like he’s your cozy uncle, sipping cider and telling you about Michigan’s fall colors while you’re both wrapped in flannel. He’s not selling; he’s storytelling. That’s the magic—connecting with the copy like you’re chatting with a friend, not trying to sound like a used car salesman on a caffeine bender.


🌈 Final Pep Talk: Love Your Voice, Be You!

So, stop trying to sound like Sir David Attenborough or that deep-voiced movie trailer guy. Your voice? It’s enough. It’s you. Embrace it like a quirky sweater you love despite the holes. When you record, don’t overthink it—just pick a vibe for the copy and roll with it. Be unapologetically, gloriously you. That’s what casting directors are dying to hear. That’s what makes people stop scrolling and listen. And if you’re still stuck in your head, just imagine your mic is your favorite barista. You wouldn’t try to impress them with a fake voice while ordering your latte, would you? Exactly.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page