Top Six Voiceover Questions of the Week!

Every Saturday, I do a roundup of the most popular questions asked about voiceovers during our “Ask Terry Anything About Voiceovers” segment on Friday, along with my answers for everyone. A lot of people have found this very helpful—so here we go!

1. Do you have any discounts on your voiceover training programs?

Absolutely! We are currently offering significant discounts on our Big Kahuna and Junior Kahuna programs. These programs include one-on-one coaching and professional demo production.

To learn more, visit our VO training programs page. Keep in mind, you’ll only see the full pricing there. If you're interested in moving forward, email me directly, and we can discuss the current discounts.

2. What is the best microphone to buy without breaking the bank?

I really like the RØDE products. The RØDE NT-1 is a super professional condenser microphone that’s also very affordable.

Just remember—you’ll also need an interface to power it. I typically recommend the Focusrite Scarlett Solo. It’s reliable, affordable, and a great place to start.

3. Do I need a talent agent to book work?

Absolutely not. Talent agents are wonderful, and once you're on an agency roster you’ll gain access to auditions for national brands. But the reality is that about 80% of my annual income comes from working directly with clients, not agents.

That comes from direct marketing to prospective clients. So while agents are fantastic, you can absolutely build a successful career without one.

4. People tell me I have a great voice, but how do I truly know if I have a shot at this?

Great question—and one we hear all the time.

At UVT, we offer free consultations and voice assessments. We’ll have you work on a couple of scripts and provide a full voice evaluation.

And keep this in mind: it’s not just about the voice—it’s about how you read the scripts. Performance, interpretation, and connection matter just as much as the sound of your voice.

5. Isn’t the voiceover industry extremely competitive?

Yes, it absolutely is. But here’s the truth: most industries worth pursuing are competitive.

The good news is that voiceover is also huge and constantly growing. Every commercial, video game, corporate training video, podcast intro, YouTube channel, eLearning module, IVR system, and explainer video needs a voice.

And here’s something people don’t talk about enough: it’s actually not quite as competitive as you might think. Why? Because many people quit too soon. Many jump into voiceover thinking it’s a quick cash grab or an easy solution when they’re between jobs. Then they discover that it requires training, marketing, patience, and real effort—and they bail.

Voiceover is the long game, not a short-term fix for unemployment. The people who treat it like a real business and stick with it are the ones who eventually see results.

So ironically, it’s not as competitive as you might think… because a lot of your competition has already moved on.

6. Demo production seems expensive. Why invest in something without a guarantee of work?

Great question—and I completely understand why people ask it.

But here’s the reality: education and professional training rarely come with guarantees. If you get a real estate license, there’s no guarantee you’ll sell a house. If you go to college, there’s no guarantee you’ll land a job in your field. Voiceover is the same way.

A professional demo is your calling card—the thing that allows casting directors and clients to hear what you can actually do. But just like any profession, success depends on your training, your effort, and your consistency in marketing yourself. The demo opens the door. What you do after that is what builds the career. If you have additional questions, leave them in the comments to email me at terry@uvtcoaching.com