Voice Acting: Beyond Just A Good Voice - What You Really Need To Know To Get Started

Have Your Friends and Family Told You That You Have a Great Voice?

If you’ve heard, “You have such a great voice—you should do voiceovers!” more than once, you’re not alone. We’ve all received that well-meaning compliment at some point. In fact, over 30 years ago, I heard the same thing. Friends, family, and even strangers encouraged me to dive into the world of voice acting, and eventually, I took the leap.

But let me tell you, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The excitement of starting a voiceover career was mixed with some major self-doubt. What made all the difference? The people who believed in me, and learning how to silence that inner critic that kept telling me I wasn’t good enough.

If you’re ready to explore this exciting journey for yourself, let's talk about how to take those first steps and set yourself up for success.

Step 1: Research – Understand What You’re Getting Into

Before you dive headfirst into a voiceover career, research is key. Set realistic expectations. Voiceover isn’t a quick fix for making money or solving all your financial woes. This career takes time, patience, and relentless effort.

Yes, some people land gigs quickly. Some even get signed by agents after just a few weeks of putting out their demo. But let’s be honest—this isn’t typical. For most, it’s a slow burn. That’s why, with over 35 years in the industry, I always encourage new voice actors to understand that this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Step 2: Voiceover Coaching – The Foundation of Your Success

It’s easy to get excited about buying equipment (let's face it, shiny new gear is fun), but the truth is, without the right coaching, your gear won’t do much for you. If you don’t have the skills to deliver a performance that will make clients sit up and take notice, your microphone will become a very expensive paperweight.

The most important first step in your voiceover journey is finding a coach who’s been through the trenches and knows what it takes. Trust me, when you’re starting, your voiceover coach is more important than any piece of equipment you’ll ever buy.

If you don’t have the performance skills, landing gigs will be nearly impossible. This is the truth that every agent will tell you—no matter how great your mic sounds.

Step 3: Professional Demos – Your Voiceover “Calling Card”

A solid, professionally produced demo is your voiceover resume. It’s the tool you’ll use to market yourself, and it's the first thing that potential clients and agents will listen to.

And here’s the thing: Your demo isn’t the place for a single voice. You need variety. You need range. You need to show your versatility across different styles, whether it’s commercial, character work, or narration. If you don’t have these elements, your demo will be less likely to grab attention.

Here’s the hard truth: Do not make your own demo unless you have years of voice acting and audio engineering experience. I’m serious. DIY demos might work on budget platforms like Fiverr, but they won’t help you land real agency work.

You want your demo to represent you at your best—and that takes expertise. It’s worth the investment to have your demos professionally produced.

Step 4: Building Your Home Studio – Quality Without the Price Tag

I get it. You see high-end gear advertised everywhere. And while gear matters, what really matters is how you use it. Clients care about your performance—not how fancy your equipment is.

Don’t go out and drop thousands on top-tier microphones and mixers just yet. Start with a good mic and interface, and make sure your recording space is soundproofed. A well-treated space is crucial! You’d be surprised how many people think expensive gear will make up for bad acoustics—spoiler alert: it won’t.

Getting the sound just right can be tricky, but don't get discouraged. With patience, you’ll find your sweet spot, especially if you have someone experienced helping you along the way.

Step 5: Marketing – Making Your Demos Work for You

Once you have your demos, it’s time to start reaching out. But don’t just send a mass email to a list of agents or clients. You need to be creative in your outreach. After all, these people get hundreds of emails from voice actors every week.

Do your homework. Personalize your outreach. Ask questions about their business and show them you’ve done your research. Your demo will do the talking, but making that first connection is key.

And don’t be discouraged if you don’t get hired immediately. Building relationships takes time. I’ve booked clients years after my first email, simply because I stayed consistent.

Step 6: Beware of the Charlatans

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of noise out there. Programs promising quick riches or “secrets to voiceover success” are everywhere. Let me be clear: Voiceover is a business, not a shortcut to easy money.

Run far, far away from anyone who promises you can get rich by just talking into a microphone. This is an art and a craft—and it takes time to master. Avoid programs that make exaggerated claims, especially ones that resemble MLM schemes or sell you cheap courses just to upsell you into something bigger.

At UVT Coaching, we have over 30 years of experience working as professional voice actors. Our approach is honest, hands-on, and designed to give you real skills that will help you book work.

Step 7: Don’t Give Up – Perseverance Pays Off

Here's the kicker: the voiceover business isn’t easy. It’s competitive, yes. But here’s the good news: A lot of people quit before they even get started. They take a short-term approach, think it’s going to be easy, and when they don’t see instant results, they bail. Don’t be one of them.

Stay in it for the long haul. Keep learning. Keep improving. Keep pushing. Yes, some talents find success quickly, but for most of us, it takes time. And that’s okay. Stick with it, and your effort will pay off.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re passionate about a career in voiceovers, you’ve got what it takes. Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. It’s going to take hard work, patience, and a little grit—but if you’re committed, you can succeed.

If you want to learn more about getting started with coaching, check out our Voiceover Coaching Programs. We look forward to helping you find your voice and make your mark in the world of voiceovers!