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Auditions, the bread and butter of the voiceover industry. It can be nerve-wracking to think that your chance of getting a job comes down to just one take, one shot to convince the employer that you are the voice that they want. You need to nail your audition without pausing (unless the script calls for it!) and get the script perfect.
The key to getting ready for any big audition is to practice, practice a bit more and then practice again. You need to know the script that you're reading like the back of your hand. You want to be able to recite the script as if it was your own words, because believe it or not, even if you think you know it quite well, it'll show in the audition that you're not 100% certain with the script. Repetition is the key to ensuring a smooth and convincing read. Work on the script before you record the audition, deciding on the tone and pitch that you want to use. If you are using an accent make sure that the accent is convincing, and that you won't struggle to keep the accent up the whole time. A great tip that many people use before recording an audition, is to tape themselves reading the script, and then listening back and critiquing themselves. If you're not comfortable doing that, get a friend to listen, as they can give you an objective opinion that you can use to perfect your read.
When preparing for the audition. Try to get to grips with the character that you’ll be reading, as it can really help give life to the read, and make it jump out at the employer. By understanding the emotions of the character that you’re reading for, you’ll give a reading that ties you into the character, meaning that the employer will then hopefully associate you with the character, boosting you above the competition.
Going into an audition with your confidence high is definitely something that can't be underestimated, don't be over-confident and take the audition as a formality, however if you go in believing in yourself, it will make a difference. The voiceover industry is a tough and trying one at the best of times, and you have to believe that you can be the best. The employers won't believe in you for no reason, you need to give them a reason to, and believing in yourself gives you a really good platform for that.
Before recording the audition, make sure that your voice is in top condition. Make sure you don’t eat chocolate, spicy foods, or consume any dairy products in the hours before the audition, because they tend to have a negative effect on the voice. Keep drinking water throughout the day as it keeps your voice limber and strong, enabling you to put everything into the audition. Try not to exert your voice that day either, as a tired voice definitely isn’t a strong one. A great thing to do would be to check through the top-tips sections in previous UK Voices newsletters, as they all contain great tips on keeping your voice in great shape, and try your best to follow them in the hours coming up to your audition, as they can really make the difference.
Your audition can truly be won or lost before you’ve even auditioned. All voice-over artists will agree that without proper preparation, you’re toast. So make sure in the run up to the audition that you practice and practice, keep your voice in top shape, and go in full of confidence; and if you follow those steps, you are putting yourself on the path to success.
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