How to Direct a Voice Actor, Especially If It’s Your First Time
- Stephanie MATARD
- 20 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
Congratulations! You’ve booked a directed voiceover session! It’s very exciting! But maybe you are feeling a little nervous? Totally normal.
The good news is that voice actors work with first-time directors all the time, and our shared goal is simple: to bring your project to life and enjoy the creative process along the way!
I’m sharing a few easy tips on how to direct a voice actor so you’ll feel confident and get the performance you’re looking for. Plus, you’ll find two free downloadable checklists to guide you through every stage of your project.
If you are curious to learn more about how these sessions work, check out the blog post I created called Remote Live Directed Voice Over Session!
Fun fact: Not only am I a voice actor, but sometimes I get to be an artistic director. The most recent project I directed was for the FIFA World Cup US commercial campaign, with the talented Jason Kappus voicing. Here is the video.
To direct a voice actor, you need to lay the groundwork before the session!
Preparation is key. A little clarity ahead of time saves energy and keeps the session running smoothly.
Finalize your script: I know it isn’t always possible because the end client has last-
minute changes, but try to get the script locked in before the recording.
Read it out loud to see if the script meets your time restrictions and double-check if there are words that might need pronunciation clarification beforehand.
Highlight key parts: Mark words or phrases that need extra emphasis or attention. This is also important for key pauses, too!
Clarify narrator and audience: Who is speaking (teacher, executive, storyteller, baker)? Who are they addressing (employees, customers, the general public, a family member)?
Define your intention: Do you want to explain, inspire, reassure, motivate, or sell?
Adjust the “tone dials”: Think about pace, formality, and energy on a scale of 1–10.
Audio-visual elements: Consider what the audience will see and hear.
With these basics in place, you’ll already feel more confident stepping into the directed session.
For even more tips and a place to jot down notes, download the free Artistic Directors’ Checklist for Voice Over Sessions here and keep it handy for your future projects too.
Direct a voice actor during the remote live session with clarity!
Great directing is about collaboration. You provide the vision, the actor brings it to life. Here’s how to keep everything flowing:
Start with context: Share what the project is for and who it’s meant to reach.
Encourage variations: “Let’s try one calmer, and another with extra energy.” Multiple takes give you more options.
Give clear, simple feedback: Instead of vague notes, try actor-friendly phrasing.
Here are some examples:
Basic Direction | Actor-Friendly Direction | Example You Could Say |
More energy | Connect to excitement or enthusiasm | “Give it the excitement of sharing great news with a close friend.” |
Warmer | Relatable and welcoming | “Smile as you say it, like you’re welcoming someone into your home.” |
Stronger / more confident | Project authority and leadership | “Read it like a CEO rallying the team at a company meeting.” |
These kinds of directions are clear, constructive, and easy for the actor to understand.
To make directing easier, I’ve created a free downloadable guide: Voice-Over Direction Cheat Sheet: Say This, Not That.
It’s filled with ready-to-use examples to inspire your feedback and help you guide performances with confidence. Clear direction is the key to getting the results you want! Download it here:
And remember, if it’s your First Time Directing a voice actor:
Ask questions: We voice actors are happy to explain the process.
Lean on our expertise: we can suggest pacing, tone, or variations.
Take notes: Keep track of which takes stood out to you and what you liked.
Stay relaxed: A calm, friendly session environment helps everyone perform better
After the Session: Wrap Up Smoothly
Once the recording is finished, it’s important to close things out with clarity.
Make sure you confirm the delivery format you’ll need, whether that’s WAV, MP3, or split files for different sections of the script.
And that’s it, you did it! Directing a voice over session isn’t nearly as intimidating as it might seem at first.
Working with voice actors is a collaborative process, and once you’ve experienced it, you’ll see just how enjoyable (and even fun) it can be.
Thanks for reading my blog, and I hope it was useful!
I’m Stephanie Matard, an English-speaking voice actress based in France.
Alongside performing as a voice actress, I also work as a voice-over director, helping clients shape powerful performances that connect with their audience.
Whether you need a professional voice for your project or guidance in running a smooth, directed session, I’d be delighted to support you.
Let’s make your next project shine! Get in touch with me today to schedule your recording or directed session.
