If you’re just stepping into the voiceover world, welcome! It’s exciting, it’s evolving, and it’s not always clear where you fit in the mix of AI, online platforms, and endless voices. Here’s the good news: you bring something no synthetic voice can and that’s your humanity. But the tricky bit? You have to know how to use it if you want success in voiceover.
AI Voiceovers are on the Rise
AI voices are here, and yes, they’re getting better. They’re quick, consistent, and sometimes just good enough. But what they aren’t is connected. They don’t understand nuance, they don’t respond to a director’s vision and they certainly don’t feel a script. That’s where trained actors shine. We know how to bring truth to text and not just read it well, but really land it. If you’re looking to stand out as a voice actor, that emotional intelligence is your secret weapon.
My Voiceover and Onscreen Background
My background in onscreen acting has for sure, made me a better voice actor and here’s why that matters. Before I worked behind the mic, I trained and worked as an onscreen actor. That experience wasn’t just useful, it was essential! On set, you learn how to listen, how to react and how to be present. You learn how to read a line ten different ways depending on what’s underneath it. All of that transfers beautifully into voice work. So if you’re wondering, “Do I need to act to do voiceover?” The answer, in my experience, is a wholehearted yes.
Take the Acting Class (Even If You’re Wanting Success in Voiceover)
Acting class isn’t just for stage or screen performers. It’s for anyone who wants to learn how to access their truth, take direction, and grow their craft. In voiceover, especially when you’re starting out, you’re often self-directing. The more training you have, the easier it becomes to find the tone, emotion, and the rhythm a script needs.
Plus, acting class is where you learn to take risks, to be vulnerable and to make bold choices. That’s the stuff that turns heads in this industry. When you’re new, it’s easy to focus on gear, demos, and platforms (and those are important). But don’t overlook your instrument – you. Your voice isn’t just a sound; it’s a storyteller. Developing your craft means you’ll not only sound good but you’ll sound believable. Bookable and hopefully irreplaceable.
Want Success in Voiceover? A final thought
If you’re serious about voiceover, the best advice I can give is this: don’t try to compete with AI. It’s not a fair fight and it’s not the right one. Instead, focus on what makes you unique: your perspective, your training, your voice, your humanity. Invest in acting classes. Learn how to feel a script. Understand the story behind the words. Those are the tools that will carry you, no matter how the industry evolves. Because at the end of the day, casting directors, clients, and listeners still want real connection and THAT, is something only you can offer.
You can find out more about my own journey in voiceover here or connect with me on Instagram
Want Success in Voiceover? Here’s What AI Can’t Do by Karis Pentecost