For many years, the standard practice in radio production, where my own career as an audio engineer began, was to treat the breath as an enemy. 

We audio engineers were encouraged to meticulously remove breaths to ensure a clean, seamless delivery that would not interrupt the pacing or distract the listener. And in many camps and genres, this approach is still taken.

In this business, I’ve spent many years on both sides of the glass—behind the mic as a voice talent, and in the control room as a producer/director. I know what it feels like to hear, “Let’s try it again, but... different?” And not know where to go. I also know the pressure of wanting to guide a session and get the best out of talent without sounding vague, controlling, or confusing.

If you're directing talent live in person, in a live-directed online session, or reviewing takes after the fact, the goal is the same: to help the performance land the way you imagined, without killing the vibe.

Without exception, the sessions where the most magic happens are where the client or appointed creative lead engages with and directs the voice talent live.

If you're casting voice actors, getting top-tier auditions starts with a great brief! In this article, I share expert tips on how to maximise the quality of your voiceover casting calls. From avoiding generic demo reels to specifying tone, style, and budget—these insights will help you find the perfect voice for your project.