How to Give Voiceover Direction (Live or After the Session)
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.
Part 1: Giving Feedback in a Live Voiceover Session
Live sessions offer a golden opportunity: real-time collaboration. But they can also go off the rails if the direction is unclear or overwhelming.
What to Do:
Be clear with your vision upfront
Start with a quick brief: tone, pace, audience, and emotional intent. Even 30 seconds makes a difference, and context goes a long way here! The why is as important as the what.Use specific and relatable language
“Try it warmer, like you’re talking to an old friend.”
“A bit more punch on the CTA at the end.”
“Can we slow that middle line slightly so it lands more thoughtfully?”Anchor your notes to performance cues
Talk about tone, pace, intention, or emphasis—not just “energy” or “vibe.”Give one or two notes per take (if possible)
Overloading a voice actor with five directions at once creates confusion. Prioritise what matters most first. Perhaps go line by line with relevant feedback if it’s a long script?Acknowledge the wins
“That second read was right on tone—let’s keep that energy for the last two lines.”
This keeps morale high and performance consistent.If you want options or alternatives - just ask!
Not sure what you’re looking for? Or hoping you’ll hear it and know that it’s right? This is a time consuming approach, but professional voice actors are great at giving variety and creative ways to say things - so just ask for 5 versions of the same line.
What Not to Say (and Why)
Avoid these common traps:
“Make it better.” Vague and frustrating. Better how?
“That’s not what I wanted.” Unclear and demoralising.
“More energy!” Without context, that can lead to shouting, not improvement.
Line readings (where the director demonstrates what they want by ‘showing’ the talent how it’s done). Line readings can cause more confusion than they solve.
Pro tip: If you can’t define what you do want, start by clarifying what you don’t.
What to Say Instead
Use three anchors for feedback:
Tone – “Let’s try it a little more sincere and less announcer-y.”
Pacing – “Can we slow down that first line to let it land better?”
Intention – “This line should feel like a reassuring moment, not a hard sell.”
Bonus tip: Give a bit of context.
“You’re speaking to stressed parents—you’re here to reassure, not persuade.”
Part 2: Sending Feedback on Audio Files (Post-Session)
Sometimes your VO artist sends you takes to review asynchronously. This means your written or recorded feedback needs to do the heavy lifting.
How to Give Effective Post-Session Notes:
Use timestamps
Refer to specific timecodes or line numbers:
“At 0:38 – could we try that sentence with a bit more pause before “guaranteed” to add emphasis?”Stick to the same performance anchors
Tone: “Softer, more conversational here.”
Pacing: “Can we slow the list at 1:02 for clarity?”
Intention: “Line at 0:47 should feel like reassurance, not urgency.”
Frame revisions positively
“Loving the tone overall. Just a few tweaks to lock it in:”
People perform better when they feel safe and appreciated.
Final Steps (For Both Live & Remote Sessions)
Say thank you
Simple, but powerful. VO artists often work solo—appreciation goes a long way.
“Thanks again—your read brought the script to life.”Be available for clarification
If you're reviewing takes via email or a shared folder, let the talent know they can reach out with questions. It saves rework in the long run.
The Difference Between Feelback and Feedback
Not all feedback is created equal. It’s important to separate emotional reactions from directional input. Saying “It just doesn’t feel right” might be true, but it’s not actionable. Your voice talent can’t adjust to a feeling unless they understand why it’s off.
Instead, translate that instinct into something useful:
Instead of: “This line feels weird. Try again.”
Try: “I think we need this line more relaxed, like a casual conversation.”
Remember: your gut is valid, but your voice actor needs clear guidance to adjust the performance. Feelings are a starting point, not a final note.
Wrap-up: Direction Makes the Difference
The best voiceover performances aren’t just read—they’re shaped. With clear, respectful, and specific feedback, you get better takes, stronger creative results, and happy collaborators.
Whether you're directing live or reviewing from your inbox, the goal is the same: Guide with purpose, not pressure.
