VOICE ACTING
Should You Rehearse Voice Over Auditions - 
Or Rush To Record And Submit Before Others?

Rob Marley
Voice Actor & Coach
 
In the oftentimes fast-paced world of voice over, it’s tempting to rush into recording the moment you get a script. You’re eager and you want to get that audition in quickly, because if you don’t, you know there will be hundreds of people that will submit before you. And if the client is listening to auditions as they come in, they may pick the voice they want before they get a chance to hear your greatness.

But here’s the truth that separates the professionals from the hobbyists: rehearsal is everything.

Before you even hit the record button, taking the time to rehearse your script can make a world of difference. Auditions aren’t just about reading words clearly - they’re about delivering a performance that grabs attention and connects emotionally.

Rehearsal helps you unlock that performance. Here's how ...

UNDERSTAND THE SCRIPT

First, rehearsing helps you fully understand the script.

• What is the tone?
• Who is the target audience?
• Are you speaking as a character, a brand ambassador, or a friendly neighbor?

Plus, reading the script aloud a few times lets you uncover its rhythm, subtext, and emotional beats.

It’s not just what you say - it’s how you say it.

AVOIDS THE STUMBLES

Second, rehearsal gives you the chance to work through tricky pronunciations, awkward phrasing, or unfamiliar terminology.

Stumbling during a take can interrupt your flow and kill your momentum. With practice, you smooth those wrinkles out in advance, so you can deliver a clean, confident read.

DO YOU BELIEVE IT?

Third, rehearsal allows you to experiment. Try different inflections, pacing, and emotional tones.

Record short practice runs and play them back. Ask yourself: “Do I believe this read?” “Would this stand out in a pile of auditions?”

This is your moment to play, to take risks, and to find your most compelling delivery.

BUILDS YOUR CONFIDENCE

Finally, rehearsal builds confidence. When you step into the booth having rehearsed thoroughly, you bring presence and control to the mic.

Casting directors can hear that confidence - and it often makes the difference between getting shortlisted and never hearing back. .

It’s a lot like music. I can look at a piece of sheet music and know (kind of) what I’m looking at. The more I practice, the smoother I’m going to get through that music, eventually to the point where I’m not thinking about the notes and what comes next, I’m in the moment … FEELING what should be next.

Getting to that point only comes after a metric boatload of effort put into practicing.

So, next time you get an audition script, resist the urge to dive in cold.

Step away from the mic, take a few minutes (or more), and rehearse with intention. Your performance - and your booking rate - will thank you.
--------------------
ABOUT ROB 
Rob Marley is a voice over artist, producer and coach with 30+ years of experience specializing in commercial VO. Known for his warm, human sound and a straight-shooting approach, Rob helps clients tell their stories with clarity and impact.

Web: www.MarleyAudio.com

ALSO SEE THESE HELPFUL VOICE OVER AUDITION ARTICLES

Your Daily Resource For Voice-Over Success

Follow News & Features