Congrats, you're booked! Now here's how to be a rockstar!

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of getting booked for a voice over job. It’s that perfect mix of excitement, validation, and “let’s do this!” energy. But if we’re being honest, sometimes that rush can make us forget the very basics that set us up for success.

I’ve learned over time that preparation isn’t just about making my own job easier. It’s about making my clients’ lives easier, too. When you show up ready, thoughtful, and one step ahead, it builds trust. Clients see you not just as a voice, but as a professional partner who understands what it takes to make their project shine. That’s how you stand out in a sea of talent, and may even win you repeat work! Cha-Ching!

The good news? Staying prepared doesn’t have to be complicated. I like to keep a simple voice over session preparation checklist handy so I never miss a beat. And when I follow it, I not only deliver my best performance — I also look like a rockstar in the eyes of my client.

Here are some of the key questions and steps I never skip before a booked session:

✅ Find out what clicked in your demo or audition. Asking “Was there a specific part of my demo that resonated with you?” is gold. It gives you insight into what they loved — and what to lean into.

✅ Confirm session setup. Will they want to patch in live via Source-Connect, Zoom, or phone? Or do they prefer you record independently? Confirming this up front eliminates last-minute hiccups.If the client wants to patch, say YES and thank your lucky stars. You'll get so much more information and it's your chance to be seen as part of the team.

✅ Nail down usage and scope. Ask about the spot’s length, intended usage, or word count if it’s eLearning narration. Clarifying scope upfront saves you (and them) from awkward billing surprises later.

✅ Understand brand voice. Is the delivery warm and casual, clear and confident, or sleek and corporate? Even better, ask for past examples of work they loved that feels “on brand.”

✅ Clarify timing. You probably already know the overall length. But ask if the video is locked. These details help you manage pacing, and sometimes even require a short test read before the final take.

✅ Confirm tricky pronunciations. Never assume! Ask about acronyms, brand names, or industry jargon. I once had to re-do a line because the client preferred terr-MURE-ick to TERR-mer-ick.

✅ Learn client preferences. Some clients hate contractions. Others have specific opinions about the pause in their tag line. The more pitfalls you can avoid.

✅ Get the paperwork straight. If you’re working under a contract or NAVA rider, confirm billing details and make sure you have the correct mailing address. Future-you will thank you.

Here’s the bottom line: being prepared isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about building relationships. Every thoughtful question you ask shows your client that you care about their project and their process. And when you make their job easier, you become the talent they remember, recommend, and rebook.

Take five minutes today and jot down your own checklist. Post it right by your monitor so you’ll never forget to ask the questions that make you shine. Soon, that checklist will become second nature.

I know every talent has their own tricks. What about you? What would you add to the list? Drop a note in the comments and let’s learn from each other.