Script Happens and Sometimes Chaos is Booked Out

Welcome to Script Happens, my little attempt at blogging where I invite you to join me in celebrating the wonderful, weird, and often unpredictable world of voice over. I’ve been behind the mic long enough to know one thing for sure: there’s nothing quite like the variety of scripts that land in your inbox. And sometimes? Things don’t go exactly as planned.

Whether it’s a last-minute rewrite, a tongue-twister that makes your mouth stage a full-on mutiny, or that one file you swear you saved before your software froze, VO life is a mix of preparation and improvisation. Script happens. And when it does, you smile, breathe, and keep rolling. Keep calm and carry on, as they say.

This blog is my way of sharing what happens between the takes—the small victories, the funny flubs, and the moments clients never see. I’ll share practical tips and behind-the-scenes insights that just might help you in your own production workflow whether you're a creative director managing brand consistency, a producer juggling deadlines, or a fellow voice actor navigating the same terrain.

The Truth About “Perfect Reads”

Let’s start with a little confession: I have chased the “perfect read” more times than I can count. It’s an easy trap. You want to nail the audition, or deliver flawless narration for a corporate video or ad. You shoot for perfect timing, effortless flow, that off-the-cuff vibe, all while sticking to script and tone. You hope the client hears it and says, “That’s it. Invoice me.”

But here’s the twist: the “perfect” read isn’t always what the client is really after. More often, it’s the slightly imperfect one—the read that feels right. That connects. That supports the story, the brand, or the tone of the training module, explainer, or spot. The little imperfections? That’s what makes it human.

So now, I aim for authentic over perfect. Because the best reads aren’t always the ones that follow every rule. They’re the ones that make people lean in and listen. It’s about what they feel.

When Scripts Fight Back

Then there are the days when a script rolls in, usually at 4:45 PM on a Friday. The notes? “Bright and lively, but not too perky. Talk like you’re chatting with your neighbor, channel Aubrey Plaza, and by the way, it’s a hard :30 on a spot about neurodivergence.”

And the copy? Reads like a legal disclaimer tangled in poetry.

Those are the true “script happens” moments. You take a deep breath, do your warm-ups, shake out the tension, sip your coffee, and step into the booth. Because no matter how complex the copy or how tight the deadline, bringing your words to life is what you do best.

And when it clicks, when the final take hits just right, that’s the magic. (And yes, some days I do briefly consider switching careers to car sales. It’s gotta be easier, right?!)

What You’ll Find Here

In upcoming posts, I’ll share:

• Tips I’ve gathered from years of voiceover for corporate narration, eLearning, explainer videos, and commercials and the coaching that helped me get there

  
  

• The funny, awkward, and occasionally terrible things that happen in the booth. We’ll commiserate together

  
  

• Advice for producers and creative teams to get the most from their voice talent
  

• A few thoughts on how to stay sane, stay caffeinated, and keep your voice in top shape (Pro tip: hobbies help. Mine is dog training.)
  

Whether you're a fellow voice actor, a producer or executive director looking for your next narrator, or just curious what happens behind that friendly voice in your onboarding video, there’s a seat for you here.

Pull up a chair, grab your favorite beverage, and let’s talk shop.

Because in this business? Script definitely happens.

— Barb Lyon Positive, Practical Voice Over. In a Jiff! 🎙️ I'll bring the warmth, speed, and precision, you take all the credit