Session Etiquette 101: How to Be the Voice Talent Clients Book Again & Again

When it comes to voiceover work, one truth stands tall: fail to prepare, prepare to fail. If you’ve ever been in a session that felt rushed, bumpy, or full of preventable hiccups, you already know how quickly confidence can slip. But when you show up calm, focused, and ready, you don’t just deliver a read, you deliver an experience that makes creative directors, executive producers, and instructional designers want to call you again and again.

Why Preparation Matters for Voice Actors

Preparation is more than glancing at a script. It’s the foundation of your performance. Whether your session is patched or not, give yourself at least an hour before recording or the booking to do some real homework.

Start by reviewing the updated script with fresh eyes. Words you skimmed in your audition might look different when you’re recording under direction. Highlight anything that feels uncertain including pronunciations, acronyms, or even phrases you’re not confident about. A quick check now can save you from an awkward stumble later.

Then, think beyond the words. Are you confident in the concepts you’re presenting? If the copy dives into technical territory, financial details, or educational content, spend time making sure you actually understand it. When you know why a point matters, you can communicate it with authenticity, and that’s something clients notice. This is especially important for long-form narration and eLearning, where producers and instructional designers rely on your delivery to keep learners engaged.

Next, revisit your submitted audition and the specs you were originally given. Has anything shifted? Producers often fine-tune direction after casting, and you’ll stand out if you’re already tuned into those changes. As you mark your script, don’t be shy about adding written prompts, underlines, or even extra punctuation to guide your read to be truly you. These little cues can help you stay consistent when the pressure is on.

Finally, shape the story you’ll tell. Even if it’s corporate training, there’s a story arc somewhere, and your job is to find it. Once you’ve mapped out that flow, ask yourself if there’s another way to tell it. Directors love having options, so being ready with different perspectives will make you invaluable in the booth.

Before You Hit Record: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Once your prep is done, set yourself up for success in the booth. A bottle of apple juice (great for mouth noise) never hurts, and a quick trip to the bathroom is just practical. Nerves have a way of sneaking up on you.

If you’re self-recording, go ahead and dive in. On playback, ask yourself whether you’re telling a story that would hold someone’s attention. I often think, Would this hold my husband's attention? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.

If you’re headed into a directed session, make sure your gear is ready well before call time. For video-conferenced direction or Source-Connect, I like to have everything tested and set at least ten minutes in advance. It gives you peace of mind, and clients notice punctuality.

Session Etiquette in the Booth

This is where professionalism shines. Keep a small notepad nearby and jot down the names of everyone on the call: the engineer; producer; director; client. Using someone’s name later makes you look sharp and respectful.

When it comes to audio, ask the engineer if they’d like you to bypass any processing. Switching to your dry channel if requested shows flexibility and experience. As you record, make sure your A, B, and C takes all come from different points of view so the client has a range of options.

And then, be patient. Engineers and directors may pause to edit, review, or confer with the client. Don’t let the silence rattle you. If you need clarity or want to hear how something landed, politely ask for playback. That willingness to collaborate not only improves your performance, it makes you part of the creative team.

Before you disconnect, thank everyone for a smooth session. I’m often slow to leave the call, just in case the engineer has a final note once the client has dropped off. It’s a small courtesy that’s often appreciated.

Follow-Up That Builds Lasting Relationships

Session etiquette doesn’t end when the mic switches off. If an agency or client contact helped facilitate the booking, send a quick note letting them know the session wrapped successfully. Compliment the engineer, confirm delivery details, and (if you’re handling the files yourself) send the audio promptly. These little follow-ups build long-term trust, and in an industry built on relationships, that’s gold.

Final Thoughts: Why Clients Book You Again

Being the voice talent clients book again and again isn’t just about having a great sound. It’s about professionalism, preparation, and respect for the process from start to finish. When creative directors know they can count on you, when instructional designers trust that you’ll elevate their scripts, and when executive producers see you as a true collaborator, you stop being a one-time hire and become a go-to partner.

If you’re looking for a voice actor who brings warmth, reliability, and collaboration to every project, let’s connect. I’d love to make your next session the easiest part of your day.