Ask the pros - how to practice voice acting!

This week on Voice Acting Tips by Voice123 , we’re sharing our interview with successful voice actor Liz Saydah . She shares her tips on how to practice voice acting to hone your art and craft! She also answers questions on how to voice act and use practice lines to improve your skills.

?

How Liz approaches voice acting

When I receive a script, the first thing I do is hit record and dive right in. I don’t analyze it or overthink it—I just go with my instincts. This cold read captures an authentic, raw reaction to the material. Whether the outcome is a rough take or something truly special, this process helps me trust my instincts. Next, I’ll read the same line multiple times, playing with the pacing and delivery to find the version that feels most authentic to my voice.

Liz’s voice acting advice:

How to voice act

When you start out in voice acting, it’s all about being consistent and staying persistent. Everyone’s journey is unique, so it’s important to find what works best for you and embrace it. Practice daily and focus on being truthful and intentional with your delivery. Don’t be afraid to take risks and avoid being generic; just go for it!

What role does natural talent play in voice acting??

While natural talent can certainly give you a head start, voice acting is a skill that can be learned and refined over time. But achieving that ‘effortless’ read requires time and practice. Experience also plays a huge role in honing different skills, like voice acting for anime or becoming a documentary narrator .?

How do you practice voice acting?

To practice voice acting, you need to take different scripts from articles and book excerpts to spec copy and transform them into something lively and engaging. You could take a dry article on the stock market and read it like a Silicon Valley millennial or a corporate CEO. This practice will improve your versatility and adaptability.

How can practice lines help improve your skills?

You can look at the same script in 75 different ways, and experimentation is essential to improving your skills. Emphasize different words, vary the energy, and explore a range of emotions and tones. Step outside your comfort zone and embrace your mistakes.

What types of voice acting training can help you hone your voice?

Improv classes are an excellent tool. They can help you develop characters, think quickly, and add creativity to scripts. Improv not only gets you out of your head but also enhances your ability to adapt and bring spontaneity to your performances, which clients often appreciate.

As a last piece of advice:

If you’re just getting started as a voice actor , be patient and invest the needed time and energy to master your voice. Then, practice and audition relentlessly—there’s plenty of work out there, so go after it!

Looking for sample scripts to practice? Check out our voice over script resources!

And if you have any questions - reach out to our Customer Success team at [email protected] ?

Stay tuned for more tips to make your voice even more powerful!

Chris

Content Lead at Voice123