The Hidden Secrets to Auditioning and Hiring the Perfect Voiceover Artist

Introduction: More Than Just a Nice Voice

Let’s be honest: hiring a voiceover artist can feel like online dating. Everyone’s got a polished profile, a slick demo, and promises of "the perfect match." But much like a dating app, the reality can be a little… different. So, how do you separate the truly exceptional from the average, the right voice from just another voice?

Most advice out there will tell you to look at experience, vocal range, and audio quality. Yawn. You already know that. But what about the real secrets—the things industry pros don’t talk about? Let’s dig into the game-changing insights that will help you audition and hire a voiceover artist with confidence (and without regrets).

1. Ignore the Demo Reel (Sort of)

Demo reels are the equivalent of a movie trailer. Slick production, polished delivery, and zero mistakes—because they’re engineered to be perfect. But what happens when the script you need voiced isn’t pre-recorded perfection?

Pro Tip: Ask for a Custom Read

Instead of relying on a demo reel, request a short custom read from your actual script. This is the best way to gauge:

How quickly they grasp the tone you want
Their ability to interpret direction
The quality of their home studio (if they’re remote)

If they refuse a custom read? Red flag. That’s like a chef refusing to cook a single dish before you hire them. I do a free one here - Audition Form

2. The "One-Take" Test

Want to know how good a voiceover artist really is? Give them a script and ask for a cold read. A professional should be able to deliver a strong performance with minimal prep time. Why? Because in fast-paced productions, you don’t always have the luxury of endless retakes.

What to Look For:

Natural flow: Do they sound robotic or effortless?
Breath control: No one wants Darth Vader narrating their video.
Pacing and emphasis: Are they engaging or monotone?

A voiceover artist with strong instincts will nail the read—or get very close—in just one take. That’s the level of skill you want.

3. Don’t Just Listen—Watch Their Workflow

Most people just listen to the voice. But here’s what you really need to do: watch them work. If you’re hiring a voice actor for an ongoing project, their workflow matters just as much as their voice.

Questions to Ask:

Do they take direction well, or do they resist feedback?
How quickly do they deliver revisions?
Do they provide clean, processed audio or raw files full of background noise?

A great voiceover artist isn’t just a voice; they’re a production partner. If they make your job easier, you’ve found a winner.

4. The Personality Factor: Are They "Set and Forget" or "High Maintenance"?

A voiceover artist might sound like Morgan Freeman, but if they’re a nightmare to work with, that’s a problem.

The Two Personality Types:

The "Set and Forget" Pro: Takes direction, delivers quality work, and doesn’t need hand-holding.
The "High Maintenance" Performer: Needs constant guidance, struggles with deadlines, and turns minor edits into major dramas.

Which would you rather work with? (Hint: not the second one.)

5. The Accent Illusion: Don’t Get Fooled

You might think you need a specific accent, but what you really need is authenticity. Some voiceover artists can do spot-on regional accents, while others… not so much.

What to Do:

Ask where they’re from. A native accent is usually more natural than an imitation.
Get samples of different accents. Some voiceover artists (like myself) offer multiple UK accents, from Geordie to Yorkshire to Cockney.
Avoid exaggerated accents. Unless your project is a cartoon, over-the-top accents can sound fake and distracting.

6. The "Weekend Warrior" Test: Availability Matters

A voiceover artist who’s only available every other Tuesday and bank holidays isn’t much use when you need a quick revision.

Look for:

Availability 7 days a week (or at least reasonable working hours)
Fast turnaround for small changes
A clear revision policy (so you’re not charged extra for minor tweaks)

A true professional understands that client needs don’t always fit a 9-to-5 schedule.

7. The "Tech Check": How’s Their Audio Setup?

A great voice means nothing if the audio quality is terrible. A professional-grade home studio should be whisper-quiet with clean, crisp sound.

Ask for:

A raw (unprocessed) audio sample
Their microphone and recording setup
Their noise reduction process

If their audio has background noise, weird echoes, or sounds like it was recorded in a kitchen, walk away.

8. The "Test of Adaptability"

One of the biggest mistakes in hiring a voiceover artist is assuming that their style is set in stone. A true professional can shift their tone based on the project.

Challenge Them:

Can they switch from a corporate narration to a fun, upbeat commercial?
How do they handle humour? (Because if they can’t land a joke, that’s a problem.)
Can they match an existing voice or branding style?

Versatility is key, especially if you’ll be hiring them for multiple projects.

Final Thought: Finding the Right Voice is About More Than Sound

Voiceover is an art and a business. The best artists don’t just sound good—they make your life easier. They understand deadlines, take direction like a pro, and deliver quality work without drama.

So, next time you’re auditioning voiceover artists, don’t just listen to their voice—test their professionalism, adaptability, and workflow. And if you’re looking for a voice that’s deep, mature, and comes with a range of UK accents, well… I might just know someone. 😉

What’s Your Hiring Experience Been Like?

Have you ever hired a voiceover artist that blew your mind—or one that made you question your life choices? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Why don't you let me send you a free sample recording of your script, just complete my audition form.

Good luck in finding a voiceover and with your project. If you don't think I'm the right fit, drop me a line anyway, I know lots of voiceover artists😁