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Most of the common voiceover mistakes seen are made by newbies. They tend to ignore or miss some tiny little details. However, the professionals also makes these mistakes sometimes and are unsure how to get rid of them.

Here is a small list of the most common voiceover mistakes seen around.

1. Changing Script without permission.

This is one of the most common voiceover mistakes. Many voiceover artists change the script on a job because it doesn’t sound right to them. Well, it doesn’t have to. Most of the time, the script sent to you has gone through several edits and people and it is unlikely that there’s a mistake in the script. The only exception in this case is if you are working with a foreign client. Say your client is a Polish guy who sent you a script with some basic grammar errors. You may decide to correct this mistakes while making sure not to hurt the overall message. You may also provide alternate reads if you strongly feel like the message in the original script is not right. This will make the client happy instead of pissing them off.

2. Failing to Follow direction. Following direction is one of the basics of the voiceover business, and not doing so is also one of the most common voiceover mistakes ever. It is important that you know what the client wants from you. Know the pace, style, and tone that is necessary to bring the script alive. One simple way to fix this common voiceover mistake is to request for a reference. Ask the client to give you a clue on how they would like you to sound, it may be a part of your own sample or a particular character they want to emulate.

3. Rigidity With Pricing New voiceover artists make the mistake of setting a price and staying true to it. Well, this is a mistake only because the industry is very competitive and sometimes it is necessary to have a rate card that is not so rigid. It is also known that many people try to rip voiceover artists off by offering unreasonable prices because of the competition, there’s always someone who will take the job. You need to understand when to lower your price and when not to.

4. Reliance on Audio Edit. Most voiceover artists rely on audio edits to take care of the noise and mouth clicks in their recording. This may not be the wisest thing to do. Record in a quiet place, do what is necessary to avoid mouth noises—like being always hydrated. There is also a need to learn how to edit your own audio. It saves you a lot of time and it allows you to be flexible with your pricing, since you’re not paying anyone or going to a studio.

Lastly, use file sharing software. Instead of sending 50mb of audio as email attachments, why not upload it on Google docs and share a link. We’re in the 21st century, aren’t we?

These common voiceover mistakes are fixable and hopefully this hope has been helpful. Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

Also, read our post on 5 things you should not do as a voice actor.

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