Conversational – What Does That Even Mean?
“Sound conversational.”
This is one of the most common specs I see in commercial auditions. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered: What does conversational even mean? It sounds so vague. Is it just my normal speaking voice? How do I know if I’m being conversational?
A lot of scripts will say something like, “Read as if you're talking to a friend.” I used to take that advice literally and still feel confused. I even recorded myself having a real conversation just to hear what I sounded like naturally—and I still couldn’t quite translate it into my reads.
But over time, and with a lot of trial and error, I’ve gotten closer to understanding what casting is really asking for.
At its core, the point of a conversational read is to sound real and authentic. Commercials are stories, and you’re the storyteller. Most of the time, casting doesn’t want a booming announcer voice or someone who sounds like they’re “trying” to sell something. They want someone who feels like a real person—someone we’d actually listen to. That’s where the word “conversational” comes in.
But just sounding like you're “talking to someone” isn’t always enough. So what do you actually do?
For me, conversational isn’t one single thing—it can look and sound different for everybody. It’s about being authentically you. The way you talk to a friend might be completely different from how I would. Conversational reads aren't about fitting into a box—they’re about bringing your natural self to the script.
Imagine 10 people read the exact same script and all hit the specs. Who gets chosen? What makes one read stand out? It’s often the person who brings their unique point of view—their life experience, energy, quirks, pacing, emphasis—to the read. That’s what makes it personal and real.
From casting’s perspective, they’re wondering: Why should I hire you over someone else? What makes you different?
So bring yourself to the read. Be truthful. You’ve probably heard the phrase a million times—and as cliché as it sounds—it’s true: You are enough.
You don’t need to pretend to be someone else. You don’t need to change your voice or force a style that doesn’t feel like you. Not every script will be the right fit, and that’s okay. But when you show up as your full, authentic self, you’ll attract the roles that are right for you.
And when you see “conversational” in the specs, don’t assume it means low-energy, whispery, or chill. That might be what conversational sounds like for someone, but for someone else, it might be energetic, bubbly, or passionate. It’s about your version of natural.
So ask yourself: What can I bring to the table that no one else can?
The answer? You.