The Power of Lead-In Lines
Have you ever read the first line of a script and thought, “That didn’t feel quite right”? Maybe you weren’t fully in the moment yet, or your energy didn’t quite match the tone the script called for. That’s where lead-in lines—or pre-life—come into play.
A lead-in line is something you say right before the script starts to help you ease into the performance. It doesn’t have to be anything complex—it could be as simple as “Hey,” a short question, or even a full sentence or two that sets you up emotionally. The idea is to get your brain and body into the right place before the scripted words begin. That way, when the actual copy starts, you're already grounded and connected.
I often use lead-in lines to help set the emotional tone. For example, if I’m voicing a heartfelt, quiet line like “We’ve got your back,” I might talk to myself out loud about a moment I needed support or comfort to help tap into that vulnerability. The lead-in won’t be part of the final recording—it’s just a tool to guide the performance. In most cases, you’ll trim it off in editing. (Though in some rare audition situations where improv is encouraged, a short pre-life moment can actually help add a unique touch—just be mindful not to go off-script too much.)
A recent session really reinforced how powerful this tool can be. I was in a live-directed session with a script that had a tone shift—from a soft, serious beginning into a fun, energetic ending. The first half went great, and the client loved it. But when I got to the upbeat part, I was either giving too much or not enough. I felt like I was dancing around the tone without ever hitting it just right.
Then, someone on the client team—who hadn’t said much up until that point—offered a suggestion: “Imagine you’re in a grocery store and you hear the intercom say, ‘Attention shoppers!’” It was such a simple note, but it clicked instantly. From that point on, I used “Attention shoppers!” as a lead-in line to launch into the second part of the script. Every time I felt like I was drifting or running low on energy, I’d reset with that phrase. It probably sounded a little funny, but it worked. The client loved the take, and the session wrapped up smoothly.
Lead-in lines are one of those small, behind-the-scenes techniques that can make a huge difference in your performance. Whether you’re recording on your own or in a live-directed session, they can help you land emotionally right where you need to be. They don’t take long to try, but they can save a read—and even make the session more enjoyable.
So next time a script feels off or you're struggling to nail that first line, try giving yourself a little pre-life. You might be surprised how much it helps.