Vocal Health for Intense Sessions
I recently had a voiceover session for an animated show—and wow, it was a blast. Three straight hours of high-energy lines, combat grunts, yelling, and all the wild stuff we love about animation. By the end, my voice wasn’t trashed, but it was definitely tired. Not in a scary "I blew out my voice" way—just the kind of fatigue that reminds you how physical voice acting really is.
That session was a great reminder of how important vocal health is, especially for video games and animation work where intense efforts are the norm. Whether you're dying a dramatic death or throwing out a fiery battle cry, these sessions take a toll. So here’s how I keep my voice healthy (and how you can too).
Going into a high-effort session without warming up is like running a marathon without stretching—you can, but you're going to regret it. A few of my favorite warm-ups:
These small things get my voice and body prepped to go all out when the session starts.
Water is your best friend. I went through five bottles during that animation session. Staying hydrated helps your vocal cords stay flexible and reduces the risk of strain. I try to start hydrating at least an hour before the session, not just during. If you're already dry going in, it's too late.
This one’s huge: don’t be afraid to speak up. If your voice is getting tired or you need a moment, say something. Directors and clients want your best performance, and that won’t happen if your voice gives out.
During a recent video game session, we had a bunch of intense lines that included screams, death noises, and high-stress reactions. I asked if we could save those for the end. That way, I could give 100% without worrying about blowing out my voice before finishing the rest of the script. Clients are usually happy to accommodate this if you explain it’s for vocal health.
It happens. Even with all the prep in the world, some sessions just hit different. If your throat is sore after, the best thing you can do is rest your voice. That means no yelling, no chatting on the phone, and definitely no extra auditions.
Drink water, take it easy, and if you're like me, honey can be a lifesaver. I’ll take a spoonful straight—it coats my throat and gives some instant relief. Some people also like warm herbal teas with honey and lemon, which is a great combo too.
Video game and animation sessions can be some of the most fun jobs in voiceover—but they’re also some of the most physically demanding. Taking care of your voice isn’t just about being able to finish one session—it’s about building longevity in this career. Warm up, hydrate, advocate, and recover. Your voice is your instrument, so treat it with the care it deserves.
And remember: you don’t have to be perfect right away. I’m still building up my stamina for long sessions, and that’s totally okay. We grow with experience—and the more you take care of your voice now, the better shape it’ll be in later.