Why It’s Important to Consume the Content You Want to Work In
A lot of people dream of voicing video games, anime, cartoons, audiobooks—you name it. But if you’re not actively consuming those forms of media, you’re missing out on a huge advantage. Think of it like learning a language: the more familiar you are with the nuances, pacing, and style of a genre, the better equipped you’ll be to nail an audition or a live‑directed session.
Know the Language of Your Medium
- Video Games. Play enough RPGs and you’ll pick up on how NPCs deliver lore, how quippy ally banter feels, and what battle efforts really sound like. When a director asks for three levels of “light, medium, and heavy” attack efforts, you’ll know exactly what they expect.
- Anime vs. Western Animation. Anime often leans into heightened emotion, musicality, and very specific timing. Cartoons airing on Cartoon Network might favor broader, punchier deliveries. Mixing them up can lead to a read that feels completely out of place.
- Audiobooks. I’ll be honest: audiobooks aren’t my main lane. Because I don’t listen to them regularly, I’d need extra prep to handle that slower, sustained narration style. If you do want to narrate long‑form content, start listening now. Study pacing, breath control, and character differentiation over hours of material.
- Commercials. Haven’t watched ads in years? Trends have shifted. Conversational reads dominate today’s market—you have to know what that sounds like in 2025 and beyond. The “announcer from a mountaintop” vibe doesn’t book like it used to.
Why Familiarity Gives You an Edge
- Better Auditions. Directors can tell when you “get” their medium. Your read instantly feels rooted in the world they’re creating.
- Smoother Sessions. If you’ve never played a game, acronyms like NPC, VO cap, or “efforts pass” might confuse you mid‑session. Knowing the lingo keeps the workflow moving.
- Authentic Performances. You’re not guessing what sounds right—you know because you’ve heard it a hundred times. Authenticity always stands out.
How to Level Up Your Media Diet
- Watch, play, and listen with intent. Take notes on vocal styles, pacing, and emotional beats.
- Mimic lines out loud. Feel how the delivery sits in your mouth and diaphragm.
- Stay current. Follow new releases and trending ads. The industry evolves; so should your ear.
Wrap‑Up
Your voiceover toolkit isn’t just your mic and booth—it’s also the content you absorb. Treat watching that new anime, playing the latest story‑driven game, or binging commercials during halftime as research, not guilty pleasure. The more you soak in, the more instinctive your performances become. And when you step into a session, you won’t just bring a great voice—you’ll bring a deep understanding of the world you’re helping to create.
So queue up that Netflix show, fire up your favorite game, or stream a few ads on YouTube. Your next booking might depend on it.
