Your Audition Is Your Handshake

Would you show up to a client meeting with bedhead and a wrinkled shirt?

Probably not.

But when you submit a voiceover audition that’s poorly recorded—maybe it’s full of room echo, background noise, or captured on a phone mic—that’s exactly the kind of impression you’re leaving. And for some reason, there’s still a belief out there that audition quality doesn’t matter all that much.

That it’s “just a sample,” and if the performance is good enough, the technical details won’t matter.

I don’t buy that. Because here’s what I’ve learned, both from experience and from working with high-level clients: the audition is the product sample. It’s the handshake. The introduction. The proof of professionalism. And like it or not, your recording space is part of what you're selling.

When a casting director or producer hits play, they’re not just listening to the performance. They’re absorbing the full experience of what it would be like to work with you. If the audio quality is poor, it raises questions. Can this person deliver consistent results? Will they need extra direction or editing support? Will we need to fix their file before we can even use it?

It’s not about having the most expensive gear in the world. You don’t need a $3,000 mic to be competitive. But you do need to treat your audition with the same respect you’d give a booked session. Clean audio, clear intention, professional delivery.

The right gear, a quiet space, and a little care go a long way. When your audition sounds great, it signals that you’re serious, reliable, and ready to handle the job from start to finish.

So the next time you hit record, think about the message your sound is sending. Because it’s not just an audition. It’s your introduction.

Make it a strong one.

Give them a fantastic first impression!