Comedy, Community, and Success in the Voiceover Industry

Anne Ganguzza
Jun 17
3 min read

Updated: Jul 16

with Jennifer Sims

BOSSes Anne Ganguzza and Jennifer Sims, a voice actor, coach, and a self-proclaimed "100% certified smarty pants," connect to explore the intricate layers of the voiceover industry. Listen in as they unpack Jennifer's unique journey, shaped by diverse experiences in acting, producing, and voiceover, offering a candid look into the crucial insights needed to navigate challenges and build a truly thriving business in today's landscape. Listeners will discover the essential role of professionalism and adaptability in connecting with clients, gain an understanding of the industry's evolving demands, and appreciate the power of a well-rounded skill set.

In this episode of the VO BOSS Podcast, Anne Ganguzza and Jennifer Sims explore Jennifer’s unique journey through acting, producing, and voiceover, sharing candid insights and hard-earned lessons on overcoming challenges and building a thriving business in today’s competitive landscape.

Chapter Summaries

Collaboration in Voiceover with Jennifer Sims

(00:01) Jennifer Sims, a successful voice actor and coach, emphasizes the collaborative nature of voiceover work and the importance of understanding the purpose behind the copy.

Layered Nuance of Comedy in Voiceover

(13:15) Comedy in voiceover work, emphasizing nuance and wit, incorporating improv skills, and drawing from stand-up experience.

Market Demographics in the Voiceover Industry

(21:29) Understanding demographics and market trends for effective voiceover work, emphasizing community, women's voices, and continuous learning.

Top 10 Takeaways

Understand the Full Process:

Understand what your time is worth per hour across all your services (voiceover, other jobs , etc.) to make informed business decisions.

Copy Has a History:

Don't judge copy harshly; it's often the result of extensive research, legal review, and client directives.

Focus on Direction:

Develop strong acting skills and be highly directable, as this is often more important than delivering a "perfect" read initially.

Casting is Subjective:

Audition selection can be highly personal and often beyond your control (e.g., client preference, internal changes). Don't take "rejection" personally.

Master the Details:

Always follow file naming conventions and other instructions; missing these details can lead to immediate disqualification.

Embrace Nuance:

Comedy in voiceover is often subtle; use improv skills to find the underlying wit and make your reads conversational, not exaggerated.

Create the Scene:

For any copy, even corporate or e-learning, create a "moment before" and a reason for speaking to make your delivery connected and authentic.

Stop Reading, Start Talking:

Avoid a "reading" melody; aim for natural, spoken speech in your auditions and recordings.

Study Market Demographics:

Research who companies are targeting with their products to better understand roles and tailor your marketing.

Invest in Training & Community:

For long-term success, commit to continuous quality training and actively engage with the voiceover community for support and learning.

Referenced in this Episode

Direct links to things we brought up ++

Recorded on ipDTL - get it here >> Work with Anne>>

Love the episode? Let our listeners hear from you!

ADD YOUR VOICE

Anne Ganguzza - female voice talent with blond hair, black glasses and red lipstick. She is smiling at the camera and wearing blue headphones.

More from Anne Ganguzza

She's a powerhouse voice talent, producer, and host. Book time with Anne to get your voiceover career in gear or focus on a specific genre. Catch her each week on VO BOSS or register for an event on VOPeeps.com >>