The One Skill That Will Define Your Voice Acting Career
- Anne Ganguzza
- Aug 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 10
with Rolonda Watts
BOSSes, get ready for an electrifying conversation with a true entertainment icon. In this episode of the VO Boss Podcast, Anne Ganguzza is joined by the legendary Rolonda Watts, an Emmy-winning, talk show host, actress, and award-winning voice actor. Rolonda's career is a masterclass in professional reinvention. From her groundbreaking syndicated talk show, The Rolonda Show, to her powerful voice acting work on Professor Wiseman in Curious George and her on-screen roles in Mind Your Business and Survival of the Thickest, she embodies the art of pivoting with purpose. The hosts discuss how her journey from journalism to entertainment shaped her, why listening is the most important tool for any communicator, and the life philosophies that have guided her to become a true BOSS.
Rolonda Watts, a legend in television and voice acting, shares her journey of professional reinvention. Discover how her background in journalism, her philosophy of authentic communication, and her belief in the power of "being yourself" can transform your voice acting career.
Chapter Summaries
A Masterclass in Communication: The Rolonda Watts Story
(00:46) Anne Ganguzza introduces Rolonda Watts, highlighting her incredible career as a journalist for major networks like WNBC and WABC in New York, a talk show host, actress, and voice actor. Rolonda shares her journey from being an investigative reporter on Inside Edition to hosting her own syndicated talk show, The Rolonda Show, a transition that taught her invaluable lessons in communication and audience connection. This serves as a perfect example of a successful voice acting career reinvention.
The Power of Pivoting: From News to Entertainment
(04:09) Rolonda discusses her experience with her talk show, emphasizing that its format was rooted in her journalism background. She explains how she brought a "news-oriented" sensibility to the show, focusing on in-depth conversations and the authenticity of people's stories. This demonstrates her ability to reinvent her career while staying true to her core skills, a key element of voice acting career reinvention.
The Art of Listening: A Key to Success
(08:55) Rolonda stresses that the most important skill for any communicator—whether a journalist, a talk show host, or a voice actor—is the ability to listen. She shares how truly listening to guests, a script, or a client's direction allows for a more authentic and impactful performance.
"Rolondaisms": Life Lessons for a BOSS
(12:30) Anne and Rolonda dive into Rolonda's famous "rolondaism" sayings. She shares powerful, self-coined phrases that serve as life philosophies, such as "Change is the only constant" and "Acknowledge the fear, but get on with it anyway." These sayings offer inspiration and a framework for navigating a creative voiceover career.
Authenticity and Voice: Finding Your Unique Sound
(17:22) Rolonda explains that being a successful voice actor is not about trying to sound like anyone else, but about embracing your own unique voice. She shares her belief that every person's voice carries their life story, and that authenticity is the key to connecting with an audience and landing jobs. This is a core component of a successful voice acting career.
From the Newsroom to the Booth: A Seamless Transition
(22:15) The hosts discuss how Rolonda's background in reporting and interviewing perfectly prepared her for the world of voice acting. The ability to read a script quickly, understand the context, and deliver with authority and emotion are skills she honed in journalism that are directly applicable to the voiceover industry.
The Future of a Multi-Talented BOSS
(25:40) Rolonda reflects on her future and her continued passion for creative work, whether on screen in shows like Mind Your Business on Bounce TV or on stage. She offers a final message of encouragement for all voice actors to stay curious, be open to new opportunities, and never stop reinventing themselves.
Top 10 Takeaways
Embrace Reinvention:
A successful voice acting career is often about pivoting and applying your skills in new and unexpected ways.
Listen to Connect:
The most crucial tool you have is your ability to listen—to a client, to a script, and to your own intuition.
Your Voice is Your Story:
Don't try to sound like anyone else. Your unique voice, with all its imperfections, is what makes you authentic and marketable.
Embrace Change:
View change not as a threat, but as the only constant in life and a crucial element for growth in your voiceover business.
Acknowledge Fear, Move Forward:
Don't let fear paralyze you. Acknowledge it, but get on with the business of pursuing your goals anyway.
Apply Your Core Skills:
Your background—whether in journalism, teaching, or another field—provides a unique set of skills that can be directly applied to your voice acting craft.
Be a Professional Communicator:
Every role, from talk show host to voice actor, is about effective and authentic communication with an audience.
Expand Your Horizons:
Don't limit yourself to one medium. Be open to new opportunities in acting, performance, and other creative endeavors.
The Power of a Clear Point of View:
A strong perspective, honed through experience, is vital for delivering a powerful and believable performance.
Practice Your Craft:
Just as with any instrument, consistent practice, training, and self-care (like stretching and breathing) are essential for a successful voice acting career.
Referenced in this Episode
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