How to Handle Criticism in the Voiceover Industry (Without Losing Your Cool)

You have to learn how to take criticisim in order to get better.

I get it, criticism can be rough. But not if you shift your mindset.

You have to learn how to take criticisim in order to get better. - 5:07

Hey guys — it’s Gabby. Thanks for joining me for another edition of The Gift of Gab!

Today, we’re diving into a topic that makes a lot of people squirm: criticism. Yeah, I know — not the easiest subject to talk about. But I promise, this conversation is going to help you grow — both as a voice actor and as a creative professional.

Whether you're brand new to voiceover or you've been behind the mic for years, how you receive and respond to feedback can make or break your career.

Let’s talk about it.

Criticism Is Uncomfortable — But It’s Necessary

Over the years in my voiceover journey, I’ve been on both sides of criticism — I’ve given it, and I’ve definitely received it.

Sometimes it stings. Sometimes it surprises you. But more often than not, criticism is the key to growth.

Be Objective

One of the biggest things I can tell you is this: don’t take it personally.

When you’re getting feedback — whether it’s from a coach, a director, or a client — try your best to remain objective. I know that’s hard when you’re pouring your heart into a performance, but it’s critical.

Avoid the blame game. Resist the urge to say:

“The booth is too small.”

“The script is bad.”

“I felt off today.”

We’ve all heard those excuses in group classes or sessions. But they don’t help. They’re just deflection tactics, and they prevent you from growing.

Don’t Get Defensive — Get Curious

When you feel criticized, your natural instinct might be to get defensive. That’s normal — but it’s not productive.

Most of the time, no one is attacking you personally. They're offering insights to help you improve. So instead of reacting emotionally, take a moment:

Breathe.

Internalize the feedback.

Then respond — calmly and professionally.

Especially when working with clients, criticism may not come sugarcoated. Some clients are blunt. But that doesn’t mean they’re out to hurt you — it means they want the best result.

Use Criticism as a Tool for Growth

If you believe your performance is already perfect and don’t need adjustments, you’re going to have a tough time in this business.

Even seasoned pros have room to grow.

Think of criticism as a tool — something that sharpens your skills and makes you stronger in the booth. The more open you are to constructive feedback, the more you'll thrive when it matters most — in paid sessions, auditions, and client interactions.

From a Coach’s Perspective: Why Feedback Matters

As a coach, I can tell you — when we give criticism, it’s not to tear you down.

We’re here to:

Give you honest, actionable feedback

Prepare you for real-world client expectations

Help you adapt to current industry trends

It’s better to hear the hard stuff in a coaching session than to get blindsided during a big job. That’s the whole point of training.

And let’s be real — if you’re working with a coach, you’re literally paying someone to critique you. It might be called feedback, direction, instruction — but criticism is part of the package.

We’re here to help you get better, not just tell you “you’re great!”

Peer Feedback Counts Too

Criticism isn’t just for the classroom or one-on-one coaching sessions. Sometimes your fellow voice actors will have something valuable to say. Don’t brush them off.

Instead of reacting defensively, listen. Take it in. Ask yourself:

“Is there something I can learn from this?”

“How can I apply this to my next read?”

Even if you don’t agree with all of it, staying open-minded is the first step to getting better.

The Bottom Line: Criticism Makes You Better

Accepting criticism — really embracing it — can make you a better:

Performer

Business owner

Collaborator

And honestly, a better human too

It’s uncomfortable, sure. But it’s also where the magic happens.

Need Help Navigating Feedback?

If you’re struggling with how to handle direction or criticism, you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve been hearing the same notes over and over and don’t know what to do with them. Maybe you're not sure how to apply feedback in a real session.

Let’s talk.

📞 Book a free 15-minute session with me anytime — I’d love to help you work through it.

Let’s Keep Growing Together

Thank you so much for reading (and listening!) to The Gift of Gab. If this post resonated with you:

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And don’t forget to check out my website for more voiceover tips, coaching resources, and industry insights.

Talk soon,

Gabby

704-674-8294 / GabrielleNistico.com / gabby@voiceovervixen.com

Gabrielle Nistico, Gabby Nistico, The Voiceover Vixen, The Business First VO Coach, #VoiceoverVixen #VoiceOnFire #BusinessFirstVOCoach Voiceover, Charlotte, North Carolina, criticism, thick skin, peer, growth journey