Chill and Learn Why: The Importance of Breathing in Voice Acting
Updated: Sep 22
Stop the Wall of Sound: Why Breathing Matters in Voice Acting
Hey guys, it’s Gabby! Thanks for tuning into my YouTube channel, The Gift of Gab. Here, I dive into everything voice acting—from coaching tips to industry insights. Today, I want to chat about something I’ve been seeing everywhere lately.
The Trend I’m Seeing All Over Social Media
We’re seeing it on Instagram. We’re seeing it on TikTok. We’re seeing it all over social media. And no—it’s not just people talking really, really fast. It’s this complete inability to stop and take a breath.
The Problem With the “Wall of Sound”
Why does this matter? Because it creates this really annoying wall of sound that never stops. In music, a wall of sound can be rich and layered. But when someone is talking? You just want them to shut the [ __ ] up. (Yes, I made that ridiculous on purpose—because it proves the point.)
Humans Breathe. Humans Pause.
Human beings breathe. We pause. We take a moment. And that pause isn’t just for us—it’s for the listener. Pauses give the person you’re speaking to the chance to:
Absorb what you just said
Process the information
Form their own thoughts
If all you’re doing is bombarding people with words, it’s obnoxious. It’s annoying. And honestly? It becomes completely unpalatable.
Faster Is Not Better
We see this a lot with content creators who think that talking nonstop means:
They’re getting their message out faster
They’re being more efficient
They’re somehow doing the audience a favor
I beg to differ. I don’t think most people actually agree with that approach.
Why This Matters So Much in Voice Acting
As an actor, this is also exactly why so many people dislike announcer voices. Clients constantly say they want:
“Anything but an announcer sound.”
Because this is what announcers do. They ramble on incessantly. They never pause. They never breathe. They just bombard the audience with a nonstop wall of sound.
Take a Breath. Be Human.
So here’s the takeaway: Take a breath. Breathe. Be a human being inside your performances. Give your audience permission to:
Agree with you
Disagree with you
Or just have a thought of their own
This is a huge part of what makes a conversational voice over—which, by the way, is the trend in voiceover that everyone is trying to understand, emulate, and book right now.
Need Help Breaking the Habit?
I hope this helps! If this is you—if you’re struggling with wall-of-sound mode—give me a call. Let’s talk. Let’s look at the classes I offer and figure out what’s going to be the best fit for you. While you’re on my website, take a look at the other classes I offer as well.
And of course, check out the video linked here if you want more voice acting tips and tricks like this. Thanks for watching!
704-674-8294 / GabrielleNistico.com / gabby@voiceovervixen.com
The Power of Pausing in Voice Acting
Why Pausing Enhances Your Performance
Let’s dive deeper into why pausing is essential. When you pause, you create space. This space allows your audience to connect with your words. It’s like giving them a moment to breathe along with you.
The Emotional Impact of a Well-Timed Pause
Think about it. A well-timed pause can heighten emotions. It can build suspense. It can even make a joke land better. Pauses are powerful tools in your voice acting toolkit.
How to Practice Pausing
So, how do you practice this? Start by reading scripts aloud. Focus on where natural pauses occur. Mark them in your script. Practice until it feels second nature.
Conclusion: Embrace the Breath
In conclusion, embrace the breath. It’s not just about filling the silence; it’s about enhancing your performance. Remember, your audience is there to connect with you. So, give them that chance.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering your voice acting skills. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need guidance.
Gabrielle Nistico, Gabby Nistico, The Voiceover Vixen, The Business First VO Coach, #VoiceoverVixen #VoiceOnFire #BusinessFirstVOCoach Voiceover, Charlotte, North Carolina, voiceover class, voiceover technique, social media, influencer, conversational voiceover, conversational acting, voiceover techniques, voiceover tips and tricks
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It is spot on to highlight how blindly following voiceover trends like the "understated casual" read can completely backfire in an audition. Pushing for that hyper-natural, detached conversational tone often strips away all genuine emotion and clarity, leaving the performance sounding flat and completely unengaging to casting directors. Hearing about how directors actually prefer authentic connection over stylized industry tropes is a great reality check for voice talent. While reviewing performance scripts and analyzing vocal mechanics, looking into assessment help australia resources sometimes comes up when people need structured feedback on technical assignments or project evaluations. It definitely makes you step back and reconsider whether a trendy technique actually serves the script or just gets in the way.
This is one of those voice-over tips that makes a lot of sense once you actually hear the difference. Speaking quickly can make an audition feel energetic, but talking nonstop can just make everything blur together. I like the point about pauses being for the listener too, not just the person speaking. Sometimes a small breath does more for delivery than trying to squeeze another sentence into those first 30 seconds. spin mama fits naturally into the middle here without distracting from the actual advice.
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