If you’ve been in voiceover long enough, you’ve probably heard the same advice over and over: invest in coaching. It’s true…training matters. But there’s a big difference between investing wisely and spending money just to say you’ve worked with a coach.
I’ve taken my fair share of classes over the years. Some were great. Others? Not so much. In a few cases, I booked sessions just to see if a coach’s style or methods actually added value to what I was already doing. Sometimes they did, sometimes they didn’t. What I learned from that experience is simple: not every coach is the right coach for you, and not every class is worth your money.
Before you sign up for your next coaching session, take a step back. Ask yourself what you really need to improve on. Are your commercial reads missing energy or nuance? Do you need help building character voices or sharpening narration delivery? Knowing your gaps will help you find a coach who can fill them instead of one who just repeats what you already know.
Don’t just go by a name or a reputation. Listen to the demos of a coach’s students. Read reviews. Ask around. A good coach should be able to point to measurable improvement in their students. And if possible, book one or two sessions first to see if their style fits yours before you dive into a big coaching package.
When you do work with a coach, set goals for what you want to achieve. Do you want to sound more conversational in commercials? Land more animation auditions? Tighten your pacing for eLearning? Having a specific outcome in mind helps you measure whether the training is working.
The goal isn’t to collect coaches like trading cards. It’s to develop a focused skill set that makes you more bookable. Be intentional with your money. Spend where it will truly move the needle on your performance, your business, or your technical ability. There’s no prize for being able to list the most coaches on your resume (as many seem to think)…the prize is a stronger, more confident read that gets you hired.
Training is one of the most important parts of a successful voiceover career, but it’s only valuable when it’s strategic. Take the time to figure out what will actually help you grow. Learn from the best fits for you, not just the biggest names. Your time and money are resources—treat them with care, and your craft will thank you for it.
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