Why a Nice Voice Won’t Make You a Great Voice Artist

Why a Nice Voice Won’t Make You a Great Voice Artist

Why a Nice Voice Won’t Make You a Great Voice Artist


Over the last 10 years, I’ve trained over 2,000 voice artist hopefuls. As South Africa’s leading voiceover coach, I’ve seen it all—the talent, the dedication, the hustle. But there’s one common roadblock that separates the amateurs from the professionals, and it’s not what you might think.


A lovely voice is not enough. Let me say it again: a great voice alone does not make a great voice artist. The missing link is the ability to connect that voice to your soul. Yes, your soul.


Stay with me here. Feelings have a sound. Anger, sadness, fear, joy, excitement—each emotion creates a unique sound. And that sound is shaped by volume, pitch, rhythm, tone, modulation, cadence, and pauses. The way we pause, the way we inflect, even how we hit or soften certain words—all of it tells a story. It’s this nuanced storytelling that transforms a nice voice into a powerful instrument capable of moving people.


Think about this: we all instinctively understand the difference between a dog’s playful bark and an aggressive one. Or the difference between a friendly car hoot saying, “Hey, Jeff!” and an angry blast that screams, “Move!” Sound has an incredible ability to guide action and emotion. It can bring harmony or chaos, uplift or destroy. Science even backs this up—plants thrive when spoken to kindly, and water changes its structure depending on the words it hears. So, imagine the impact our voices have on each other. Now take this into the world of voiceovers. Our voices are used to convince, sell, reassure, and inspire. And yes, sometimes, to manipulate. Let’s not pretend we’re not tricksters here. 😉 But the best voiceover artists don’t just “sell” with their voices—they move people. They touch hearts and minds.


Here’s the kicker: not everyone can do this. Even with the best coaching, some people simply can’t connect their voice to their soul, to their life experiences, to the depth required to infuse meaning into words. Why? Because voice artistry isn’t just about acting. It’s about having a deep sense of self and others. You need to feel emotions—not just your own, but the emotions of the characters, the audience, the client. And that’s where so many fall short. Sure, you can teach the technical stuff—how to hit notes, elongate words, create modulation. But the magic? That comes from lived experiences: the triumphs, the losses, the joy, the heartbreak. Those are the moments that shape not just your mind but your voice.


So, can I take someone with a nice voice and turn them into a superstar voiceover artist? No. I can make you better. I can get you gigs. But greatness? That’s something you’re born with and build on relentlessly—like Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, or Michael Schumacher.


And here’s a hot tip: if your voiceover coach can’t demonstrate what they’re teaching—if they can’t showcase the deliveries you’re learning—run. You’re with the wrong coach or company. Period. Voiceover is an art, not a quick fix. Beware of businesses offering “1-hour online” or “1-hour in-studio” sessions as a complete solution. These aren’t learning opportunities; they’re cash grabs. Real growth takes time, dedication, and a coach who lives and breathes this industry.


If you’re serious about becoming f*cking great, let your voice be an instrument that moves people. Come see me at VOISA. I’ve dedicated my life to helping people unlock the full potential of their voices. And if you’re wondering why I’m so passionate about this, keep an eye out for my book, “Behind the Glass: A 20-Year Journey,” coming soon. It’s all in there.


This is your moment. Are you ready to become a VOISA?


#BecomeAVOISA

#VoiceOverCoach

#FindYourVoice

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