Conversational VO by Hugh P. Klitzke - ConvoVO BlogConversational VO by Hugh P. Klitzke - ConvoVO Bloghttps://www.conversationalvo.com/ConvoVOblogSat, 28 Mar 2026 19:41:59 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[After 19 years, John Florian has shuttered Voice Over Xtra. ]]>https://www.conversationalvo.com/ConvoVOblog/post/after-19-years-john-florian-has-shuttered-voice-over-xtra.

John was the first person who said:

"Hugh - can I publish your blog on my site?"

His belief in what I wrote meant so much to me.

And like all great editors, his polish made my words sparkle.

John's publishing, hosting and advocacy created opportunities for many of us in the VO industry.

Today, I'm sharing one he posted back in 2016.  (!!!) 

Thank you Mister Florian! 

Casting Director Warns About 12 Mistakes
Voice Actors Make In Auditions From Home


July 29, 2016

By Hugh Klitzke
Casting Director and Coach

1. Overslate
"Hi!  Good Morning! I’m June Blakely and I’m in sunny Oklahoma City and and I’m REALLY so excited to be auditioning for you today. Here are the first take of three and there will be three more. Okay! Here I go...
2. Underslate. That means not slating at all.  

3. Record too low, or

4. Record too hot. You need to practice recording clearly and cleanly. Remember, we like our auditions like the desert, hot and dry (but not distorted).  

5. Save your file in anything other than an MP3 format.  No wav, aiff, m4a, mov. Please, keep it simple and small.    

6. Name your file something like this: 20160726-090734.m4a. That's even worse than being an m4a - I have no idea who you are.  Add not slating to this, and you can see the problem. 

7. Ignore the instructions. Buried in the email are guidelines for saving format, slating format, direction or any number of things. Read and understand them all before turning on your mic.  

8. Send files via an uploading service. This may sound strange, but simpler is better. If the file is small enough to be attached to an email, do so. And most MP3s are. No need for a recipient to have to create a Hightail account if the file is a lowly 10mb.  

9. Send it in late. Why should I even bother writing this one? Oh, right -  because it happens all the time. Let’s refine this a little ... 

10. Send it in "just under the wire." It is never a surprise to me that people who submit earlier, book more.  

11. Send multiple takes on separate files. It’s better to include multiple takes all on one file, rather than 8 files attached to an email that someone has to edit together. 

12. Record in an untreated "echoey” environment, with a cheap mic, in their phone, without getting out of bed…  
"People record on their phones all the time, Hugh. My friend’s roommate’s brother booked this thing where he just… ”
I know, I know, and that’s when they are explicitly told that they can. And then, there is the rest of the time.
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]]>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:35 +0000<![CDATA[In The Open Studio | January 2025]]>https://www.conversationalvo.com/ConvoVOblog/post/in-open-studio-january-2025January 2025 Hot Seat with Jim Conroy Announcement]]>

January Hot Seat with Jim Conroy

  • His 20+ years in the industry run the gamut from Voice Overs featured in commercials, cartoons, animated films, and video games to OnCamera work in film, television, commercials, and interactive gaming.
  • He was recently seen as Agent Jack Wagner on the CBS hit series FBI and just completed work on a feature film with Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson.
  • His work on “Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman” for PBS has garnered Jim five Emmy Nominations over the 100 episode series.
  • He is currently featured in the new Disney animated series PRIMOS and the Disney Jr series ROBOGOBO.
Registrar for Jim Conroy Session Today!
]]>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 04:29:00 +0000<![CDATA[How to Get the Conversational Read]]>https://www.conversationalvo.com/ConvoVOblog/post/how-to-get-the-conversational-read

Some voiceover talent think the conversational read is innate. You have it, or you don’t.

Or that they’ll never unlearn the way they’ve always done voiceover. And they give up, believing it’s not for them.

But what is the magic prescription that makes the conversational read teachable?

Well, it’s not magic. And there is no silver bullet.

However you can:

  • Impose subtext on scripts

  • Identify structure in the copy and use it to create narrative clarity

  • Apply the descriptions of tone and direction you are given to both the text and your natural vocal qualities

  • Listen to yourself without judgment to redirect your performance

  • And learn to adapt and adjust these ideas (and more) to the cycle of auditions, bookings, and rejection that is such a prominent feature of the voiceover industry

Can everyone do the conversational read? Probably not. But I believe more people can do it than they realize. 

And the amazing thing? Once you get it, we don’t only hear the words. 

We hear you.

]]>Mon, 04 Mar 2024 21:48:43 +0000