What if the preparation work you do as a voice actor could transform every area of your life? Most voice actors focus on the obvious prep work, but the real game-changer is systematic preparation that builds genuine competence and confidence.
In this episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I explore the deeper kind of preparation that separates voice actors who thrive from those who just get by and why it matters for your voice acting career and beyond. You'll discover how to build a foundation of competence that creates confidence while staying authentic to who you are.
Episode Highlights:
Study Your Market Like Your Career Depends On It Watching commercials isn't just casual viewing—it's systematic preparation that builds market awareness, client psychology understanding, and communication expertise. This foundation makes you better at client meetings, project briefs, and marketplace positioning.
Preparation Creates Competence, Competence Creates Confidence The fundamentals you develop as a voice actor—consistency, reliability, quick thinking under pressure—transfer to every professional relationship you have. Real confidence comes from knowing you've done the systematic work that others skip.
Small, Consistent Actions Beat Intense Bursts Rather than cramming before auditions, commit to regular preparation that compounds over time. The voice actor who systematically studies their craft becomes genuinely confident because their confidence is backed by competence.
This podcast has been its own category of one experience for me, and the engagement around these concepts has confirmed that voice actors are hungry for this type of strategic thinking. I'm excited to document my own systematic preparation process in season two because I believe in practicing what I preach—even after 11 years in this business, I'm still implementing these fundamentals.
Season two returns later this year with an implementation focus, including my husband Derek's strategic insights, guest interviews, and a special reaction episode to entrepreneur Cody Sanchez's video where she mentioned my work as an example of voice acting as an income strategy.
Begin watching commercials with analytical intention. Don't just listen—study the delivery styles, market trends, and communication strategies. Make this a regular practice, not something you do only before auditions.
Text VOICE to 55444 to stay connected and get exclusive resources for building your systematic preparation practice.
"The fundamentals that help you pursue the work you want and thrive in that work create ripple effects throughout your entire life." - Carrie Olsen