Why Casual Reads Matter
If you’ve spent time auditioning for commercials, narration, or eLearning projects, you’ve probably noticed a recurring direction: “sound casual,” “make it conversational,” or “keep it real.” These phrases pop up in casting calls all the time, and for good reason. Wondering how to sound more casual in voice acting?
Unless it’s an animation or audiobook, audiences today don’t want to feel like they’re listening to a performance. They want to feel like they’re part of a conversation. Whether it’s a 15-second social media ad or a full training module, clients are looking for reads that sound approachable and authentic.
But knowing how to sound casual in voice acting can be tricky, especially if you come from a theater or performance background. The skills that once helped you stand out on stage may actually work against you in front of the microphone.
So how do you strike the balance?
1. Focus on Authentic Emotion
At its core, voice acting is acting and casual delivery still requires you to connect with genuine emotions. The difference is in the intensity.
Instead of pushing your performance to dramatic levels, ask yourself: What would I feel if I were really in this situation? Tap into that truth, then scale it down to feel natural.
For example, if you’re voicing a script for a coffee brand, think about a moment when you truly enjoyed a warm cup of coffee with a friend. That memory will ground your tone in reality, making the read feel personal and believable.
2. Cut the Overacting
A common mistake is to over-deliver every line. You don’t need Broadway-style projection or extreme emphasis on every word. In fact, that’s what makes a read sound forced.
Casual voice acting thrives on understated delivery. Think about how you actually talk in daily life. You don’t stress every sentence, and your energy naturally rises and falls. By pulling back, you create space for nuance and authenticity.
3. Visualize a Real Conversation
One of the fastest ways to shift into a casual style is to picture the person you’re talking to. Are you explaining something to a friend at a coffee shop? Chatting with a family member in the kitchen?
This mental picture changes everything – your pacing, your word choices, even your breathing. Suddenly, you’re not “performing a script,” you’re connecting with someone specific.
That small mindset shift can instantly take your read from stiff to natural.
4. Let the Words Flow
Another element of casual voice acting is flow. Many new voice actors try to force variety into every sentence, adding inflections to prove they’re “acting.” But too much variation can feel artificial.
Instead, think about the rhythm of an actual conversation. Some phrases move quickly, others slow down for emphasis. Your pitch might rise slightly when you’re curious or fall naturally at the end of a thought. By allowing your voice to follow this natural pattern, you sound more real and approachable.
Remember: casual doesn’t mean flat. It means connected.
5. Practice Listening
If you’re unsure whether your reads sound natural, spend some time listening. Play commercials, social media ads, or YouTube sponsor spots and really notice how the voice actors deliver.
You’ll often find that the most effective voices don’t sound like they’re reading copy. They sound like they’re telling you something they believe in.
Try mimicking these reads and recording yourself, then play them back to compare. It’s one of the best ways to train your ear and smooth out over-performed habits.
Keep It Grounded. Keep It Human.
The real secret of how to sound more casual in voice acting is this: treat every script like a conversation, not a performance.
When you keep your delivery grounded in authenticity, draw on real emotions, and focus on connecting with the listener, you’ll find that “casual” comes naturally.
Work With an Online Voice Over Coach
Sometimes, it’s hard to know if you’re really hitting that casual tone. That’s where guidance can make all the difference. An online voice over coach can give you direct feedback, point out overacting habits you may not notice, and help you shape your reads so they connect with clients and audiences.
If you’d like more support as you refine your delivery, send me a message today. Together, we can work on making your voice sound more grounded, conversational, and ready for the jobs you want!
And if you’re looking for more tips, check out this related article:
3 Commercial Voice Over Skills Every Client Expects