If you’re diving into the world of animation voice over, you know how thrilling, and challenging, it can be to bring characters to life with nothing but your voice. Before you get started, it’s helpful to know some animated voice over tips that can make your performances stronger and more engaging. But if your reads are falling flat or feel stiff, you might be making some common mistakes that even seasoned actors slip into.
The good news? These mistakes are totally fixable with the right awareness and a little practice.
As an online voice over coach, I help students unlock their range, find their flow, and develop techniques that bring their animated reads to life. Below are four of the most common animated voice over mistakes I see and what to do instead.
1. Stop Mimicking, Start Embodying
It’s tempting to try to sound like your favorite animated characters. But mimicry only goes so far. What truly makes a character believable is when the performance is grounded in intention.
Ask yourself:
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Who is this character?
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What do they want?
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What’s their emotional state in the scene?
When you embody the character rather than imitating someone else, you create a voice that feels authentic and layered. Animation casting directors can feel the difference.
2. Use Your Body to Unlock Your Voice
Animation is not a still activity. Your voice is directly tied to your physicality.
Try this in your next warm-up:
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Gesture as you speak.
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Crouch or hunch if the character would.
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Use facial expressions to shape your delivery.
Physical movement naturally opens up your range, energy, and emotional connection. It’s one of the fastest ways to make a read feel more dynamic and believable.
3. React, Don’t Just Read
A common issue I hear is reads that sound like… well, reading. Animated characters don’t just say lines, they live in a story. Even if you’re recording solo, it’s your job to treat each moment like part of a real conversation.
React to the imaginary moment.
Picture what’s happening around you in the scene. What are you responding to? Who are you talking to? Your vocal performance should reflect that context. It’s subtle, but it makes a big difference.
4. Play, Don’t Perform
Animation thrives on imagination. It rewards bold choices, odd characters, and even being a little weird.
So let loose. Try something unexpected. Laugh mid-line. Cry and recover. Go too far and dial it back. That willingness to explore is where truly memorable performances begin.
As an online voice over coach, I encourage every student to create a space where play is safe. That’s how you find your edge and your joy.
Let Your Characters Live and Breathe
Every great animated performance starts with connection. When you move past surface-level delivery and into true character embodiment, everything shifts: your energy, your confidence, and your ability to book the job.
Keep experimenting and listening to yourself. And most of all – keep playing!
Want more animated voice over tips?
Whether you’re just getting started or ready to refine your character work, I’m here to help. As an online voice over coach, I offer personalized feedback, character development coaching, and audition support that meets you where you are. Send me a message here if you’d like a FREE 15 minute Discovery Call!
Your voice has power. Let’s use it and find your vocal superpowers!