Your first time speaking on mic can feel awkward - but it doesn’t have to sound that way to your audience. Part of what makes an audio “read” or performance uncomfortable isn’t that you sound silly or like an imposter - it’s that you’re uncomfortable. With these tips, over time, performing will become second nature, whether it’s reading a script or hosting a podcast.

PROOFREAD Your Copy - Out Loud! 

• Switch out any words or phrases (where possible) that don’t suit how you speak. You’ll feel more comfortable, which will translate to your “read,” especially if you’re already a little uncomfortable.

• Restructure sentences to allow for proper breaths. Run-on sentences can throw off the whole read, and make it hard to punctuate words as intended.

• Convert numbers and symbols into written form for easy recognition and consistency. (ex. .com = dot com, @ = at, $25 = twenty-five dollars)
  
  

Warm It Up

• Smile!!! Believe it or not, people can hear a smile over audio. It instantly warms up your read and adds a little something extra.

• Move a little. If you’re naturally a hand talker - do that. Intentionally doing this will help to puncture words and significantly enhance your performance. 

• Struggling with a case of mush-mouth? Look up an acting warm-up exercise on Youtube. These can help with enunciation and tricky words
  
  

Practice! Practice! Practice!

• Practice reading your script out loud - while recording yourself. Yes, this may be painful at first, while you’re getting used to hearing yourself - do it anyhow! Do this several times, and if you have time, continue to practice in the days/weeks leading up to your performance/hosting.

  
  
  There it is. You are well on your way to becoming a podcast host, or any other kind of voice-over performer. Congratulations on doing the work! Be sure to hang on to those original recordings, so you can listen back in a few months, and hear how far you’ve come.