with Tom Dheere
What happens when your voice—your greatest asset as a voice actor—decides to take a sick day? In this episode of VO Boss, Anne Ganguzza and seasoned voiceover pro Tom Dheere dive into the reality of getting sick in an industry that doesn’t pause for a sore throat. From navigating client expectations when you can’t record to finding ways to stay productive without straining your voice, Anne and Tom unpack the strategies every VO should have in their toolkit. They discuss creative ways to maintain relationships with clients, how to manage vocal health proactively, and why self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s a business necessity.
This episode explores what to do when your voice needs rest but your business keeps going. Smart strategies for VO pros.
Chapter Summaries
(0:00) Navigating Vocal Health & Illness
Maintaining vocal quality when unwell requires clear client communication, awareness of how your voice is perceived, and taking care of your body by getting adequate hydration, rest, etc.
(6:01) Maximizing Productivity & Creativity
Using downtime wisely for marketing, skill-building, and identifying your peak creative hours can enhance your efficiency and long-term growth.
(11:50) Industry Awareness & Strategic Growth
Staying informed on trends, analyzing performances, and scheduling content helps voice actors remain competitive and engaged.
(14:55) Business Management & Career Balance
Balancing the creative and business sides of voice acting, prioritizing self-care, and structuring work effectively ensures long-term success.
Top 10 Takeaways
Quick-share concepts from today’s episode:
Sound Awareness: Understanding how your voice is perceived by clients, directors, and audiences allows you to refine your delivery and enhance your marketability. By actively listening to feedback and analyzing your performances, you can make strategic adjustments to align with industry expectations and stand out in a competitive field.
Vocal Benchmark: Establishing a consistent standard for your voice quality helps you recognize subtle changes that could affect your performance. Regularly monitoring your vocal health and technique ensures you maintain a polished, reliable sound that keeps clients returning for future projects.
Clear Communication: Keeping clients informed when you’re unwell helps manage expectations and maintain trust in your professionalism. Being upfront about delays or offering alternative solutions shows reliability and strengthens long-term working relationships.
Vocal Care: Prioritizing rest, hydration, and proper vocal maintenance is essential for sustaining long-term vocal health. Implementing daily care routines can prevent strain, reduce the risk of injury, and help maintain vocal consistency throughout your career.
Smart Downtime: Slow periods provide the perfect opportunity to focus on marketing, skill development, and expanding your professional network. Instead of waiting for work to come in, proactive planning during quiet times can lead to new opportunities and career growth.
Peak Productivity: Identifying the times of day when you are most creative and focused allows you to structure your schedule for maximum efficiency. Optimizing your workflow around your natural energy levels helps improve both performance quality and overall productivity.
Industry Awareness: Staying informed about industry trends, new technology, and emerging opportunities ensures you remain competitive in the voiceover market. Keeping up with performances, casting shifts, and evolving client demands allows you to adapt and stay ahead of the curve.
Content Planning: Scheduling social media posts, blog updates, and marketing campaigns in advance keeps your brand active and engaging. A consistent online presence helps build credibility, attract new clients, and reinforce your expertise in the industry.
Self-Care Matters: Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial for sustaining a successful and fulfilling voiceover career. Proper rest, stress management, and healthy habits contribute to vocal longevity and overall job performance.
Business Mindset: Managing the financial, marketing, and administrative aspects of voiceover is just as important as delivering a great performance. Understanding contracts, pricing, and client relationships ensures long-term success and a sustainable career in the industry.
Referenced in this Episode
Direct links to things we brought up ++
Recorded on ipDTL - get it here >>
Feeling down? Check out Anne's VOCal Health Toolkit Book a free 15-minute consult with Tom at https://www.vostrategist.com/service-page/free-consult
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