If you're a new to voice overs, this may not have happened to you yet. But it will!

At some point, you may get called in to read a script by a repeat client who you think you know. You will walk in anticipating a script on a familiar subject matter only to be blown away by a left field commercial — one that might not jive with your personal views.

What can you do when you're in the situation that a repeat client wants you to voice a script you aren't comfortable putting your voice and name to?

Having a prepared response for these situations will help you voice act when you really need to. Maintaining an air of grace when you talk to the agent or producers will keep you from ruining professional work relationships, and your clients will appreciate your professionalism.

Mel Allen, a Voice Coach & Producer for Such A Voice, is one such talent who was thrown off guard by a client he had done a lot of work for. Mel tells the story:

"I knew they had recently been fined by the EPA for illegal dumping, and I was handed the script in the studio. It was a two-minute narration piece that I wasn't comfortable reading, but I didn't feel like I could back out at the last moment. At that point, I had to weigh which was more important — my word that I would do the job (even though I hadn't seen the script beforehand) or my moral disagreement with the piece."

So, what did he do? "I completed the project for them, but after I finished it I told the producer that I wouldn't voice a project like that in the future."

The producer actually confessed they weren't too comfortable with the script either, and they appreciated his candor. Because of the professional manner in which Mel addressed the difficult situation, Mel actually got more work from them down the line — and it was all work he felt good about voicing.

Mel says, "I learned from this experience, and ever since then I have made sure not to agree to voice a project without seeing the script beforehand."

If you have this similar experience, try getting into character first. Become the person who would voice this script with conviction, even if it's hard. There are hundreds of voice talent who will never become voice actors. Figuring out which describes you will only come in time.

Such A Voice currently offers introductory voice over training in towns all over the US. Visit us today to sign-up and begin on your way to getting paying voice over jobs with your speaking voice.