The VoiceMe Podcast

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast — information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by voiceme.co.za, the South African Search Directory for Voice Artists and Related Services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of voiceme.co.za, and today we’re stepping into a perspective that voice artists don’t often get to hear — the client’s. Topics in this episode: • Why clients use abstract language when giving notes • What they actually care about (it’s simpler than you think) • How to translate vague direction into actionable performance • Ways to manage contradictory feedback from multiple stakeholders • Practical strategies to become a “translator” clients trust More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Whatsapp - Andrew Sutherland (Bigmouth Studios & VoiceMe) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA  

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast — information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by voiceme.co.za, the South African search directory for voice artists and related services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of voiceme.co.za, and in this episode, we’re diving into a topic that could change the way you think about finding work - Marketing Outside the VO Bubble. Topics in this episode: Why the VO bubble is so crowded, and how to stand out by stepping outside it. Which industries are ripe for voiceover work (and often overlooked). How to reframe your marketing so it speaks your client’s language, not just VO jargon. Practical strategies: partnerships, case studies, and cold outreach that works. The challenges of educating first-time clients, and how to turn them into loyal, repeat business relationships. More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Whatsapp - Andrew Sutherland (Bigmouth Studios & VoiceMe) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA  

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast — information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by voiceme.co.za — the South African Search Directory for Voice Artists and Related Services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of voiceme.co.za, and today we’re talking about one of the most powerful tools in your entire voiceover career — your demo. Topics in this episode: What a Demo Is (and Isn’t) Booking Scenarios from Specific Demos How to craft your demo like a powerful sales tool The pros and cons of a single multi-clip reel vs individual clips Tips for Updating and Refining Your Demo Over Time More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Whatsapp - Andrew Sutherland (Bigmouth Studios & VoiceMe) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA    

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast, Information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by voiceme.co.za - The South African Search Directory for Voice Artists and Related Services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of VoiceMe and in this episode we’re going to dig into one of the most valuable skills you can learn as a voice artist: building repeat clients. Topics in this episode: Why repeat clients are such a game changer The five essential client retention behaviours that lead to repeat business Simple daily routines and habits that can help you establish trust and loyalty Common mistakes that make clients disappear More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Whatsapp - Andrew Sutherland (Bigmouth Studios & VoiceMe) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast, Information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by voiceme.co.za - The South African Search Directory for Voice Artists and Related Services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of VoiceMe, and today we’re going to talk about something that tends to make even seasoned voice artists squirm: cold outreach.   Topics in this episode: Cold Outreach Strategies Crafting Relevant Messages Following Up with Leads Related VoiceMe Podcast Episodes https://voiceme.podbean.com/e/episode-006-getting-vo-work-marketing/ https://voiceme.podbean.com/e/episode-011-features-and-benefits-in-voiceover-marketing/ https://voiceme.podbean.com/e/episode-012-how-to-slide-into-your-client-s-inbox/   More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Whatsapp - Andrew Sutherland (Bigmouth Studios & VoiceMe) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast, Information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by voiceme.co.za - The South African Search Directory for Voice Artists and Related Services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of VoiceMe, and today we’re tackling something raw, real, and deeply human: burnout. Topics in this episode: Creative burnout and how to reset More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Whatsapp - Andrew Sutherland (Bigmouth Studios & VoiceMe) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast — information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by voiceme.co.za, the South African search directory for voice artists and related services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of voiceme.co.za, and in this episode, I want to talk about one of the most urgent and critical issues facing the creative industry in South Africa today: the rights of actors and performers, and the complex, ongoing fight to secure fair treatment, legal protections, and sustainable careers in this space. Topics in this episode: Why SAGA is crucial for industry reform The real threat of AI to voice and performance work What the 2025 Competition Commission exemption means for rate recommendations Horrific real-world examples of performer exploitation And most importantly: what you can do today to create change Links: SAGA Website - https://www.saguildofactors.co.za/ SAGA on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/saguildofactors/ SAGA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/southafricanguildofactors/ SAGA on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/saguildofactors/ SAGA on X - https://x.com/SAGActors More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Whatsapp - Andrew Sutherland (Bigmouth Studios & VoiceMe) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast, Information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by voiceme.co.za - The South African Search Directory for Voice Artists and Related Services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of VoiceMe and in this episode and today we’re exploring not just how to read a script, but how to solve it — like a director, analyst, or emotional interpreter. Topics in this episode: A 5-step process to uncover subtext and emotional purpose How to direct yourself with intent (even when no one else is) Real examples of adapting the same line for different genres Methods to sharpen interpretive skill More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Whatsapp - Andrew Sutherland (Bigmouth Studios & VoiceMe) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast, information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by voiceme.co.za – The South African Search Directory for Voice Artists and Related Services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of voiceme.co.za, and in this episode, I’m talking about a subject that’s has been unsettling for a lot of us – the rise of AI in the voiceover industry, and what it means for human voice artists like you and me. Topics in this episode: What AI voice technology can and can’t do Why clients still prefer human voice artists Real-world examples of AI voice limitations The role of emotion, nuance, and improvisation in VO Ethical concerns around AI training and voice cloning Contract red flags to watch out for How to protect your voice rights Ways to stay relevant and future-proof your VO career Embracing your uniqueness and adding more value Building community and advocating for ethical standards More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast, information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by voiceme.co.za – The South African Search Directory for Voice Artists and Related Services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of voiceme.co.za, and in this episode my guest is Sinemivuyo Mpulu. A South African voice artist, radio and TV host, and the founder of The Voiceover Factory, one of the country’s largest voiceover training communities and creative force behind SA's first Voiceover Awards. We Spoke about: His early love for performance and finding his voice through dramatic arts The need for a local voiceover community and how The Voiceover Factory became that home His viral “TikTok Billing” series and what it taught him about showing up online The SA Voiceover Awards launching this October—and why they matter so much for our industry Links: https://www.savoiceoverawards.co.za/ https://www.instagram.com/thevofactory/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-voiceover-factory/ More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast, information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by voiceme.co.za – The South African Search Directory for Voice Artists and Related Services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of voiceme.co.za, and in this episode, I’m talking about voiceover agents. I got the chance to interview two amazing agents from South Africa, Carlynn de Waal Smit from Contractors Artists and Sarah Woodward from Tongue Twisters, to demystify the most common questions artists have about agents. Topics in this episode:  What a VO agent actually does day-to-day Common misconceptions about representation How to professionally approach an agent What makes voiceover demos stand out (or not) The realities of voiceover work booking frequency How rates and industry standards are evolving Links: https://www.contractors.org.za/ https://www.tonguetwisters.co.za/ More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast, information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by voiceme.co.za – The South African Search Directory for Voice Artists and Related Services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of voiceme.co.za, and in this episode, I’m talking about how to take your voiceover side hustle full-time. Topics in this episode:  Knowing when you’re ready to make the leap Building systems to treat your VO like a business Marketing yourself consistently (and confidently) The mindset shifts those separate hobbyists from pros Avoiding common mistakes that derail your growth And a step-by-step plan to make the transition on your terms More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast - information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by VoiceMe.co.za - the South African search directory for voice artists and related services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of VoiceMe.co.za, and in this episode I wanted to touch on the business side of this career and specifically the growth mindset you’ll need to have to enter the world of voiceover. Topics in this episode:  Mindset Matters – Limited vs. Growth Mindsets The BE A VO PRO Framework More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast – information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by VoiceMe.co.za – the South African search directory for voice artists and related services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of VoiceMe.co.za, and in this episode I want to explore something a bit brainy but very useful: neuromarketing principles and how we can apply them to voiceover marketing right here in South Africa. Topics in this episode: Neuromarketing Principles in VO Marketing ✅ 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁: Make your rates and services appear to be a plus for your clients.   ✅ 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: Show the prices in the smallest amounts possible.   ✅ 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝟯: Provide clear service packages to assist the decision-making process.   ✅ 𝗜𝗞𝗘𝗔 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁: Get your clients involved in the process so that they appreciate what you do even more.   ✅ 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲: Use free services as a way of converting leads to paying clients.   ✅ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁: Make your standard rate look like a steal.   ✅ 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘅 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲: Don’t offer too many choices with your products or services to avoid confusing your customers.   More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast, information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by voiceme.co.za – The South African Search Directory for Voice Artists and Related Services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of voiceme.co.za, and in this episode, I wanted to go into the topic of authentic casting in the world of voiceover. We’ll be looking at some fantastic guidelines from the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA) in the USA, but we’re going to connect these principles to something a lot closer to home—the South African voiceover scene. Whether you’re a voice actor, a casting director, or just curious about why representation matters, this episode’s for you. Topics in this episode: The Value of Authentic Casting Understanding Language & Identity Writing Transparent Casting Calls NAVA's Best Practices for Authentic Casting https://navavoices.org/authentic-casting/best-practices-for-authentic-casting/   More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast, information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by voiceme.co.za – The South African Search Directory for Voice Artists and Related Services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of voiceme.co.za, and in this episode, I’m talking about the benefits of regular practice with a voiceover workout group. Topics in this episode: Benefits of VO Workout Groups Where to find VO Workout Groups What you need to start a VO Workout Group South African VO Groups SAVAA - https://www.facebook.com/groups/SAVAA Mzansi Voice-Over People - https://www.facebook.com/groups/mzansivoiceoverpeople/ More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA Threads - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast, information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by voiceme.co.za – The South African Search Directory for Voice Artists and Related Services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of voiceme.co.za, and today we're diving into a topic that's absolutely essential for both new and seasoned voice artists alike: your voiceover demo. Whether you're creating your very first demo or thinking about updating an existing one, this episode is packed with insights to help you put your best voice forward. Topics in this episode: Timing: When to Create or Update Your Demo Preparation and Recording Process Types of Voiceover Demos When to Update Your Demo Tips and Insights Bigmouth Studios VO Demo Packages More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA Threads - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast - information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by voiceme.co.za, the South African search directory for voice artists and related services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of VoiceMe.co.za, and in this episode, I’m diving into some fascinating insights from VoiceMe's 2024 search data. Topics in this episode: VoiceMe 2024 Stats Voiceover Trends for 2025 More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Whatsapp - Andrew Sutherland (Bigmouth Studios & VoiceMe) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA Threads - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast—information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by voiceme.co.za, the South African search directory for voice artists and related services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of VoiceMe.co.za, and today, we’re diving into a transformative concept that’s all about mindset. Topics in this episode: Mindset Shifts in your VO Business More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Whatsapp - Andrew Sutherland (Bigmouth Studios & VoiceMe) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA Threads - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA

Welcome to the VoiceMe Podcast, Information and advice on the world of voiceover, presented by voiceme.co.za - The South African Search Directory for Voice Artists and Related Services. I’m Andrew Sutherland, founder of voiceme.co.za, and in this episode, I’m talking about training as a voiceover artist, rates, and quoting for projects with Lutho John. Lutho John https://luthojohn.voiceme.co.za/ https://www.instagram.com/luthojohn/ https://www.osmtalent.com/artist/lutho-john/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/luthojohn/ More Info: VoiceMe - voiceme.co.za Profiles & Pricing - voiceme.co.za/support#pandp Support - support@voiceme.co.za Phone - 0861 VOICEME (0861 864 2363) Whatsapp - Andrew Sutherland (Bigmouth Studios & VoiceMe) Facebook - @VoiceMeSA Twitter - @VoiceMeSA Instagram - @VoiceMeSA Threads - @VoiceMeSA LinkedIn - @VoiceMeSA