Class Session 1
Mshel for Role
Full details of homework is on Closing Credits
You need to lower the gain on your mic, as it is currently too loud, which may cause distortion or make the read harder to listen to. Even though the mic is picking up your voice well, the projection still needs work, sitting at around a 6.5. Remember your setting—if you’re in a large space like a gym, your projection should match that environment. Focus on supporting your voice with your diaphragm to give it more power and presence without straining or relying on volume alone.
You also tend to plow through the script, which makes it feel rushed. Take your time and be mindful that your audience only hears you once, so they need to be able to follow everything you’re saying. Slowing down slightly will help with clarity and allow key moments to land more effectively.
There aren’t many change-ups throughout the script, which makes the read feel a bit too uniform. Try adding more variations in tone, pacing, and inflection to keep the performance dynamic and engaging. Even subtle shifts in energy and delivery can help break up the sameness and make the read more natural and interesting to listen to.
That being said, pronunciation, enunciation, and breath control are strong. You’re able to stagger your breaths well, which helps maintain a smooth and controlled delivery. Now, the focus should be on fine-tuning projection, pacing, and variation to make the performance feel more immersive and natural.
By adjusting your mic gain, improving projection, slowing down, and adding variety, your read will feel much stronger and more engaging. Keep up the great work!
Can you clarify what you mean by sitting at 6.5? Projection has always been a challenge. I find it difficult to project for a long script.
Sure! When I say you’re at about 6.5, it just means there’s more room to project without forcing it. Yelling or screaming would be at a 10, which we never want to do unless the script explicitly calls for it—like if you’re playing a character that has to scream.
For general voiceover projection, a good, strong projection level sits around an 8. This ensures clarity, energy, and presence without straining your voice. To reach that level, make sure you’re fully engaging your diaphragm rather than relying on throat tension or sheer volume.
A great way to improve this is by practicing diaphragmatic breathing exercises and experimenting with controlled projection in larger spaces. Try imagining your voice reaching the back of a room without pushing too hard—it’s about resonance, not just loudness. Keep refining this, and you’ll hit that sweet spot of projection consistently!