A little preparation helps you use studio time well and deliver a performance that fits the project. Before your voiceover recording session, review the script, clarify how the finished audio should be delivered, and give your voice time to warm up. If you are recording in Fargo, plan for the weather and your trip, too. This checklist covers what to do before you arrive, what to bring, and what to confirm with the studio.
Mark Up Your Script
Read the full script aloud before recording. Circle unfamiliar names, technical terms, and phrases that feel awkward, then confirm pronunciation with the client or project contact. Mark pauses with a simple slash, underline words that need emphasis, and note changes in tone or pace. Keep your marks easy to scan so they guide the read without distracting you.
Check that you have the latest script version and that every page is present. If the copy includes alternate lines, labels, or direction in brackets, make clear which text you should speak. Ask about revisions before the session rather than guessing in the booth. Bring a printed copy as a backup even if you plan to read from a screen.
Warm Up Your Voice
Give yourself time to settle in before recording. Drink water regularly, and avoid arriving after a long stretch of talking or shouting. Gentle lip trills, humming, and easy tongue twisters can help you loosen up. Start softly and increase your volume gradually; stop if an exercise causes strain or discomfort.
Use a few minutes to practice the script at a comfortable pace and volume. Notice where you breathe and which lines need a different emotional tone. Avoid trying to force a dramatic sound before you understand the direction. If you have a routine that works for you, keep it simple and consistent rather than testing unfamiliar exercises on session day.
Confirm Audio Requirements
Ask the client or producer for delivery specifications before the session. Confirm the required file format, sample rate, bit depth, mono or stereo channels, and whether they want separate takes, edited files, or one continuous recording. Also check file naming, slate instructions, and whether the recording should include room tone. If no one has specified these details, request guidance instead of choosing settings by assumption.
Clarify how the recording will be used and whether the session includes pickups or alternate reads. Share any pronunciation notes or performance preferences with the engineer before recording begins. If you are supplying files yourself, confirm the transfer method and who will review them. These details help prevent avoidable rework and make it easier to deliver audio that fits the project.
Pack for Your Fargo Session
Bring your marked script, a backup copy, and any approved pronunciation or performance notes. Pack water and, if useful, a snack for after the session. Bring headphones only if the studio has asked you to use your own, and check in advance whether you need to provide a laptop, adapters, or other equipment. Keep personal items that may make noise, such as keys or rattling jewelry, outside the recording space.
For a Fargo studio visit, check the forecast and allow extra travel time if roads or parking may slow you down. Wear comfortable clothes that do not rustle against the microphone, and avoid strong fragrances in a shared studio. Silence your phone before entering the booth. Prairie Voice Studio can confirm session logistics and any studio-specific items to bring when you book.
A prepared reader can focus on the performance instead of solving logistics during the session. Review the copy, warm up gently, confirm delivery details, and pack only what the studio needs. For your next Fargo recording, contact Prairie Voice Studio to confirm the session plan and arrive ready to record.