I hate my demos…

There’s no substitute for time and experience in this industry. And sometimes, those experiences are painful teachers.

After I completed my initial VO training, I jumped into a demo recording session before I was truly ready. I trusted the “experts,” stayed quiet when things didn’t feel right, and ended up with a product I honestly hated. It didn’t sound like me. Not the real me—and definitely not someone I’d want a client to hire.

At the time, I only had a couple of months of coaching under my belt. And instead of highlighting the vocal style that came naturally—my warmth, my engagement, my humor—there was a big push to “show range.” But here’s the thing: their definition of range? It meant cranking out characters that didn’t fit my skillset or my identity. High-pitched teen? Screaming energy ball? Flat, disconnected Gen Z? None of that felt natural, and none of it reflected the voice I was trying to bring into the world.

Now, I do believe a strong demo needs to show range. But not in a way that feels manufactured or cartoonish. Range can be tone. Tempo. Energy levels. Messaging. Speaking to different audiences. You can sound distinct across scripts without completely abandoning your authentic sound. I wish someone had taught me that.

To make matters worse, I didn’t feel excited about the scripts I was given. I read them and thought, “Eh.” But I stayed quiet because I figured they knew better. I didn’t know I was allowed to ask for adjustments. I didn’t realize I could advocate for my voice, my perspective, or even just say, “This doesn’t feel like a fit.” And that’s the part I regret the most.

Demo production is a big investment—of time, energy, and money. I wish I’d waited until a coach I trusted told me I was ready. I wish I’d spoken up earlier in the process. And most of all, I wish I’d had the confidence to say: This is my voice. Help me show what I can really do.

So if you’re gearing up for your first demo, here’s what I want you to know: your voice is worth protecting. Ask questions. Get feedback. Don’t let someone else define what range looks like for you. And if the scripts don’t light you up, speak up. Because the final product should feel like something you’re proud to send into the world—something that sounds like you at your best.

Because like I’ve said before: you never get a second chance to make a first impression.