Tag Archive for: Yolanda Spearman

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What “In Perpetuity” Means in Voiceover (and Why It Matters)

Let’s talk about the phrase that makes voice actors twitch: in perpetuity.

On paper, it sounds harmless. Fancy even. Latin! But for most of us in voiceover contracts, it’s the equivalent of hearing “forever-ever, forever-ever” (yes, cue OutKast).

Now, before you clutch your pearls—not all “in perpetuity” is bad.

Non-broadcast? Internal training video, e-learning, archives? No big deal. Keep it forever. We’ll even tie a bow on it for you.

Broadcast? TV, radio, digital ads? Yikes. That’s where things get sticky.

## The Coffee Story ■

Imagine this: A brand-new voice actor lands a job for a small, unknown coffee company. They’re
thrilled. The pay? $1,000. Great for a beginner.

The company asks for “in perpetuity” rights, and the actor—green and excited—says yes. Why not? It’s
only coffee.

Fast forward two years.

That same actor has built a career, sharpened their sound, and suddenly Starbucks calls. They want
the actor’s voice for their national campaign. The offer? $50,000.

BUT… there’s a catch. Starbucks requires exclusivity. No other coffee campaigns can be live during
that year.

Guess what’s still running? Yep—the little coffee ad from two years ago.

Cue the sad violin music. Our poor voice talent waves goodbye to $50k—all because they didn’t
understand what “in perpetuity” could cost in a voiceover contract.

## Why We Say No to Forever

It’s not that we don’t love your project. We do!

It’s just that voices—like actors, athletes, or musicians—can get locked out of future opportunities if
their sound is already tied to another brand “forever.”

Think of it this way: you wouldn’t sign your house over to someone forever for a one-time payment,
right? Same logic.

## What Voice Buyers Can Do

• Be specific. Tell us exactly how long you want to use the voice—3 months, 1 year, 2 years.
• Name the platforms. Is this for TV? Radio? Social media? Events? Spell it out.
• Put it in writing. Contracts matter. Always.

“In perpetuity” isn’t always a deal-breaker. But when it comes to broadcast ads, it’s usually a no-go because it limits talent’s future opportunities in ways that aren’t always obvious at the start.
So let’s keep things clear, fair, and friendly. Voiceover is about collaboration, not confusion.

And if you’re looking for a voice talent who understands both sides of the mic—I just might know someone who can help you out.

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What’s a Fair Rate to Pay Voiceover Talent? Here’s What You Need to Know

I got a delightful email from a potential client.

They needed a 2–3 minute corporate video narration—wonderful, I love those projects.

They asked for a quote—no problem. I sent it over.

Then I heard back: “That’s way too much for just a couple of minutes of work.”

I get it. Voice buying can feel a little confusing if you’re new to it. So let’s make it simple with a few tips:

■ Check the GVAA (Global Voice Acting Academy) Rate Guide.
The Global Voice Acting Academy publishes a rate guide most voice actors use. Think of it as a
menu—clear, fair, and industry-accepted pricing so you know where to start. You can find it here:
https://globalvoiceacademy.com/gvaa-rate-guide/

■ We’re open to working with you.
Most of us will do our best to meet you where you are—so long as the budget is reasonable.

■ Share your budget upfront.
It actually helps. We’ll still show you the industry rate, but being transparent makes the conversation
easier for everyone.

■ Usage matters.
A voice for one event or a short campaign is different than using that same voice to advertise your
product forever. Why? Because someone else might want to use our voice for the same type of product
later—and that could get tricky. Clear usage terms keep everything fair and respectful.

Voice buying doesn’t have to be complicated.

When you understand rates, budgets, and usage, it becomes a smooth and positive collaboration. At
the end of the day, we’re here to help you tell your story in the most impactful way possible.

And if you’re not sure where to start, the GVAA (Global Voice Acting Academy) Rate Guide is a great
resource to bookmark—it’s the industry go-to for fair, transparent pricing:
https://globalvoiceacademy.com/gvaa-rate-guide/

And if you’re looking for a place to start, I just might know a voice talent who can help you out.

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Diverse Voicees
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How to find diverse voices without being offensive

So, you’re on the hunt for the perfect voice – one that doesn’t sound like the same old, same old. If you’re ready to add some real personality to your project, let’s break it down into three easy steps:

Listen Broadly: Expand Your Ears, Expand Your World
Don’t be the person who only eats plain toast when there’s a whole breakfast buffet in front of them.

Cast Inclusively: No Checkbox Casting Here!
Look, it’s 2025 – “We need someone urban” is not the way to go (seriously, don’t say that).

Pay Like You Mean It: Respect the Talent, Respect the Craft

In short: pay well, and you’ll attract top-tier talent. Plus, karma points!

Final Thoughts
Finding diverse voices isn’t rocket science – it just takes intention. Listen broadly, cast thoughtfully, and pay fairly. And hey, if you need a dynamic, diverse, and downright delightful voice, I *might* just know someone (spoiler: it’s me). Let’s chat!

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Brand
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The Brand, The Buzz, and The Bank Account: Your Blueprint for Success

Success in the voiceover industry – or any industry -boils down to three essential elements: The Brand, The Buzz, and The Bank Account. When these three work together, they create an unstoppable force that attracts opportunities, builds credibility, and, most importantly, gets you paid.

The Brand: Establishing Your Unique Identity
Your brand is more than just a logo or tagline—it’s the way people experience you. It’s your voice, your story, your personality, and how you position yourself in the market.

The Buzz: Creating Conversations and Connections
A strong brand without buzz is like a beautifully wrapped gift that no one knows exists. You have to generate excitement and keep people talking about your work.

The Bank Account: Turning Influence into Income
At the end of the day, the goal is to monetize your brand and buzz. Building a profitable business means strategically positioning yourself for high-paying opportunities.

Final Thoughts
Keep refining your brand, fueling the buzz, and maximizing your earning potential. I’m on my way to my $350K goal this year—are you ready to hit yours? Let’s build the brand, spark the buzz, and secure the bag!

By Yolanda Spearman – Voice Talent

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Calendar with Red Mark for Date
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What’s your availability? How to book a Voice Talent without pulling out your hair.

Here’s the deal: voice actors live and die by their calendar. It’s their lifeline, their rhythm, their holy grail of scheduling success. You might think you’re just reserving a time slot – but to a VO talent, that calendar is sacred ground.

And the number one thing every voice actor wants? To be available for your project. We really do want to say yes. So if you’re hoping for an effortless, drama-free recording experience, here’s how to make it a win/win.

  1. Be transparent: We CAN handle the truth

(if you didn’t get it… Reference to movie a few good men)

Still wrangling that final script edit? Not totally sure when the legal team will bless the copy? Just say so! We’d rather hear, “The script’s still cooking,” than get ghosted after we’ve lit a candle and warmed up our pipes.

Tell us what stage you’re in – planning, editing, or full-blown panic mode. It helps us help you.

  1. Don’t hold the calendar hostage

Voice actors typically book hourly and often juggle multiple clients in one day. Holding two hours “just in case” is like putting a reservation on every table at a restaurant and showing up with one friend.

Book what you need—and if you’re unsure, over-communicate. We’ll appreciate the heads-up and can likely build in flex time.

  1. Directed Sessions are like GPS for Your Project

Want to avoid multiple rounds of revisions and emails with timestamps like “00:42 – can we make that less smiley?” Then opt for a directed session. (there is normally a session fee for a directed session but if its not in your budget just let the Voice Talent know – directed sessions are a good thing)

It doesn’t matter if you use your cellphone,  Zoom, Source Connect, carrier pigeon—whatever it takes. Being present while we record means you can guide the tone, pace, and style in real time. You’ll get exactly what you want the first time around (and we’ll feel like superheroes).

  1. Ask about upcoming Avails: Ocean Wifi is not our friend

Picture this: You need urgent pickups and your voice actor is somewhere between Egypt and Greece with zero WiFi and a drink in their hand. Not ideal.

Most voice actors won’t proactively share their vacation schedule (we’re optimistic like that), but if you ask, we’ll tell you. So if your project may need pick ups or alt lines, check in about our availability over the next few weeks. It’s a simple question that can save everyone

  1. More work on the horizon: Heck yes please let us know

Working on another script that might get approved but might not and you are already thinking about how your chosen Voice Talent is perfect for the script? Let us know.  Voice actors *love* repeat business and we’ll bend over backwards to make space for a returning client.

Tell us that, “We may have something else coming.” This is music to our ears—and we’ll mark a mental Post-it for you to make sure we are available when you email us.

Bottom line: this is the relationship you didn’t know you had!

The more you share, the smoother the session. We’re not just voices—we’re partners vested in telling your story. Transparency builds trust. Timing builds ease. And good communication builds brilliant audio. (that sounds kinda smart. I love a good quip!)

Need a voice that’s warm, relatable and a tad bit conversational, and just might record from a closet for the right project? (Spoiler alert: it’s me.) Let’s put it on the calendar – and make magic together.

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Voice Direction for Voice Actors Voice Buyers Guide
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Say it like you mean: Guide for VO Buyers

Voice Buyers Guide to Describing the Sound you Want from Voice Actors perspective

Let’s face it – describing a voice is kinda like describing a dream. You know what you want, but when it’s time to say it out loud, all you’ve got is, “Uhh… something warm? But also confident? But also like, you know, not too confident?”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

If you want to help voice actors knock it out of the park on the first take (or at least avoid sounding like Siri’s emotional cousin), level up how you describe tone. Don’t worry – I got you. Let me break it down.

1. I never knew WARM came in flavors. Well it does!

You say: “We want a warm tone.”

We hear: Hallmark TV – Finding the Love of your life (who doesn’t love a good hallmark movie)

But seriously, “warm” can mean a bunch of things:

  • Motherly Warm: Like your child just lost their first race at school and you are there with a hug waiting at the finish line.
  • Wholesome Warm: That warmth from grandma when you walk in the house and it smells like homemade goodness on the stove and she walks out of the kitchen wiping her hands on her apron with a big smile and says “well hello there stranger.”
  • Caring-But-Professional Warm: Like a pharmacist talking to a customer who always comes in and always needs a little extra help with understanding the instructions on their prescriptions.

Pro tip: Add context to your “warm.” What kind of hug are we giving here – cozy grandma or confident CEO with soft eyes? Or pep talk Momma warm – Confidence with a smile.

2. Did someone say “be direct”. Sounds like a tongue lashing in a nice way. But maybe not.

You say: “Make it direct.”

We hear: “Rip off the Band-Aid.”

Direct can be:

  • Annoyed Direct: A politician with a bone to pick but a race to win so you say it like you mean it. Gloves off. Eye to eye.
  • Edgy Direct: Like a tech CEO pitching in a black turtleneck and absolutely no time for fluff. Just the facts man – oooh if you know that reference you are more mature like me. It’s from Dragnet.
  • Motivational Direct: Like you are hyping up your team before a big sales event.
  • Presentational Direct: You get to do your Ted Talk but on the mic with just me. That’s the kind of presentation when you talk to the audience make eye contact and get your point across quickly and efficiently.

Help us help you. Tell us *who* we’re being direct to. Your team? Your customers? Your ex? (No judgment here.)

3. Soft – But soft how?

You say: “Soft and gentle.”

We hear: “Tiptoe around it like it’s a sleeping baby.”

Or…

  • Childlike Soft: Like reading a bedtime story with your favorite stuffy in hand.
  • Compassionate Soft: Like giving directions to your sweet grandma who can’t hear without a little more volume.
  • I’m-Trying-Not-to-Snap Soft: Like the HR rep who really wants to say “Are you kidding me?” but instead says, “Let’s try that again.”

Tone is in the details. Don’t be afraid to paint the mental picture.

4. A few more voice descriptions that can help you dial-in that sound you seek.

  • Game Show Host With A Mortgage: Energetic, punchy, but just grounded enough to remind you they’ve got bills too.
  • Yoga Instructor who used to be in Sales: Chill but can close a deal.
  • The Barista Philosopher: Casual but kinda smart in an unintrusive way. Listen carefully and you might walk away with a life lesson and a cold brew.
  • Southern Auntie who knows everybody’s business including yours: Warm, sassy, confident and full of tea. The gossipy kind.

Since we are talking Tea I might as well keep spilling it.

Voice actors are experts at channeling characters, emotions, and moods. The more vividly you describe the vibe, the faster we can match your energy. So next time you send that brief, don’t just say “conversational.” Say, “Like you’re giving your friend life advice over tacos.”

Trust me, your message will land better – and the voice talent will love you for it.

Need that sassy confident voice with just a little edge and a lot of tea? I just might know someone (spoiler: it’s me). Let me bring your script to life!

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