Pacing, Pauses, and Pinch-Me Moments

When someone’s produced over 16,000 voiceover projects, coached thousands of talent, and has a direct line to John Mayer (no big deal), you lean in and listen.

We sat down with David Goldberg, founder of Edge Studio, for a candid, hilarious, and wisdom-packed convo about what keeps voice actors booked (or not), how home studios changed the industry forever, and why your micropauses might be killing the vibe.

Grab a beverage, adjust your mic, and let’s break it down.

Big Takeaways from the Edge (Studio)

1. Home Studios Changed the Whole Game

Before Source-Connect and pillow forts, studios hired from their zip codes. Then came home studios, and suddenly, VO casting became a global buffet. This shift didn’t just change how work got done – it changed who got hired.

Takeaway: Your dream client might be on the other side of the planet. So soundproof your closet, label your files, and get ready.

2. The #1 Career-Killing Mistake? Thinking Like a Talent Instead of a Client

David sees it every day: “I loved my audition. Why didn’t I get booked?”

His answer? Because it’s not about you. You didn’t follow the specs, didn’t think like the casting team, or didn’t deliver the vibe they needed.

Example: You nailed the read but blew the pacing. Or you over-edited your breaths and it sounds robotic.

3. Pacing, Spacing & The Power of a Pause

Most talent read too fast. Even worse? They cut the space between sentences.

And guess what? Sometimes a casting director just wants to imagine the visuals in peace. Adding space doesn’t mean adding dead air – it means creating room for your listener’s brain.

4. Micropauses are Sneaky Little Saboteurs

Especially the ones before words starting with vowels. It’s called a glottal stop, and it can make your read sound choppy, unnatural, and worst of all – unbookable.

“The [pause] all-new 2025 Honda Accord…”

 “The all-new 2025 Honda Accord…”

Fix it by practicing legato delivery – connecting your thoughts (and words) like you’re telling your bestie a story, not reading a teleprompter.

5. Want to Get Rehired? Be Delightful.

The best VO talent are:

• Great communicators

• Easy to direct

• Confident (not cocky)

• Thoughtful (yes, cookies help)

David’s tip: Some of the most rebooked voice actors send thank-you notes, Starbucks cards, or just a great follow-up email. No one forgets a thoughtful human. Be that human.

6. Professionalism Isn’t Optional

Whether you’re quoting a job or sending an audition, your tone matters. David shared a story of a talent whose upbeat, confident communication helped her land a huge six-figure job – not because she had the best voice, but because she made people feel good.

Lesson: You don’t have to be the loudest in the inbox. Just the most professional, the most reliable, and the most aligned with what the client needs.

7. “Six Seconds to Say It Better” – and Mean It

David’s book offers one game-changing idea: Lead with kindness and clarity. Want someone to meet with you? Don’t say “Can I pick your brain?” Say “I’d love to learn more about your work. Can I treat you to coffee?”

That one-word tweak might be all it takes.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re brand new or been doing VO for decades, the truth is: what worked yesterday may not work tomorrow – but people will always hire humans who sound good, feel real, and act right.

So be professional. Be yourself. And maybe throw in some cookies.

Want More?

Watch the full episode on YouTube: David Goldberg on Speechless VO.