Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Voice Over
Have you ever felt like no matter how much training you’ve had or what you’ve accomplished in your voice over career, you’re just waiting to be “found out” as a fraud? Do you ever feel like your successes are just pure luck, rather than a result of your hard work and talent? If so, you might be experiencing Imposter Syndrome—a common struggle among creatives, including voice actors.
Imposter Syndrome is the persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud despite clear evidence of success.
It can manifest as self-doubt, feelings of unworthiness, and anxiety about whether you truly belong in your industry. The truth is, even the most accomplished artists, writers, and performers have dealt with these feelings. Maya Angelou once admitted, “I have written eleven books, but each time I think, ‘Uh oh, they’re going to find me out now.’” Meryl Streep, despite her legendary career, once asked, “Why would anyone want to see me in a movie again? I don’t know how to act anyway, so why am I doing this?” If these iconic figures have felt this way, you are definitely not alone.
Identifying Imposter Syndrome
Researcher Valerie Young, author of The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women, has identified five main types of imposter syndrome. See if any of these sound familiar to you:
The Perfectionist
Do you spend hours recording a 30-second audition, agonizing over every single word? Do you delete and redo your takes multiple times, convinced they’re not good enough? Perfectionists set unrealistically high expectations for themselves, and when they don’t meet them, they feel like failures.
While setting high standards is great, perfectionism can be paralyzing. Instead of striving for perfect, aim for great. Mistakes are part of growth, and done is better than perfect. Give yourself permission to improve over time rather than expecting perfection right away.
The Workaholic
Do you think about voice over 24/7? Do you sacrifice hobbies, family time, and even sleep just to work harder? If so, you might be trying to prove your worth through sheer effort. Workaholics tie their self-worth to their productivity, feeling guilty if they aren’t constantly grinding.
While passion for your craft is important, balance is key. Your personal experiences, relationships, and downtime all help shape you into a more versatile and engaging performer. Taking breaks doesn’t mean you’re lazy—it means you’re recharging so you can bring more to your work.
The Natural Genius
Do you believe that talent should come effortlessly? Do you get discouraged when you struggle with a new skill or technique? The “natural genius” imposter feels like they should just get it without much effort—so when they don’t, they feel like failures.
Voice over, like any profession, requires practice and patience. Even the best actors and voice talent work with coaches, train for years, and constantly refine their skills. Struggling with a new genre or technique doesn’t mean you aren’t talented—it means you’re learning, and that’s a good thing.
The Soloist
Do you hesitate to ask for help because you fear it will expose you as inexperienced? Do you spend hours searching for answers online rather than reaching out to a coach, mentor, or peer? The soloist feels like they should be able to do everything on their own—and that asking for help is a sign of weakness.
The reality? Asking for help is a sign of strength. No one succeeds in this industry alone. Lean on your network, reach out for feedback, and invest in coaching when you need guidance. There’s no shame in learning from those who’ve been where you want to go.
The Expert
Do you feel like you need one more class, one more course, one more certification before you’re truly ready? Experts believe their worth is tied to how much they know and fear being exposed as inexperienced.
While continuous learning is important, there comes a time when you have to put yourself out there. You don’t have to know everything to start booking work. Trust in the training and experience you do have, and take action. Learning by doing is one of the best ways to grow.
You’re Not Alone
If any of these resonate with you, know that you’re not alone. Studies show that 70% of people experience Imposter Syndrome at some point in their careers—and actual imposters don’t experience it at all.
So next time that nagging voice creeps in, remind yourself: You are talented. You have worked hard. You deserve your success.
And if you ever need a pep talk, a push in the right direction, or someone to remind you that yes, you are good enough—I’m here for you! Let’s keep growing and thriving together.
Thanks for reading! - Anne
Work with Anne
Anne Ganguzza is California-based Voice Actor, Voiceover Coach, and award-winning Director & Producer specializing in target-marketed Voiceover Demo Production.
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Young, V. (2011). The secret thoughts of successful women: Why capable people suffer from the imposter syndrome and how to thrive in spite of it. Crown Business.
