If you’ve ever walked into an office building and felt like you’d landed on another planet, you’re not alone...
The way people interact inside a company can feel foreign, shaped by its unique rules, values, and communication style. When you book corporate voice over work, it’s your job to embody that company’s culture. More often than not, you’ll be voicing content from the perspective of an employee—someone inside the organization. The better you understand the corporate mindset, the easier it will be to deliver a read that sounds authentic and aligns with the client’s expectations.
Navigating the Labyrinth
At its core, every business exists for the same reason—to make money. But getting from point A (no money) to point B (profit) isn’t a straight line. Companies develop guiding principles—like mission statements and core values—that shape how decisions are made and how employees operate.
This creates corporate culture, the driving force behind how a business functions. Understanding this culture is crucial for delivering voice over that doesn’t just sound professional but actually fits the company’s identity.
Digging for Gold: How to Research a Company’s Culture
Some companies make their culture easy to spot. They might have a clearly stated mission on their website, values listed in company literature, or even leadership videos explaining what they stand for. Other times, the culture is more subtle, requiring you to read between the lines.
Here’s how you can uncover it:
Watch existing voice over content the company has produced to get a feel for its tone.
Look at its marketing materials—are they formal and polished, or relaxed and conversational?
Observe how they communicate with employees in training videos, internal messaging, and company updates.
The more you understand their values—whether it’s innovation, teamwork, or customer service—the more naturally your delivery will align with their brand.
Why You Should Care
You might be thinking, That’s great, but why does this matter to me as a voice actor? Because understanding a company’s culture makes you a better storyteller. It informs your choices when reading their script, helping you deliver a read that feels like a natural part of their brand. But beyond that, it also makes you more valuable to the client.
When you can seamlessly integrate into their messaging, you become more than just a voice—you become a trusted partner. And trusted partners get repeat work. Clients want consistency. If they know they can rely on you to understand their voice and values, they’ll come back again and again.
Perception Is Reality
In the corporate world, perception matters. A client’s perception of you—how well you “fit” within their culture—will determine how much work you get from them in the future. Think of it this way: when you’re hired for a corporate narration, you’re essentially stepping into the role of a new employee. And like any new hire, you need to prove that you understand the company’s way of doing things.
Regardless of how you see yourself, the client’s perception of your ability to match their tone and message is what ultimately counts.
The Payoff: Long-Term Success in Corporate Voice Over
Taking the time to research corporate culture might seem like extra work, but it pays off. Every minute spent understanding your client helps you:
Deliver more accurate, engaging reads
Build stronger relationships with clients
Increase your chances of getting rehired
Think of it like traveling to another country—if you take the time to learn the language and customs, you’ll be welcomed as part of the community. The same applies to corporate voice over. The better you understand a company’s perspective, the more naturally you’ll fit into their world—and the more work you’ll book.
Thanks for reading - Anne
Work with Anne
Anne Ganguzza is a Voice Actor, Coach, Influencer, and award-winning Podcaster & Demo Producer. based in Southern California.
