As a client, how do you select voice talent? More to the point, how do you structure client communication as a voice actor, when you make the call to let a project go?

The rules of Continue The Conversation are simple:

• Uphold a high standard of professional communication
• Be respectful
• Provide value
• Build bridges as opposed to burning them

Below is an excerpt from a piece of correspondence in which I had to decline a client’s offer. The reply follows a trial run and turns down the prospect of ongoing work. The client’s implicit feedback points to deficits in the delivery.

Hey ****!

Thank you for following up.

The feedback from the trial run of your first script suggests you weren’t completely satisfied with neither the service you received nor the end product.

That, alongside the unanswered questions I posed during the order regarding a mutual understanding of objective and subjective revisions, leads me to believe I may not be the best fit for your project at this point in time.

And that is absolutely fine. 😌 That’s what trial runs are for.

Should you wish to revisit our initial agreement, you may do so after 30 calendar days.

Fiverr is a place full of amazing talent. In instances like this, I normally recommend clients browse the marketplace for a performer who could offer them exactly what they are looking for.

In the interest of building bridges, rather than burning them, if a suitable candidate has not filled the voice actor vacancy for your project to a satisfactory degree by 21.11.2022, I would be happy to assist by narrating more of your content.

Once again, thank you for the opportunity to gain insight into your production process. I am confident you are on the right track.

Best of luck to you, ****, and the team!

It’s been a pleasure. 🤝

The decision to include a “cooldown” policy assumes that:

1. I will have addressed the shortcomings in my performance after careful deliberation.
2. The client will have time to gauge the market and explore alternatives.
3. The out(in?) allows for a return to the proverbial table, if necessary.

What would you have done differently?

How would you continue the conversation?