In the competitive world of voice acting, unique voices will always stand out from the crowd.
Kathryn Vinclaire stands as a testament to the power of embracing distinct vocal characteristics, turning her voice into an industry asset.
However, this wasn’t always the case. Kathryn recently shared her voiceover journey in a now-viral LinkedIn post, describing the challenges she’s faced, the acceptance she’d discovered, and the triumphs she’s achieved as a voice actor with vocal paralysis.
Join us as we sit down with Kathryn to further discuss her story, the impact of going viral, and the power of uniqueness in the voiceover industry.
Going Viral
Before we jump in, discover Kathryn’s LinkedIn post here:
Q. Can you share with us the journey of discovering your vocal disability and the challenges you faced in coming to terms with it?
Kathryn: It’s funny to call it a disability because I’ve literally only just started recognising it as a disability this year. I was always aware that my voice was different, it’s always been this husky, and as a child and teenager, I grew up with a lot of inappropriate comments from adults who thought it was “sexy”. Other children at school would bully me for it, of course, because they’re too young to understand the power of differences and didn’t know how to react to someone who sounds a bit unusual.
In my teens, I was getting frustrated at struggling to be heard in classrooms. The volume of my voice is quite strongly diminished compared to a typical voice. So, I went to get some speech therapy and have some tests done.
During these tests, the doctors discovered that one of my vocal chords is completely paralysed. Meaning that, in all honesty, I shouldn’t be able to speak. In nothing short of a miracle of the human body, my vestibular folds, some tiny muscles below the vocal chords, had naturally developed over time to mimic what the vocal chords are meant to be doing. This enables me to speak!
I was offered surgery, but the thought of waking up with someone else’s voice terrified me. You’ve got to remember; this is after a lifetime of sounding just like this. So even though I’m not meant to sound husky, it’s all I’ve ever known, so I have a strong connection to this voice.
Q. Your voice is what makes you different and powerful. How did you embrace your unique voice and recognise it as a strength?
Kathryn: In voiceover castings, I’ve learnt the hard way that this voice sticks out like a sore thumb. I’ve had countless auditions where the client has replied and said, “We loved what you did with the script, but can you make it a bit less husky?”
So, I have to know when it’s going to be an asset. Often commercials or video games that I get cast for cite my husky voice and how different it sounded amongst the sea of auditioning voices as what got me the role. Knowing that the unique qualities of this voice are an asset to casting directors and producers does give me confidence in what I can offer in the booth. I have learnt over time to lean in fully to this voice, but it has taken me years to get to this point.
A great example of Kathryn’s voice in commercials.
Q. What motivated you to pursue a career in voice acting despite the initial challenges and insecurities surrounding your voice?
Kathryn: After a lifetime of people stopping me mid-conversation to ask, “Do you always sound like this? Is this your normal voice?” I did wonder if I might have something interesting to listen to in the tone and quality of my voice. I simply wanted to see what I could offer the voiceover industry with this huskiness. It wasn’t any great ambition or drive, truth be told. More just a curiosity to see where it might lead.
Q. How has your journey with vocal paralysis shaped your approach to voice acting and your connection with the characters you portray?
Kathryn: If I ever come across a character who is judged because of the way they first appear to other characters, I can empathise. Voices are so at the core of how people perceive us; it’s no wonder that I’m still riddled with insecurities about this voice of mine.
Practically speaking, I have to be really communicative with clients about what my voice can handle. That said, I work exceptionally hard to train my voice and push it every single day, so my vocal resilience and stamina have vastly improved since working in voiceover. I can work through audiobook recordings and extended video game sessions without issue. But I do often have to reassure the client of this before we begin, as some people are naturally concerned that I might not be up to the task.
Vocal paralysis is something that very few people know anything about, so I’m there to bridge the gap in their understanding. It’s a privilege.
An incredible example of Kathryn’s voice in a video game setting.
Q. Since your post, what kind of response have you received from the voiceover community, and how has it impacted you?
Kathryn: Well, going viral isn’t nearly as life-changing as it may be perceived. But what I have found is a wealth of support from the voiceover community, who have sent kind messages and comments my way. I’ve also had a few emails from people who have seen my post, aren’t in the industry, but have shared their own experiences of living with vocal paralysis or postoperative changes to their voice. These are often very moving and personal accounts, and I carry them very close to my heart.
Q. Your career has flourished despite the negative experiences you faced. Can you share some memorable moments or achievements in your voiceover career so far?
Kathryn: Just last week, I was recording some trailers for a Star Trek video game. As a lifelong Trekkie, it’s exceptional that I get to be a small part of their multiverse. I’ve also been lucky to take on some really complex characters using this voice. My favourite to date is Caroline, from the mega audiobook Man Of War by TJ London, a rich, dynamic character of depth and substance. Her story is extraordinary!
Q. Direction is often crucial in the voiceover production process. How do you handle any lingering doubts or negative comments that may arise due to your vocal disability?
Kathryn: I have to be very upfront about my disability. I often mention somewhere in my audition notes about my vocal paralysis so clients are aware before they hear my audition. In the booth, I often have to explain, “That’s just what my voice sounds like”, when audio engineers check the audio chain to make sure they haven’t got some sort of filter on!
It does get frustrating, but with every person I introduce to the concept of voiceover with vocal paralysis, I like to think it broadens their understanding of the diversity in this industry. I’d call that a win-win.
Q. In your LinkedIn post, you mentioned that your voice will one day buy you your first property. What other ambitions do you have for the future and your career?
Kathryn: I’d love to dive into IPs that I’ve grown up loving. James Bond, Thunderbirds, maybe Tintin? Frankly, anything that aligns with the creations I love outside of voiceover. I’m open to all sorts!
But let’s face it; if I’m not cast as Miss Moneypenny or M in the next James Bond video game, someone’s missed a trick.
Q. As a successful voice actor with experience in video games and international commercials, what advice would you give to aspiring voice actors who might be facing challenges related to their own uniqueness?
Kathryn: You need to lean all the way into what makes your voice stand out. Think about it, there are countless voiceover artists who sound very similar, so how lucky are you to have something that makes you unique? It’s a positive, and you are an asset. Believe it.
Summary
Kathryn Vinclaire’s journey serves as a huge inspiration for any aspiring voice actors that possess unique traits. Her ability to transform obstacles into opportunities and let her distinctiveness shine through the characters she portrays is a testament to the value of uniqueness within the realm of voice acting.
Thanks, Kathryn! And you can keep up to date with Kathryn’s journey on Instagram, LinkedIn, or her website.
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