Episode 354: Paula Tiso on Narration for Documentaries
Release Date: 09/17/2025
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Acting Business Boot Camp
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Episode 361: Self Tapes That Book Part II
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Episode 360: Self Tapes that Book Part 1
Acting Business Boot Camp
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Episode 359: Do Not Get Into Voiceover If Any of These 3 Areas Will Be Drained
Acting Business Boot Camp
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Episode 358: What’s a Motto With You?
Acting Business Boot Camp
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Acting Business Boot Camp
Hey there, it’s Mandy Fisher. Welcome back to the Acting Business Boot Camp Podcast. I’ve been in the voiceover world for over 20 years, and if there’s one thing I repeat over and over, it’s this: all voiceover is character work. Yes, even that five-second toothpaste ad. Even the audiobook that goes on for twelve hours. Even the one-liner in a loop group session. If I don’t believe in the character I’m creating, the audience won’t either—and you’d be surprised how quickly people can tell when something feels fake. Why Character Work Matters in VO Voiceover isn’t...
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Episode 354: Paula Tiso on Narration for Documentaries
Acting Business Boot Camp
This week’s episode is all about documentary narration. Voiceover actor Paula Tiso joins me to share her journey from sketch comedy in Los Angeles to working steadily in promos, radio imaging, true crime, and documentary series. We talk about training, the shift from “perky” reads to grounded storytelling, and what it really takes to support a story with your voice. About Paula: Paula Tiso is a veteran voiceover actor whose work spans documentary narration, true crime, television affiliates, video games, and more. She’s voiced Smithsonian Channel documentaries, Oxygen and ID...
info_outlineThis week’s episode is all about documentary narration. Voiceover actor Paula Tiso joins me to share her journey from sketch comedy in Los Angeles to working steadily in promos, radio imaging, true crime, and documentary series.
We talk about training, the shift from “perky” reads to grounded storytelling, and what it really takes to support a story with your voice.
About Paula:
Paula Tiso is a veteran voiceover actor whose work spans documentary narration, true crime, television affiliates, video games, and more. She’s voiced Smithsonian Channel documentaries, Oxygen and ID series like Living with a Serial Killer and The Devil Speaks, and brought characters to life in games including Final Fantasy X, No More Heroes, and Fallout 76.
Whether narrating history, guiding audiences through true crime, or connecting viewers to their local TV stations, Paula’s voice combines warmth, authority, and authenticity.
From Comedy to Narration
Paula started out in sketch comedy and found her way into voiceover through commercial training. She explains how those early skills built the foundation for narration work across genres.
True Crime and Empathy
Narrating true crime requires neutrality and steadiness. At the same time, it calls for empathy when addressing victims and families. Paula shares how she prepares for heavy scripts and keeps her delivery both clear and compassionate.
Core Skills for Narrators
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Commercial training as a base for timing and clarity
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Adaptability when scripts change mid-session
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Authenticity in the read, not a “performance”
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Curiosity to keep learning and exploring new material
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Preparation that marks cues and supports clean delivery
Types of Documentary Narration
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Nature: slow pacing, voice supports the picture
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History: sometimes includes character inserts, with age shifts in voice
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In-show and lifestyle: friendly and helpful
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Promos and affiliates: concise and reliable
Building a Career
Paula describes narration as building a career vine by vine, one connection leading to the next. She emphasizes curiosity, preparation, and adaptability as the keys to staying relevant.
AI and the Future
Paula also discusses how AI is impacting voiceover, and the work organizations like NAVA are doing to protect performers through transparency and consent.
Episode Takeaways
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Let the voice support the picture
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Documentary reads today are grounded and authentic
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Empathy without bias is essential in true crime
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Preparation and adaptability make sessions run smoothly
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Careers grow step by step, connection by connection
Resources and Mentions
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Email: peter@actingbusinessbootcamp.com
Coaching and classes: Acting Business Boot Camp