Can you share an example of a project where you had to quickly adapt your approach to meet unexpected client needs?

I've had a couple of customers send me a script that I felt comfortable with but then they sent me a video with a voice that they wanted me to emulate. It felt pretty uncomfortable for me to make the voice the way the previous videos had done but I was able to make the client happy. 

I think the thing that made the biggest difference was sending a sample to give the customer an idea what I was capable of and then making sure to communicate, communicate, communicate. Your customers are going to understand that you might not be able to sound exactly like someone else, but when they see that you're willing to try to meet/surpass their needs—for the most part—they are going to appreciate you and be happy with the work. 

It happens. All the time. Client hires you and gives you a set of directions. You record and deliver. They request revisions and tell you something completely different. What do you do? You listen and re-do it!

I can't think of a specific project, but this has happened multiple times. Your clients are often part of a team of people, and sometimes things change. You will win yourself an ever grateful (and hopefully repeat) customer if you are responsive, open to feedback, and helpful about re-recording when necessary. Now, if they completely change the script, that's a different story, but I have found going out of my way to make sure my customers are happy goes a long way, both with repeat business and word of mouth advertising to new clients. 

I suggest making sure you're available and responsive after you deliver your voice over so you won't be surprised if they come back with revisions. That way you can respond and take care of them quickly, showing that you care about your clients. 

I once worked on a commercial project where the client initially provided a detailed script with specific tone and pacing instructions. Midway through the project, they decided to change the direction, requesting a more dramatic and urgent delivery instead of the original upbeat tone.

I quickly adapted by revisiting the script with the new instructions in mind. I adjusted my vocal delivery to convey the urgency and drama they were looking for, while also incorporating pauses and emphatic phrases to match the revised tone.

I communicated promptly with the client to confirm their new expectations and provided a revised sample for their approval. The flexibility and quick adaptation allowed us to meet their revised needs effectively and deliver a final product that satisfied their updated vision.

I had a buyer place an order, but I could sense they were having trouble articulating what they needed to hear in the VO.  The easy solution was to invite him to an easy going Live VO session via Zoom (since that is what he was familiar with) and we can collaborate in real time.  The buyer was a bit nervous, but I let him know I've done this thousands of time and it will be fun.  We connected live, he was able to share his vision for the VO and since I could see him and take in his body language and hear him, I was able to grasp his vision and deliver.  Don't let the self imposed barriers of being a freelance at home voice actor keep you from the human connection that we all crave.