Millennial voices and behaviors continue to shape consumer trends across multiple industries. They account for approximately 36% of America’s workforce based on the last U.S Department of Labor data published on this large and influential demographic. That adds up to some serious shopping dollars (and some serious influence over trends, culture and buying).
So if you need your brand heard by the millennials out there shopping and spending, your message must be authentic. And the right millennial voiceover can make a huge difference. Here are five simple steps to connect with them:
Step 1: Know Who Millennials Are
Millennials are born between 1981 and 1996. They come after Generation X (1965–1980) and before Generation Z (1997–2014). They are largely the children of Baby Boomers (1946–1964).
As explained in the Forbes article “Understanding The Research On Millennial Shopping Behaviors”, it is pretty clear that the September 11 attacks, the “Great Recession” and the beginning of the Internet shaped many Millennials and their attitudes around money, technology and why they trust brands (or not). Using real millennial voiceover talent helps advertising campaigns connect with their audience instead of feeling old-fashioned or out-of-touch.
If you’re looking for a millennial female voice actor, check some of Maria Pendolino’s demos! If you’d like to hire a millennial male voice actor, then Ian Fishman is your guy. Feel free to listen to Ian’s demos here.
Step 2: Speak Their Language
Millennials grew up with Clueless, MySpace, and the sound of AOL dial-up Internet. Their cultural references influence the way they consume stories.
Writing their language is not about dropping in hashtags or phraseology that’s a decade old. It’s about authenticity. A millennial narrative voice should feel conversational, like a one-on-one peer speaking, never a salesperson.
It’s the difference between a friend saying, “You have to try this” and sitting through a three-minute hard sell at a shopping mall because no millennial ever said “Geez, I loved that announcer voice interrupting my podcast!”
Step 3: Keep It Real
Most millennials have a sixth sense for hard sells, ads that are too-perfectly-polished or try too-hard usually just don’t work with them. What works to connect with a Millennial audience? Honesty, transparency and values that resonate.
Some of the most effective voiceover reads for millennials feel like word-of-mouth marketing on a grand scale. They feel close, meaningful and personal, not just some dude yelling “SPECIAL OFFER!” (Except maybe tacos. Then by all means, scream louder, because millennials love tacos.)
That said, Maria and Ian are here to deliver that authentic, like-a-friend-sharing-something voice tone your campaign needs to reach your millennial audience.
Step 4: Highlight Experience but Keep in Mind the New Trends
Millennials have had a reputation for preferring experiences over things. And while that might be true, new data from a 2024 survey from Boston Consulting Group and Worth Media Group, shows a twist: It seems like millennials are leading luxury spending right now.
“While Millennials indulge actively in luxury experiences – 54% spent on experiences in the past year – luxury goods take precedence, with 63% purchasing luxury goods. And 51% of Millennials expect to spend more on goods in the coming year, while 67% of GenXers and 80% of Boomers plan to spend less.”
So yes, experiences matter. But millennials are also showing that luxury, quality, and status count too. And while older and younger generations are tightening their belts, millennials are still ready to invest in what they care about.
Check out professional millennial voice actor Maria Pendolino‘s commercial voiceover demo below!
Step 5: Go Digital-First
Millennials were the first generation to come of age with the Internet as a constant presence in their lives. They shop, research and stream daily. And it’s often on mobile.
Brands that ignore digital-first platforms risk missing a major share of their millennial audience.
Podcasts, digital ads and social videos are best with a millennial voiceover tone that’s intimate and conversational, as if speaking directly into your earbuds. It’s relaxed, personal, and ideal for mobile-first content.
Final Thoughts
Most millennials don’t want to be spoken at or talked down to – they want to be an active part of the conversation. Brands that spend money on authentic millennial voiceover talent connect more quickly, more easily and more successfully with this generation.
So: advertise with millennials, not at them.
When you need that authentic millennial sound, Maria Pendolino and Ian Fishman know how to deliver it – the kind that helps your ad, campaign, or narration feel fresh, relatable, and in step with your audience.
Keep it real, keep it conversational, and yes, keep the Dad jokes to a minimum. (Unless they’re ironically funny. Then we’ll allow it.)
