I thought I should post it here as well, since it really could save your
next audition or recording session. I hope it helps you out!

So, I was holding auditions this morning for a commercial
I’m producing and this guy comes running in just as we
were about to end.
 
**He’s all disheveled…says he was running late. (No apology,
just said he was running late.)…. No-No #1 – ALWAYS
Be On Time…(or better yet, a bit early)
 
**As he’s signing in, he’s finishing up a milkshake. (This is
actually 3 separate No-No’s all in one:
- Don’t eat or drink anything real cold before recording
as it will tighten your vocal chords
- Don’t eat or drink anything dairy before recording as
it will create a thick mucous in your mouth and will make
your voice “smack” whenever you open your mouth.
-  Try not to eat RIGHT BEFORE a recording. (This guy’s
burping and hic cupping proved that!)
 
**And the 3rd Big No-No (actually the 5th, in this example) -
This guy was wearing a watch that was real loose on his
wrist, so every time he moved his arm, you could hear the
watch sliding around, so we had to re-record. NEVER
wear loose jewelry or anything else that can make noise
during a recording session.
 
Needless to say…he probably wasted a trip to the studio
for his audition. Although he didn’t sound bad and I
probably could have used him…. I won’t. And I probably
wouldn’t use him again in the future just because of this.
 
I shouldn’t say that…and who knows, maybe I will use him
after some time…but remember that you only get ONE first
impression.