Brian Lafontaine: The Voice Behind the Brand on Authentic Communication

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Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Unforgettable.

Actor and public speaking coach Brian Lafontaine joins Terry Hudson on Oui Talk Raw for a masterclass in communication, mindset, and authenticity.

From Stranger Things to Ozark, Brian’s voice has powered major brands like Coca-Cola and Ford. Now, he’s helping others discover the power of being radically reliable and authentically seen.

Key Takeaways

  • Early dreams shape your path: Follow your passion, even if it seems unlikely.

  • Risk-taking is essential: Success often comes from embracing uncertainty.

  • Voice is a powerful tool: Proper training and equipment can make a career in voiceover accessible.

  • Radical reliability: Fun + professionalism = trust and repeat opportunities.

  • Branding matters: Your personal brand must authentically represent you.

  • Public speaking is a skill for everyone: Practice, storytelling, and courage create impact.

  • Home studios are standard: Proper equipment and environment are key for professional-quality work.

Brian Lafontaine: The Voice Behind the Brand on Authentic Communication

About Me – BRIAN LAFONTAINE

Brian Lafontaine has spent over 30 years as a professional actor, with roles in hit productions like Ozark, Stranger Things, Outer Banks, The Hate U Give, Homeland, Nashville, and The Vampire Diaries. He’s played doctors, dads, and dudes with dark secrets. But his real superpower? Helping people communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. Whether they’re on a stage, in a boardroom, or on Zoom with the camera off.

As a public speaking coach and event host, Brian brings his unique blend of performance training, storytelling mastery, and deeply human insight to individuals, teams, and companies. His style is playful, inspiring, and no-nonsense, with a healthy dose of humor and heart. He’s also the creator and host of Speak Easy, a live event  series for speakers who want to practice being seen in a new way. Brian helps people stop “presenting” and start connecting. Because your message matters…but only if people believe you when you say it. Everyone has a story, and everyone’s story is worth hearing.

Behind the Mic and Beyond: Brian LaFontaine on Acting, Voice, and Public Speaking

On this week’s episode of Local Music Somewhere, host Terry Hudson welcomed Brian LaFontaine to the studio—a powerhouse actor, in-demand voiceover talent, and now public speaking coach. With an impressive resume including commercials for McDonald’s, Ford, Coke, Wendy’s, K-Swiss, and appearances in Stranger Things, Ozark, and Homeland, Brian shared the journey that transformed him from a working-class Rhode Island kid into a professional voice shaping millions of messages.

“I always wanted to be an actor always did you know ever since I was a little kid it was one of those, you know, sort of fantasy professions,” Brian shared, emphasizing how early dreams shaped his path.

Brian’s path wasn’t straightforward. From a lost golf scholarship at Kataba College to stand-up comedy gigs and then theater auditions that landed him lead roles in Neil Simon’s plays, he credits fate—and his willingness to take risks—for his career trajectory.

Acting, Voice, and the Power of Technique

Brian’s acting experience spans theater, film, and television, but it’s his voice that has made him recognizable to millions, even if his face isn’t immediately known. Terry and Brian explored how theater training translates to camera work, the importance of stillness on screen, and the ability to connect with audiences through authenticity.

“There’s a lot of power in stillness, whether you’re on camera or on stage, there still can be a lot of power in stillness.”

Brian also explained the evolution of voiceover work, from in-studio recordings to modern home setups, highlighting the accessibility and global reach of today’s industry.

Setting Up a Home Studio

For aspiring voiceover artists, Brian recommends investing in studio-grade equipment:

  • Vocal booth (whisper room) to block outside noise

  • High-quality condenser microphone like a Neumann U87

  • Audio interface to connect mic to computer

  • Quiet, distraction-free environment

He stressed that creating professional-quality audio is essential, especially in a competitive global market.

Radical Reliability and Branding

Brian describes himself as “radically reliable,” blending fun and professionalism to ensure every project exceeds expectations. This mindset has helped him maintain a reputation that keeps clients returning. He also emphasized the importance of genuine branding:

“It still needs to be a brand. It needs to represent your brand and what you’re striving to achieve or accomplish. And if it doesn’t, then people still aren’t going to connect with it because it’s not going to resonate.”

He credits collaboration—like his marketing coordinator Eileen Schlisler—with keeping his brand relevant in the digital age, highlighting that artists shouldn’t be afraid to invest in help where needed.

Public Speaking: Sharing Your Story

Transitioning his performance skills to coaching, Brian helps professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives craft and deliver compelling speeches. His philosophy combines acting techniques with practical public speaking strategies:

  • Confidence grows with practice and feedback

  • Storytelling engages audiences more than data alone

  • Everyone has a story worth sharing, whether on stage, at a meeting, or during a wedding toast

Through his Speak Easy events in Charlotte, Brian provides a rehearsal-like environment for individuals to practice in front of real audiences, simulating the stakes of professional presentations.

“Being comfortable with being uncomfortable is the only way to progress.”

Brian LaFontaine’s career demonstrates that versatility, consistency, and storytelling are as essential as talent. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, voice artist, or professional speaker, his insights offer a roadmap to turning passion into impact.

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