As voice actors, we get different types of scripts.
I enjoy this slot as it truly seems to be “self help” in many ways!
I talk quickly about doing Meditations, Hypnosis & Affirmations, then there’s a 5 minute sample for you to enjoy!
No comments
Tag: corporateexplainer
Getting Stared in Voice Over #8- What equipment to buy?
I dunno! ;-)
Computer: Mac vs. PC; Use what you have until you know more. There is enough “tech” to learn in this business without adding a new computer interface AND re-learning how to use ALL the programs you use on that new operating system.
Mic, Interface, headphones: Call someplace like Sweetwater, Guitar Center or maybe a local guy downtown that supplies bands with equipment. Heck, buy local! Except- if that local guy ONLY does bands, he likely knows nothing about managing sound in a small studio or VO. You’ve been warned.
When you call the company, explain your hopeful budget, let them hear your voice while you talk, and be in the space you hope to record in. They’ll make recommendations based on all that.
What business entity do I start with?
I’m not an attorney, or a tax accountant! This is NOT legal or tax advise, only suggestions on what to ask those professionals when you talk to them! –
This one is worth listening to no matter what kind of business you’re starting! I talk about being a Sole Proprietor, and forming an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp and how that formation might effect you, your liability and to a small amount I mention how it might change your taxes. Solid information for starting any business!
Resources: https://americassbdc.org/
FAILURE! (or not!)
Thanks to my friend Kaleigh Duffy for the reminder on failure. She wrote a great post on failure. About success. I applaud her for her leadership and spirit.
You Go Girl!
So you failed. Whatcha gonna do?
Go at it again, this time more prepared to fail faster, farther and better prepared for success!! There’s a slide of great quotes at the end of the video, but I’ll leave you with my favorite two: “If at first you don’t succeed…(you gotta watch the video)” and “Never let success get to your head, Never let failure get to your heart”
Need some business mentoring? Let’s chat!
Setting the mood
One of the things that VO do is set the mood. This can change from sentence to sentence! I received a script to record yesterday for a hearing aid company.
The script said, “You know my sad story…” My point is that doesn’t sound natural. I suppose if I’m really trying to pull the pity chain I’d say that, but I’d more likely say with sadness in my voice, “You know my story…” and emote that so it sounds sad too! Then the next sentence I was saying how happy I was now that I could hear well, even in the crowded bar.
I’ll be happy to set YOUR mood! Let’s chat!
Getting started in Voice Over #6
It’s a business!! Repeat this to yourself, “I’m starting a SEPARATE ENTITY called a business”.
Repeat this as often as you need to until you understand that sentence. Many people treat a business as a personal checking account backup.
IT ISN’T.
Your first, primary, most important, overarching job is making money for THE BUSINESS. Then, if you do, as the business manager, you decide what value you have and compensate yourself accordingly.
Proof reading, Editing, & Correcting
Spoiler: We don’t write the same way we speak.
There it is. I write a lot of commercial and marketing copy and I catch myself.
Take: “I am going to go the store” can be read (and likely will be)
“I’m gonna go twoda store”
The first sentence, if read the way its written can sound mechanical, or robotic.
We can help “humanize” your script. With my sales and marketing background, I can also look at your script from the sales side. I just did a script this morning and the company name was only mentioned once at the beginning and never gave the web address. HUH?!
Happy to help with your scripts!!
Host/Emcee? Moderator? Presenter?
I do more and more virtual meeting management, I’m seeing confusion on what I do, or more accurately what people want. So…
Moderator: I might be “on screen” long enough to be introduced, but I’m really more like a stage manager in a play. I manage the event
Host/Emcee: I’m on screen and while helping to manage the event, I’m on screen sometimes managing and introducing guests, but I’m not the presenter.
Presenter: I’m the content provider. I may act as your company representative, or just the hired gun brought in to close the deal, but I’m doing the presentation. Of course there are combinations of these too?
May I help you in your virtual presentations and webinars? Contact me here!
Getting started in Voice Over #5
Let’s talk about starting your own business. NOT a #voiceover business, ANY business. It takes a mind-set not everyone is geared for, and that’s okay! I talk about several places to go for help SBDC (https://americassbdc.org/), SCORE (https://www.score.org/) are two, FREE resources to help you start.
Do some soul-searching. Are you okay with NOT making any money next week? How long can you go without income? How can you start “today” with little money and how far can you get doing that? Are you okay with working for periods with no day off? This is a BUSINESS mental attitude/aptitude question more than it is about voice acting.
Talk to someone you know that owns and operates a business. Buy them a coffee and ask what you need to look out for. Good luck! I’m happy to chat for a few minutes or do a paid mentoring session.
Chat link- 15 minute free session Paid mentoring session link.
What Does a Voice Artist Do? Wedding Toasts!
Installing carpet & moving furniture!! NOT!
Got rolling early today with a friend stopping by after his midnight shift to carry two rolls of carpet upstairs, helped me install one room, then we carried the furniture up that I also got yesterday. Whew!! And that was ALL done by 8:30!
Oh yeah, #voiceover! Why NOT have a voiceactor voice your wedding toast!? I had an order come in to record a fun toast. As the script was written in a humorous way, I gave them a second cut with a little “Grant Humor” tossed in. They loved it.
Did some revision work on the “off-world miner prisoner” character voice I’ve been working on for a video and finally work on how to use a soil testing device for a company. Never a dull day!
What can I voice for you?