Personal VO Views Archives - The Compassionate Voice

Holding Up In 2020: Have It Your Way

Business Renewal, Personal VO Views, voiceover, Voiceover Bussiness Tips

As I hope you know, the world is in the midst of the Covid-19 onslaught on our society and our way of life. As such, we have to make drastic changes in our daily lives to stay healthy. Countless news programs, commentaries, podcasts, preachers, and scientists give us their daily take on how to adjust to the ever-changing “new normal.” But I’ve come to understand that changing during this unprecedented time in world history can only go so far. Each of us must decide how to make it through these strange days.

If you’re running a business (like voice acting), there is a fair amount of adjustment needed for dealing with things as a creative and entrepreneur. I’ve come up with a few thoughts to consider for adjusting to the new normal your way.

Don’t Get Overwhelmed

While voice actors should keep abreast of the types of voice delivery popular in media and entertainment, we need to dial back the doses of bad news. To be clear, communication that leads to feelings of depression, sadness, hopelessness, and fear are bad news. Keeping informed of the latest health developments and strategies for staying safe is a good idea. But you may have noticed by now that too much of a perceived ”good thing” may not be so good after all.

Limit daily news and media time. If it’s breaking news, you’ll probably get a Tweet or Instagram post about it. Review several sources of news to help you determine a balanced view of the information. You must think critically about what you are seeing and hearing to decide what’s best for you.

In, What to Do When You Get Unexpected Bad News, Suzanne Kane writes “Go straight to the source to eliminate bias or watered-down information that may be more opinion and hearsay than factual. To properly deal with unexpected negative news, you need to arm yourself with the facts.”

Maintain your Daily Wellness

Hopefully, you have some idea of what a thriving daily routine looks like for you. Keep your physical health in check, and make sure you are also watching your dental health. (Ever since I learned that many of the ancient Egyptians died of gum disease, I’ve become a big supporter of good dental health.) Likewise, watch your weight by getting in regular exercise and healthy relaxation. I find cycling helps me to stay mentally and physically healthy.

Practice Caution until the Cure

Many of us are finally getting opportunities to do more outside our homes than grocery shop. We can now visit museums, shops, beaches, churches, restaurants, and friends! But there is still a need for extra caution in society. Have your fun and do as much as you need to maintain good relationships. Of course, make sure you’re practicing the official guidelines for venturing out in public and around others.

Stretch your Creativity to the (legal) Max

It will take most of us a lifetime to understand and reveal our true selves. Use this time of adjustment to continue to see what is in you and express it creatively. For example, you don’t have to be a voice actor to invest in training in voice or acting. Get in on virtual learning and artistic pursuits to see what comes from within you. Let yourself laugh at life and dream of how the world would be if everyone were just like you. If you’re a voice talent, never stop investigating the possibilities of advancing your creativity to that which lies within you. Continue to harness your creative “gold mine,” your mind.

Nurture your People

Your new normal should not be void of people. Again, voiceover people know and understand the importance of human interactions. We know that you cannot relate and reach others without understanding them. We need our families, friends, neighbors, and even some of our enemies. People teach us to succeed, fail, fight, love, grow, and adapt. Spending all your time behind physical or virtual walls does not lead to good relationships or mental health.

The worst solitude is to have no real friendships.” Francis Bacon

Use the virtual tools available to connect with others. Moreover, meet others in safely distanced setting to talk, laugh, and just be yourself. You need your people and they need you. Don’t deprive them of you. Nurture others and you will find your spirit is a little lighter every time you interact with people. Find a way to make it work your way.

Your survival is now in your hands. You are too special to lose, we need you. Take the advice on being safe, but don’t let being safe strip away your life. You can make it through 2020 and beyond. I’ll be listening for you breaking a lip.

5 Voiceover Sanity Checks for a Troubled World

Personal, Personal VO Views, voiceover

Creative people are not immune to the effects of traumatic events. Recently on Facebook, I made what I thought was a benign comment related to recovering from COVID-19. To my surprise, I received more than one not so lovely reply from semi to perfect strangers asking me to prove and explain world virus recovery rates and other recent political media occurrences. Feelings aside, I believe the postings were not personal arguments. (After all, what sane person would attack their supposed “Facebook friend.”) But I think the postings were expressions of fear and anxiety by the writers.

If possible, I prefer to be a part of the solution rather than the problem. I want to suggest some simple, common sense ways to soothe the anxiety and refocus your positive energy. Your social media friends may be glad you did.

Take a Mindful Moment

One of the best ways to start feeling better is to count your blessings. With so much bad news in the media, make a point to turn your thoughts to what’s good in your present life. Take a moment to take stock of your blessings and make a point to feel thankful.

Give the Media a Break

As a result of the COVID crisis, we’re all giving a lot of attention to the media to be up on when our lives may start to come back to a semblance of normal. As a result of this crisis, too much media coverage can intensify your anxiety. The Genesis blog, Coping with Fear and Anxiety Following a Traumatic Event, notes that “If news stories make you anxious, limit yourself to one newscast a day. Avoid social media, which can often contain false information and strong opinions, which may include anger, blame, and generalizations.”

For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.“
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Focus on One Activity at a Time

Many people are still trying to do business as usual, which often includes multitasking. Under normal circumstances, a voice talent must wear many hats, but currently, we are not under normal circumstances. Try to slow down and focus on one thing at a time. Moreover, we often surf the Internet or respond to text messages while doing any number of mindless activities. Give your mind a break so you can continue to function in this uncertain time. It’s alright for you to enjoy the slowdown. You can pick up where you left off later.

Resist Pavlovian Conditioning

Conditioning and behavior are often learned. We are taught to respond to a ringing phone, text message alerts, and even today’s reports about the pandemic. Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936) experimented with dogs and demonstrated “classical conditioning” (also referred to as Pavlovian conditioning). Pavlov proved that a link could be developed between one event or occurrence that could result in a specific subconscious behavior associated with another activity.

Instead of reacting to negative comments, bad news, and other information, refuse to let difficult information disturb your spirit, especially events that you have no control over or the ability to change. This is not being insensitive. Refusing to dwell on the negative is being sensitive to your needs and what is the best response for your mental health at this time. You don’t have to respond to subliminal stimuli or Pavlovian conditioning. Take a breath, gather your thoughts, let your storm of feelings, and fear pass. Choose to maintain your composure with calmness.

Learn to Exercise and Breathe

Exercising and breathing is another way to inner peace. Take a walk (via social distancing) outside day or night and let the feeling of movement take your mind and body to a better space. Take good breaths to fill your lungs. Deep breathing automatically relaxes the mind and body. Something as simple as counting to 10 and taking one or two slow deep breaths can change one’s whole outlook.

A little self care, to include the above, can go a long way to restore a voice-over’s sanity in a troubled world. As you know, humanity has seen diseases, pestilence, and war throughout history. I believe we will survive COVID-19 and thrive. So today, do your sanity check, we will need you on the other side.

Break a lip? Oh, yea!

8 Things That Can Make A Staycation Work For You

Business Tips, Personal, Personal VO Views, Voiceover Bussiness Tips, Voiceover Clients

This week, it’s all about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). It’s a threat to our way of life and seems to be the only news we hear. No matter your business or employment state, all people are affected by this medical crisis to our society. But what can you control, change, or improve? Yes, we have choices, even during this worldwide medical crisis. Choose to take your mind off the crisis with 8 things that can make this time of staycation work for you.

1. Work Your Undone “To-Dos”

If you’re like me, something is always falling off your “To-do list.” Look around your office and home, and notice what you have been planning to do but just have not gotten around to completing. Are there rooms that need to be cleaned, painted, or just organized? Use this time to take a crack at your list. Then again, these undone tasks don’t have to be just work. Get to your fun To-do list too.

2. Express your Creativity

Many voice talent are creative people by nature. If you’re not a voice talent or actor, that does not mean you cannot take up a creative habit or be creative. Consider adopting new practices like painting, writing, or even coloring.

Coloring books are popular these days. In an article appearing in O Magazine, Brigitt Earley’s Best Adult Coloring Books to Melt Your Stress Away, notes that coloring books are not a kid only activity. She writes, “… the advanced options (coloring books) are chock-full of beautiful and insanely intricate designs; others are a little irreverent; some are more functional, doubling as a journal or a calendar… .” Coloring is considered quite calming.

Still not convinced? The blog by Eva Williams, 8 Therapeutic Benefits of Coloring in Adult Coloring Books and Apps, says, “While our mind is engaged in coloring, it seldom diverts and relapses into negative thoughts.” It’s all about refocusing your mind.

3. Reconnect with Family and Friends

While social media is all the rage, make time to pick up the phone to talk or live stream friends and family. Check on older loved ones as well those who are single or live alone. The act of reaching out and caring about others has a calming and pleasing effect that can last for days.

4. Take an Inventory of You

It’s okay for a little self-focus. Moreover, this is probably the best time for such an activity. During the Coronavirus, we may want to examine what is essential in your life, are we pursuing our goals, and are they the right goals. Writing down what you want, where you want to go, and where you are in the process can help bring your life into focus. Make the best of your time and talents. (For more, see my blog on keeping your goals fresh and on point).

5. Keep Moving

The old saying is, ‘If you don’t use it you will lose it.’ So, make time daily to stretch and get your body moving. From my point of view of a voice talent, you should practice breathing and other techniques to keep your voice at it’s best. The body works succinctly with all its parts. If you’re stressed or upset, it will come out in your voice-over performances. Release a little stress through movement.

Tell your readers to use it or lose it. If you don’t use your muscles, they get weak. If you don’t use your mind, it begins to fail.” John Templeton

6. Update your Software Knowledge

Do you have books or software you’ve downloaded and have still not mastered? (Guilty) Now is the time to check on what you have. Make sure your remote directing, editing, and other software updates.

Moreover, find out about any new features and learn some of the old features to make sure you’re getting the most out of your purchase. The information and tools only help us when we know how to use them and use them well. If you need help, Facebook and YouTube usually have loads of software tutorials to help you get up and functioning.

7. Plan your Next Vacation

If money is no object, where would you like to go? If money is an object, where would you like to go? Find a happy medium between the two and plan your next (post staycation) Vacation. Consider your budget, travel, location, and activities. There is nothing wrong with dreaming, and just thinking of time away in the future can lighten your spirits today.

8. Use Social Media Wisely

Not all news is good news or real news. Watch what you need to stay safe and healthy, then cut off the Media. Don’t worry, there’s always an update in a few hours, so it’s fine to give yourself a break. If you are hooked on social media, watch a few cat videos, or kids throwing food, and feel free to laugh out loud.

Go ahead and break that lip!

Pay it Forward: Your Day Will Come

Personal VO Views, VO Business Tips, Voice talent renewal, Voiceover Bussiness Tips

Christmas season 2019 did not go as I had planned. I covered my shopping list, made gift purchases, and developed plans for spending time with family and friends. However, just days before the Christmas holiday (while singing with my church no doubt), I noticed that I was struggling with my breathing. My breath was so shallow, I suddenly and without warning had no breath to finish the song I was singing.

That day in church was the beginning of my 6-week recovery from pneumonia. But instead of reflecting on my temporary illness, I fondly remember the unexpected kindness I received from my family and friends during my time of recovery. I realized how important it is to stay connected to family, friends, and associates because a lot of life catches us off guard. The lesson I observed is if you pay it forward (and back to the person), your day will come.

Embrace the Help

If you’ve helped enough people get what they want or need (loose paraphrase from Zig Ziglar), you can expect something positive in return. Don’t be too proud to accept help especially when you know you need help and cannot do things for yourself. Moreover, there’s no shame in letting others know you need help. By allowing yourself to be on the receiving end of support, you give others an excellent feeling of giving when they can come to your rescue. Accept the help and be sure to return the favor later.

You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” Zig Ziglar

Be Thankful

When you receive unexpected help or support, make a point to send a thank you card, note, or email letting others know that you are thankful for their kindness. Kindness is in shrinking supply in our current culture. Something as small as a heartfelt hug or note can go a long way.

Please pay it forward… Again

Voiceactors are not exempt from paying it forward. As a matter of fact, the most successful voice actors are usually very good at giving back. The act of giving back can include rendering excellent services to clients along with helping and volunteering at community and non-profit causes.

Once you’ve recovered or gotten back on your feet, start again to fill other’s boxes with help, encouragement, and other acts of genuine kindness.

Voice over’s pay it Forward

Please make time to volunteer and give to others regardless of their ability to give back to you. Also, it’s not too late to send a Valentine’s Day card to clients as a way of expressing kindness. Life is full of reciprocal opportunities personally and professionally. A blog by the Talented Ladies Club gives some nice thoughts:

We’re often presented with opportunities to do favors for others in life – from
passing on outgrown baby clothes and toys to friends and family (or donating
them to charities), to brilliant schemes like Share the warmth, where you
‘pre-purchase’ a cup of coffee or tea in a cafe, and leave as a credit for someone
in need to use another time.

I challenge you in the last half of Valentine’s week to look for ways to give to others. That way (hopefully) when your day comes (and it will) your family and friends will rally around you. May your recovery from ‘whatever’ life brings gets you back to doing and being your best.

Break a lip!

What has voice overs done for you lately?

Business Tips, Personal, Personal VO Views, Voiceover Bussiness Tips

As a burgeoning or continuing voice-over talent, you may have thought the title phrase even if you didn’t say it aloud. Like other business owners, voice actors are in the business of doing what they love and making a profit. However, there’re times, when one must step back and ask, “what have I done for voiceovers lately?” Instead of focusing on getting to get, focus on giving to give.

Network to Give

Social media is indeed all the rave, but face to face time can be a great way to connect. While that’s no new thought, connecting to learn and understand another’s journey in the voice over business takes a little more work.

After you’ve exchanged business cards at networking functions, and the casual conversations begin, quite your spirit and take the time to focus on what the other person is saying. Listen to a person’s speech and inflections. Listen for what moves them and what may be an area of concern. I’ve noticed that if you allow others to talk about their favorite subject (themselves), they will tell you quite a lot about what’s on their mind and in their career. Listen to the character cues behind the words and even the insecurity that may underscore phrases. Listen without judgment, then understand to respond.

Giving in-network can be processing what you have heard spoken and carefully suggesting or commenting to the listener. This giving is not an opportunity to lay out a full speech about you and your business, but to respond to small tidbits with information that may be useful to your listener. Your objective is to give to your listener something they can use and perhaps help change his or her future. Providing the right, brief tip shows your compassion and caring for another.

Diplomacy is listening to what the other guy needs. Preserving your own position but listening to the other guy. You have to develop relationships with other people so when the tough times come, you can work together.” Colin Powell

Network to Help

There are causes in voice acting too. Sometimes you can volunteer your time and talents to help new talent, barter for services, or mentor others. Not every networking event should have a money aim; networking is an excellent way of making a difference in the business community and educating others on the topic.

I live in a town where it’s all about competition and getting ahead. As such, listeners and encouragers have a way of sticking out even in the most casual of meetings.

Don’t miss this. If you network to give, you’re doing something more profound than just gleaning a future contact. You are learning how to listen and care about another person and give without looking for something in return.

As a voice talent, the simple act of giving will help improve your ability to connect and emphasize as you tell a story and see things from another’s perspective. In a world climate of so many people pushing for their recognition or success, being open to listening and giving to others can be a way of improving your relationships and communication.

“Turnabout is fair play,” or so the saying goes. If you focus on giving what is needed in networking and other areas, your business and life will richly develop. The next time, you could be the person who gets that little tidbit of relevant info from a new pal that changes the way you live your life and operate your business.

So, the next time you think, what has voice overs done for you lately, I hope the answer is, “it’s done a lot.” Find better ways to help others as you break a lip.

Perform like the script was written with you in mind

Personal VO Views, Voice over Training, Voice talent renewal

Voice over and film talents encounter all types of situations surrounding the ongoing stream of auditions. Do you ever feel your best is not needed because you are not the best or the first choice for a piece? That’s no excuse. Always give your finest. Even if you’re not the first choice, perform each voice-over script like the role was made just for you.

Did you see Ghostbusters? I watched a documentary the other day on the making of the original 1984 movie version. Of all the talented, big-name artists and performers in the movie, one artist’s journey still stands out for me. Writer/Actor Rick Moranis played “Louis Tully,” a neighbor of “Dana” played by Sigourney Weaver. Moranis was a last-minute fill-in for the Louis part. The role was written with Comedian/Actor John Candy in mind. Some of the film pre-shooting storyboards in the documentary even contained the Tully character with a striking resemblance to Candy.

The narrator noted no other actor was considered because the movie’s producers assumed Candy would take the role. But, once Candy read the script, he turned it down. Needing a quick replacement, one of the producers thought of the much lesser-known Writer/Actor Rick Moranis. Moranis read the script and could not believe his luck. He quickly accepted the role. The role was so laid out for Candy that Moranis had to write most of his lines.

Moranis’ performance had audiences laughing nonstop with his business write-off party and offering the dog demon a Mike Bone (if he could find one). Now that’s a full-service artist.

A voice actor (which Moranis occasionally works as), must be ready to make any role his or her own. The director will often give some parameters of a script. Some voice seekers even suggest characters to emulate when performing a voice-over script. But, it’s up to the voice actor to develop each script performance with the proper attitude and element of acting to bring the text to life.

Like film actors, a voice actor must be the talent and determine how best to perform a voice-over role. There is no time when a script is just a straight read. Even when the direction is to take a cue from a character actor, there’s usually room for a specific tone, feel personality, and confidence level in the performance. A voice-over artist is not hired to be a slough reading with a friendly voice. A voice over is engaged to be an actor using the medium of voice.

Always be your best actor

Like Moranis, you may or may not be the person in mind first, but with the proper script analysis infused with your style and creativity, you can rock your best performance.

Let your personality shine through as you listen carefully to the direction and give it your best routine. If possible, listen back to your performance and see if there is anything more you can pull out of the story for a better performance. Once you’ve given the director or producer what they initially asked for, do you see where you can pull more from the role? Who knows, the director may like your take on the script. If not, you can always go back to your first execution.

Get help in developing you

I am a big proponent of acting classes. Voice actors should always look for ways to bring out the creative stylist that lies in the soul. As children, most of us made up characters, games, and played pretend adventures. That spirit of creativity still lies in our soul; acting and improv training will help bring out your best interpretation no matter how long it’s been since you were a child.

Be ready for that unexpected VO role

Voice acting is such a fun profession, and there will be times when you are chosen for a job because you bring something unique to a script, a believable performance. Take a cue from Moranis, be ready not just to be the voice over, but the best actor for that script.

You know what to do, break that lip!

Fuel your Creativity through Friends

Personal VO Views, Voice talent renewal, voiceover

A couple of days ago, I had the opportunity to meet with a group of voice actor friends. My elite group of FaffCon friends and I have been virtually meeting very nearly monthly for several years. (FaffCon was developed by Amy Snively and is one of the first content laden, voice-over events specifically geared to helping voice-over talent become successful through collaboration.) While time and life have changed us all, we are very happy to still be working voice over talents. Hearing of my friends’ successes and optimistic hope for the future really uplifted my spirits. While human relationships can be work, they are the best way to fuel your creativity and hope for the future.

The meeting with my friends reminded me of how important it is to focus on the good things in life. Where I live, the airways are constantly bombarded with negative rhetoric and news. After hearing hours of negative comments, death reports, and predictions of doom from an irradiated planet, taking time to interact with the right set of friends is just what I needed.

So, what does this have to do with voice acting? Plenty. Voice actors by nature and sensitive to the world around them. I have found that to be an effective voice actor, confidence and optimism are essential. One way to keep and maintain confidence and optimum is to fill your creativity soil with those things that grow your confidence and optimism.

Choose to associate with positive people who like you for the person you are, who encourage you to be yourself, and be the best you can be.” The Napoleon Hill Foundation

An Ear for the Positive

We all want to be successful, so pay it forward. Take time to listen as others speak, especially a friend telling of success, and be happy for them. We all have times of success and failure. It’s a part of the human experience. Hanging out with the right friends and business associates can make all the difference in the world. For more on this, see my blog “How I Get my Voice-over Help.”

This week’s meeting (like many) with my FaffCon VO friends felt like a cozy warm hug from a friend that I hadn’t seen in some time. Of course, not all relationships and interactions are always cozy and warm, co don’t give up on doing the hard work of building healthy relationships. Through healthy relationships, you become a much better voice actor and person overall as you learn, grow, forgive, appreciate, and do it all over again. You’ll truly see how building positive relationships can help in the down times and fuel your creativity even in the recording booth.

Now, with all this optimism, it’s time to break a lip.

Wind in the Mind Time for a Voice Talent

Personal, Personal VO Views, Voice talent renewal

As a US citizen, I hear daily political and climate news with dire predictions of future calamities and over accentuated, sensationalized headlines. The voice-over industry is not immune to those periods of dire predictions such as automated voices replacing human voices. Can you imagine your automated voice service as the voice of your favorite animation character? Give that a thought for a while. Don’t let bad news or hyperbole knock you off your life’s course. No matter your pursuit, keep yourself fresh and real with “wind-in-the-mind-time” to maintain your best.

Mind Checkup

I’m a big proponent of regular checkups. Our world is full of daily and even hourly distractions disguised as information, which is geared to kick us off our course. The distractions cause us to doubt our worth, importance, appearance, lovability, and marketability. We’re constantly told we need something outside of ourselves to be enough as humans. Forces are out there that cause us to doubt ourselves altogether and our purpose in life.

The feeling of being ‘offended’ is a warning indicator that is showing you where to look within yourself for unresolved issues.” — Bryant McGill

When I feel a little off base and unsure about everything, I do a self-check-in to refocus. During my wind-in-the-mind-time, I cut off the television, movies, radio, and even Social Media to silence the voices and sounds coming into my world. During my distraction-less time, I listen to what’s going on inside of me. My breath, heartbeat, and general temperament are my focus. It amazes me at how upset I can become after watching a controversial movie or hearing the news. Stepping back and taking time to re-center my mind, thoughts, and being helps me get back to the fabulous person I know I am.

Getting Better with wind-in-the-mind-time

Many of my friends, regardless of their profession, seem to face similar challenges. We grow as talents, business leaders, and professionals, but the human side appears to need the most refreshing and needs it most often. It would be nice to focus our mind on something like losing weight or making 1,000 cold calls and do it. But that’s not the way people work, and that’s fine.

The task of redirecting and refocusing from the old to the new can be exciting and fun. Almost every day, we are exposed to new technologies and processes built to make our world better. We also learn more about the human psyche and how to find inner peace. Voice actors have a leg up on most folks because we operate from our emotional center to vocally communicate written texts. But I also believe those in the acting profession know the cutting edge of deep emotions and feelings and their effects if not kept in check.

So, what of it? The purpose of wind-in-the-mind-time is to refresh your thinking. I use the time to review my world and the changes I become aware of to see if there is something out there that can make my business and life flow a little better. Likewise, this is the time I use to decide on what things I’m exposed to that no longer need my time attention or curiosity.

Is it time for your wind-in-the-mind-time? What have you heard, what do you do, what’s new, what’s essential, what can go, or stay? A little time in the mind can get you back on track and find inner peace.

“The key to happiness is really progress and growth and constantly working on yourself and developing something.” — Lewis Howes

I’m refocusing some of my efforts this summer to improve what I provide to my voice-over clients. You too should take some wind-in-the-mind-time. No matter your business, embrace the positive and focus on a great future as you prepare to break that lip.

(Image by Gerd Altmann and Pixabay)

A Little Sabbatical, A Little Rest

Personal, Personal VO Views, VO Business Tips, Voice talent renewal

My blog page is taking a little sabbatical. Your reading my blogs is an honor. I hope you have found my suggestions and advice helpful to your personal and professional life. I expect to resume blogging on voiceover related subjects in July, so I suggest a few of my earlier writings as food for thought for your June 2019.

Set it and Forget it? Not In Voiceovers

Talent spiced with training and marketing can make for excellent voiceover success. But unlike cooking a meal in a slow cooker, a voiceover talent must check and recheck their business to make sure it’s developing correctly and meeting success goals.

Kindness: Shared, Remembered, and Returned

Speaker and author Bob Burg once said, “All things being equal, people will do business with, and refer business to, those people they know, like, and trust.” Do people trust you? Do people like you (and do you care)? Are you genuinely kind to others? Don’t underestimate the power of kindness.

Get Ready for your On-the-mark Voiceover Elevator Speech

You’ve checked your business progress and treat others kindly. Now, let’s wrap up the month by making sure your “elevator speech” is on point. Your voiceover speech doesn’t have to be a canned response. It should be something tailored to each situation and include all the essential facts about what you do. Preparation is vital. Take time to narrow down the main points you want to communicate with others in about one minute.

Thanks again for all your support. All my best thoughts as you give your best performance and break a lip.

How I get my Voice-over Help

Personal, Personal VO Views, VO Business Tips, Voice talent renewal, voiceover

"Oha, a little help please?" Those of us who are self-employed know all too well what it’s like to struggle with optimism. We often face days when the world seems to be working for everyone but us. Voiceover talents must contend with not just the regular struggles of maintaining a business but can also suffer struggles from personal rejections like lost voiceover jobs. I’ve found that depending on the day of the week, finding the will to keep forging on toward one’s heartfelt goals may take several or many methods of encouragement. Life is too short, so make a point to find and use what will keep you motivated toward your best life.

Keep Your Encouragers Close

I keep handy Podcast files of encouraging speakers and programs. On my days when my voiceover business is not going as I think it should, I listen to motivational speakers like Willie Jolley and programs like the Voice Over Body Shop. Alternating between encouraging and teaching podcasts renews my mind and spirit. Learning something new helps me feel energized and ready to apply new methods in my voiceover performances and business practices. Listening to my favorite shows always bring a smile to my face.

Hang Out with Like Minds

Having friends in business is great but, I’ve found that good intentions don’t make for success. A friend of mine gives me the impression that because I am self-employed, she thinks my voiceover business is a leisure pursuit. This same friend is preparing to retire in a couple of years from her full-time government job and open her own design company. In casual conversation, my friend talks about how she’s developing new designs for the many areas her business will cover. However, knowing my friend as I do, she has always liked to discuss what she wants to do or will do, but she often doesn’t make good on her commitments. Perhaps, she is not the best potential business associate I need to help me press through the hard days.

Once you figure out what your passion is, surround yourself with like-minded people who can help you grow.” Jessica St. Clair

Shadowing or associating with successful, like-minded voiceover talents and successful business owners helps me feel like I too can be a winner. It’s wise to partner with supportive professionals and those who have heard the saying, “Be nice to people on your way up because you’ll meet them on your way down.”

Be nice to people on your way up because you’ll meet them on your way down.” Wilson Mizner

Change up your Schedule

I sometimes take time for home improvements and other small tasks to change up my regular routine and accomplish small goals. Something as little as cleaning a room or finishing a letter can give me a feeling of accomplishment. As such, I feel more optimistic when I return to my marketing efforts and voiceover projects.

Never put off Leisure Time

Over the years, I’ve learned that leisure time, especially with friends, is one of the most encouraging things I can do for my voiceover business. Listening to other thoughts and learning how others feel about the world around them gives me a sense of the human environment. Interacting with others in a leisure setting not only pickups up my spirit, but I feel renewed when I return to the recording booth.

Another benefit of hanging with friends is I may pick up ideas for new voice characters. Have you ever come across someone who speech or voice is out of the ordinary? Often, I study such voice characterizations to use them in future projects. Spending time with others can breathe new life into my list of characters and perhaps lead to more voiceover jobs in the future.

That’s a snapshot into how I keep it moving. Now, go and develop your encouragement sources, because I guarantee the day or week will come when you will want to just throw up your hands. So, before you wave it all off, give yourself another chance to break a lip.

Voice Overs