voiceover Archives - The Compassionate Voice

Six Ways Voiceactors Can Skip the Scam Forest

Business Tips, VO Business Tips, voiceover, Voiceover Bussiness Tips

Getting through the forest of scams to the Kingdom

It’s true. There is good business out there for new and established voice talent. As a seasoned professional voice actor, I pride myself on giving clients fast, courteous service at a fair price. Therefore, like any other small businessperson, I enjoy meeting and collaborating with new people and expanding my list of potential voiceover contacts. However, with so many interactions strictly over the Internet, marketing to and attracting good new clients and contacts can sometimes feel like walking through a mysterious forest looking for the right path to the kingdom. The last thing anyone wants is to lose time and money being hurt or robbed by a scammer. To that end, below are six ways to lessen your chances of being scammed in the voiceover business.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Most of us have heard of the emails (usually with poor spelling) or the messages that we have won $1M and need to send an unknown person our bank account information. Or you have heard the one about the long-lost uncle or aunt who has just died somewhere overseas, and you are the only one inheriting his or her entire fortune. When is the last time you heard of someone leaving a hefty sum of money to a “relative” they didn’t know or had ever met? I think in these cases, eccentrics like that die and leave their money to their cat. So, we figure out pretty quickly it’s a fraud. Common sense is our first line of defense when weeding out scams.

When you receive a request for voiceover services, ask the person how they heard about you. Voice talents often refer business to other trusted colleagues for voice services outside their particular genre or field. Also, this helps you verify the person is a legitimate business contact. Get as much information as you can without acting too much like Sherlock Holmes.

Don’t ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up.”
― Robert Frost

Don’t be afraid to speak directly to a potential client.

As voice talent, we often collaborate with clients from all over the world. If possible, try to arrange a short introductory call to hear the person’s voice and give them a mini-speech on how you can meet their voiceover needs. This practice allows both of you to get a feel for each other.

PowerHomeBiz.com recommendations the following:

When trying to determine if your new client is a scammer, it’s important to speak with them on the phone. As most criminals use the internet to hide their true identities, most will shy away from getting on the phone. However, there are a few things to consider when on the phone with a potential client.

When speaking with new clients, use software that protects your identity and sensitive information. With the help of tools like a conference call bridge, you’ll also be able to use secure conference calling to verify the identification of new callers. Additionally, you can use screen sharing for further confirmation that you’re speaking to the person you believe you are talking to.

Beware of fast turnaround request from strangers.

While most of the work in the voiceover industry is fast, that is no reason to drop your guard. Beware of those who contact you for a quick turnaround job and not mention rates, usage, or how you can be compensated. You don’t want to rush out and do a job and never receive a dime. This can easily happen to new voice actors desiring to build their client base. Also, a promise of paying you after a job is completed is no real guarantee. Make sure the client provides you with at least a down payment before the delivery of any voice work.

PowerHomeBiz.com says, “Whether it’s a new client with a “rush order” or someone looking to hire you immediately, having incredibly tight deadlines is often a red flag of a scam. Scammers use pressure and urgency to force their victims into making the wrong decision. While there are often clients that need quick turnarounds, having a stranger demand work immediately is cause for pause.”

Market to and work locally.

You can skip the shaky contacts if your roster is full of good clients. Seek to build relationships with local companies that need your voice-over services. It’s always a good idea to review a company’s business profile online and check with the Better Business Bureau for an idea of the company and the experiences of the current and former clients. In addition, your local Chambers of Commerce may have a listing of companies you’re looking to work with, so you can verify if the company is on the up and up.

Connect with caution on Social Media.

In BBB, 10 Steps to Avoid Scams, it’s suggested, “Consider only connecting with people (or companies) you already know. Check the privacy settings on all social media and online accounts. Imposters often get information about their targets from their online interactions, and can make themselves sound like a friend or family member because they know so much about you.”

Protect your money.

Consider wisely who you share your online cash sharing credential with. Most low-cost or no-fee cash apps carry little protection if your account is hacked. While it’s good business to provide accessible payment services to clients, you want to ensure you are not opening yourself to a scam. Never share your cash app information with a company you are unsure of and not confident of the relationship. In addition, most cash apps have no provision for recovering lost or stolen money; therefore, you are responsible for what goes out of your Cash app account.

Safeguard your accounts by signing up for Voice Verification or Push Notifications for your mobile banking transactions—signup for email notifications of any transactions on your business accounts. Monitoring your accounts is the best way to catch fraud before it becomes an unrecoverable situation.

A wise voice actor takes care of business, so he or she is free to take care of the clients. So go you, break that lip.

Gracefully Maturing as a Voice Actor

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

Since the late 60s, our society has idolized youthfulness by discarding the old and driving to the new. While such thinking grabs Media headlines and Social Media likes, meeting daily challenges in business and life can be more complicated. I’ve recently celebrated a birthday and still like what I see in the mirror. However, as a voice talent, learning to continue to like what you see in the mirror as you age and your performance as an actor can be a constantly moving target. So, looking back on my life, I’d like to share what I think can help you mature gracefully as a voice actor and continue to perform at your best for as long as you like.

Know why you do what you do

Regularly review your voiceover goals. Your goals will focus your motivation and methods for the following. If you don’t know why you’re in the business, you won’t last long in the business.

It’s okay to lose…sometimes

As voice actors, we do a ton of auditions. But, for most of us, we lose more auditions than we book. No one wants to lose a good-paying voice job. Yet, if you’re sending out quality auditions on time, you will sometimes not get the job you thought you were the best fit. So, remember to pat yourself on the back for doing your best for the audition/client and move on to the next opportunity.

You can’t do everything

Sometimes, we get overwhelmed by the business of voice acting. Make sure you’re not wearing too many hats. Social media, website management, marketing, and more can be done using software or hiring help. Even if you have been doing everything yourself, you may find some tasks can become a heavier lift as you age or as your personal life requires more attention. Look into what needs to be farmed out to keep you from losing your love for the business.

Practice, get coached, practice

We know things change, and things change twice as fast in voiceacting. While the fear of the Artificial Intelligence takeover in all voiceovers may be subsiding, that does not mean read styles stop evolving. Continue collaborating with a good coach and also record yourself and make sure your sound is current and marketable within your genre.

Check your speed and articulation

As we age, we tend to slow down. Others can hear the speed change in our delivery before we may notice the difference ourselves. Continue to practice your regular articulation exercises to keep your diction on point. Moreover, listen to your auditions to make sure you’re not speaking too slowly or losing momentum in long-form narrations. With a little review, you can keep your voiceover game up to speed.

Keep up with the changes in the industry

As we accumulate years in business, we may get slack in keeping up with changes in the voiceover industry. Moreover, changes in technology, payment methods, communication, and the like directly affect the voiceacting industry. So, make a point to set aside time each week to engage with forms, webinars, online sessions, and blogs to keep an eye on industry changes.

There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” Sophia Loren

Know your changing voice/style of delivery

You may have been good at sounding like a teenager a couple of years ago, but today you may not be so good at that. Or your auditions for commercials may not be getting you the jobs. No worries, it may be time to add the middle-aged or senior voice to your repartee or change your voiceover niche. Be open to your coach’s recommendation about your sound and other voiceover genres that you may have become vocally qualified.

As we age, it’s important to take safe care of our voice. In the article, “Does Your Voice Get Deeper as You Age?,” WebMD Editorial Contributors provide some useful tips to prevent or slow vocal issues and significant vocal changes.

Have Fun in business and life

While we all love getting those big-ticket voiceover jobs, make sure you are still having fun working your business and enjoying your life. Each of us has finite time on this Earth. We should never work to live. Whatever your beliefs about the afterlife, if you’re reading this, your last day of life will come.

With age, you can get better, so keep making those revisions and breaking that lip!

Find a New Love for the Way You Do Voiceovers

Personal VO Views, VO Business Tips, voiceover

Image of lady voice talent by Andre Santana from Pixabay — This lady has the right idea (BTW, this is not me).

Have you ever been at an impasse? It can be hard to choose how to continue doing what you love the way you want. Crowd thinking can change like the wind, and you may not always agree with the thought. These types of challenges can lead to several hard choices. We all want to be accepted and admired by our peers. But what about when the road our peers take is not the road we want to travel? I know these are challenging questions. I’m not immune to social changes and influences as a voiceover talent.

On the contrary, voice talent must know the flow and timber of public audio and stay in step with the best groups to further one’s business. This added pressure may cause one to take a step back to see what’s going on. As I resurrect my blogging, I want to share what’s been going on with me. I’m sharing how I believe you can get back to doing what you love in a way it may love you back.

Redefining the Love of Voiceover (or whatever gets you going)

We all have our joy triggers. Voiceacting gives me a creative outlet and a sense of accomplishment. But I’m not limited to voiceovers. Biking, traveling, writing, hiking, and drawing also give me pride. It’s essential to figure out what gets one moving and what’s fallen off the list. For me, I’ve begun to notice more of what moves me now as opposed to what moved me ten years ago, five years ago, or even one year ago.

Change with Age

Things tend to fall off our must-have and must-do lists as we age. Hopefully, most people learn to put their drive for money in check while managing the need for necessities, which will never go away. But the rushing to the next new things, faster friends, or being in the “in crowd” should eventually drop off to the things we used to do.

Redefining what is working can help whittle down the list of musts. It has taken me some time to revise my must-have list, and I’m happy to report that voice acting remains a must!

Remembering the Great Ones

It’s pretty clear that I’m a minority, but I don’t limit myself as a woman of color. For me, I’m most proud of being a part of my family. My relatives have made outstanding strides in their lives, and several with little education. For example, my great-grandma worked hard as a wash woman and saved up enough money to purchase several tiny wooden row houses (in her then small North Carolina town) to rent out the rooms. My great-grandma then when on to buy even more real estate and helped her children with college and even financed the opening of a daughter’s hair salon in Washington, DC.

Revise the Journey Ahead

Remembering my great-grandma’s life and others and reflecting on how they met extreme challenges still fuels me. Taking the whole of who I am and where I came from fuels me to look to the future with optimism. I don’t need social movements to tell me who I am or wake me to American history (especially since I’ve been an American and World History buff since my teens). Appreciating my foundations and knowing that I can still carry out my goals, even the new ones, helps me remember who I am and imagine what I’m yet to be.

Keeping in mind who I am, who I’ve helped, and what I’ve done helps me grow personally and professionally. My voiceover business is essential to me. As such, I strive to treat each client with respect and as if they were paying me many thousands of dollars for every job. This means being authentic to what I can and cannot do, how I present myself to the public, and how I take care of my voice-over clients and myself. The lady in my graphic (BTW, not me) has the right attitude.

Over time, I’m learning it’s okay to pull back on being a part of the hot groups and hot VO events. Not everyone in the business is a friend, but that doesn’t mean I cannot friend others. Supporting others, learning the things I need to know, and focusing on finding the right people needing my help are what continue to be my keys to performing as a compassionate, caring voice talent.

Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.” Ashley Smith

That’s my Spiel

How about you? With the COVID pandemic, along with other social matters, I know you, too, have had to do some soul searching. I hope you’ve had a chance to give some thought to my journey and make sure you’re still doing what you love your way. Then what you love may love you back.

Break that lip!

Voice Actors, Don’t Get A Dog

Personal VO Views, voiceover, Voiceover Bussiness Tips

The Dog You Love — Dog with Paw-He Cares

We love our pets, but like getting a new pet or going into voiceacting, we sometimes buy without considering the overall cost to maintain our new furry friends or a new business. If you’re a voice talent like me, we have to think about the long term. Will voiceacting return the love we put in it? Who can say? It’s kinda of like getting a new pet. Allow me to draw a few parallels in my story about investing in a pet, in this case a dog, and pursuing a voice-over career.

When New Things become New Headaches

I have a friend who was down in the dumps because his beloved new dog needed surgery. He adopted the dog from an animal shelter at the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdowns. My friend and the dog really hit it off. The pup was only a few years old and seemed to bring the companionship feeling that my friend longed. But, the animal had a few hidden health issues that have recently surfaced. So, my friend is struggling to keep his little canine healthy and happy.

Many voice actors have a great start and a honeymoon relationship with their career for the first couple of years or good jobs. Then, as it usually happens, the jobs start to become less and less as delivery styles change. As a result, the talent may struggle to stay sustainable in the voice-over industry. Now time and what little money is made may be spent on the wrong items. A person may start to feel hopeless and concerned that the pursuit of voiceovers was only a pipe dream.

How to keep New Things Feeling New

When it comes to pets, my friend does have some options. He is considering purchasing insurance for future bills or delaying the surgery for as long as he safely can for his pet. He enjoys his new dog and does not want to lose his new friend. My friend is also working a little overtime to help bring down the impending veterinarian debt. While finances are tight, he wants to keep his new four-legged companion.

Voice acting is incredibly rewarding and can allow a person to experience so much personal fulfillment. So, while voice actors are faced with challenges like automation and Artificial Intelligence voices, actors may still want to stay in business and find ways to adapt and evolve with the industry.

When It’s Time to Call It Quits

My friend is lucky because he wants to keep his dog, but he has admitted if his beloved pet suffers another financially burdening illness, he may need to give him up. Pets can be a lot of fun to have, but paying big bills and prolonged hospital stay costs may not be within the owners’ budget.

You do not write your life with words…You write it with actions. What you think is not important. It is only important what you do.” Patrick Ness, A Monster Calls

In voice-overs, when running a business becomes more of a burden than a job, or when it’s no longer fun, a voice actor must consider his future. While there is more work than ever, competition is more fierce that ever! Keeping up with the industry can seem like a foot race. Voice talent must stay in contact with their peer groups and industry leaders to keep up with what is happening as well as continue to train and adapt to industry changes.

So, the lesson of this little anecdote is to consider the cost of every choice, whether it’s a new pet or a new career. Like getting a furry new pet, the first few days or months after making a significant choice or decision may seem like a honeymoon, but only at first. Voice acting is a fun, fulfilling career, but it’s a lot of challenging work. Training is necessary. Good demos are necessary, and finding customers is a must.

We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” ― Joseph Campbell

Think about your choices beyond the new, fun stage and into the long term of living with the selections you’ve made.

Keep breaking that lip.

In Voiceovers Challenges are Opportunities in Disguise

Personal VO Views, VO Business Tips, Voice over Training, voiceover

If you’re like me, your years on this Earth have brought you many opportunities and challenges. Opportunities can help us grow. Challenges can bring growth or failure in the end. In this COVID-19 para existence, opportunities and challenges abound. So instead of complaining about what’s next or challenging in the voice-over industry, why not expand and look for ways to make voiceover lead you to new paths of opportunities.

Elephant in the Room

I recently went to a voice-over event and had my feelings hurt. The person was not trying to injure me, but her constructive criticism felt like she had hit me with a two-by-four over my head. The criticism was related to some recent work and a demo of which I was so proud. Her point was I needed to make changes to improve my marketability. Well, all I heard were dollar signs!

After a few weeks, it occurred to me that I should thank my critic, embrace her comments, and make the changes necessary to maintain my marketability. Her words were somewhat of a shock because I had been walking around my elephant. Once I faced it, I embraced my truth and planned a better future as a voice-over professional.

Those with a grateful mindset tend to see the message in the mess. And even though life may knock them down, the grateful find reasons, if even small ones, to get up.”

Steve Maraboli

Turn Challenge into Opportunity

Do you need to update your voiceover demos? Is your sound dating you? Are you making more excuses than cold calls these days? This list can go on, but my point is it’s time to face your truths or the elephant in the room. Turn these challenges into new opportunities for improving your voiceover success.

Check your Bio

We, as voice actors, tend to only focus on voiceovers even while at rest. But most of us have talents and skills that reach across many areas of business. We should never forget what we can do and can bring to a table. Our skills may have become a little rusty, which means it may be time for a refresher. Dormant skills or talents (once updated) may make excellent complements to a voice-over business. Writing, editing, marketing, drawing, painting, accounting, and other skill areas can be excellent additional income sources.

We, as voice talent, should always leave room for another source or stream of income. Review what else you do well and make sure it brings in the “bacon” too.

Make It Work

We all have seasons of plenty and want. The trick is to make the seasons work for you. With the elephant under control and a fresh appreciation for your non voice over-related skills, make sure you manage your livelihood. That may mean redoing your work or play schedule. Make changes often in your recording and living space to help keep your thinking fresh. Determine what goes and what stays. Lastly, make your changes now, don’t put it off.

We get one shot at the Life wheel, so it’s okay to slow it down sometimes but don’t let it stop. Be it an opportunity or challenge, make it work, and let your love of being a voice over professional never take the back seat.

You can and are the best at what you do. So voice on and break that lip!

In Voiceovers-Just Be You

Personal VO Views, Voice over Training, voiceover

I’ve just returned from a lovely voiceover conference. It was my first real jaunt since the COVID-19 lock downs, so I was looking forward to the time away from my city. To my surprise, I learned something unexpected at the conference. Nothing new was added to my knowledge, but more of a reminder of the importance of being myself. It’s essential to keep in mind our specialness and worth. I believe you’ll agree that the real you is your best performance at whatever you do in life.

Somewhere between December 2020 and August 2021, the voiceover industry’s preferred style changed yet again. The calming voice of season individuals between the ages of 35-55 is now passé. Instead, the current (as of this writing) industry norm has changed (back) to the younger, hipper, conversational tone. The announcer tone that has been a mainstay for decades in media is again seen as unthinkable.

Change is a regular part of the voice-acting industry. Voice seekers are looking for something that stands out from the rest of the crowd, which is a great point. But, unfortunately, our industry has been so saturated with styles and deliveries, it’s becoming harder and harder to have a sound that has never been heard or felt somewhere in the audio world.

A voice talent can get pretty insecure trying to keep up with all the changes and may feel like their style is still not enough to impress the most understanding of voice seekers. Yes, it can be a daunting task, but perhaps the focus needs an adjustment.

Be You Anyway

Most people can learn to act and portray characters or types of voiceover delivery. However, if the most popular style changes with each cycle of the moon, it can be challenging to keep with “what’s in.” Perhaps the answer is trying not to fully fit in. The best advice I keep hearing from others is to “just be you.” Becoming comfortable in being oneself can be a lifelong task. However, if we master being ourselves, we may reach our own voiceover nirvana.

“This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. ― William Shakespeare, Hamlet

Know the Great One – You

Becoming “you real,” starts with a review and study of how you talk and deliver words and emotions. Recording yourself in different situations like while talking to a friend, a client, or someone you care for, can help you learn your authentic sound. Once you’ve studied the true actor in you, you can shape your voiceover deliveries to reflect your sound. That original “you” voice sound is conversational and authentic. Once you’ve studied and mastered you, your sound will never go out of style. There is an audience for your realness as you use that talent to connect and deliver your scripts.

As I’ve blogged before, change in life is a constant, but no one or thing should force you to switch from being who you really are. As voice talents, let’s remember that our best performance is when we are genuinely ourselves and free to give our best performance.

Brake that lip!

What now in Voiceovers? Thoughts on Coping with Change

Business Renewal, Business Tips, VO Business Tips, voiceover

Man Overwhelmed by What's Next in Voiceovers — Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

How many times have you said in the last year, ‘What now?’ It’s incredible to me all the stuﬀ I have to adjust to every week. As a voice talent and business owner, it seems that I’m constantly questioning the latest things. So how do you handle the constant daily changes in your voiceover business and life in general? What do you do when you feel you can’t take another new thing? Here are some thoughts on how to get a grip on ever-present changes in voiceovers.

Don’t panic. Take it slow.

While I genuinely believe I am incredible, sometimes I have to read or hear something a few times before I get it. New social media sites or home appliances can take a moment or two to understand and learn how to operate correctly. If I get stuck in my understanding, I’ll seek expert help. Depending upon the situation, a good YouTube video can be a great source of information, reducing my anxiety and helping me get up to speed on a matter.

In voiceovers, taking direction is essential to success. One key focus of any good talent is to learn to take direction. Taking direction means correctly hearing or receiving feedback and then making the appropriate changes for the next performance. Being directed can be stressful and may seem like a lot. So, it’s essential to calm the mind and then focus on the critical points of the direction. If there is still a disconnection, repeat to the director what is wanted or ask for clarification. It’s better to ask for help than to deliver something completely different or unwanted by the producer.

Accept the Change (That’s life)

News flash. We are all getting older with every passing second. While this reality may not matter to a young adult, anyone over 35 acutely feels the aging process, especially in today’s youth fixated society. We should see change as an opportunity to grow and become more than we are at the present moment. Whether it’s a new technology, a road, app, or business style, there’s usually a simple explanation available to help us through.

The rise in automated voices or Automated Intelligence (AI) software has many voice actors panicking. Voice professionals wonder if the AI will make it hard to make a living or work in an industry they love and enjoy.

Voiceovers is like any other business. Change happens. A good approach would be to research and fully understand the new variations happening in the business. With understanding can come a since of where one can fit into the AI industry. It’s better to face change head-on and find a way to make it your friend, not your foe.

“He was swimming in a sea of other people’s expectations. Men had drowned in seas like that.” Robert Jordan

Don’t Become Overwhelmed.

Of late, I’ve noticed that keeping up with the social media world can be a little challenging. Finding something to post that is stunning and gets a lot of net traction can be like throwing paint on a wall and hoping it sticks.

Seemingly, there is a new app, program, social media platform, or computer thing every week! I’m not sure if humans were built for our technology roller-coaster ride. Many of us are just hanging on or faking it. Some are about to get thrown oﬀ at the next curve! So instead of barely making it, choose what to add to your business platform or home studio and what to just put on hold.

In Mark Schaefer’s article, Keeping Up with the Furious Pace of Social Media Change, he recommends avoiding Fear of Missing Out or FOMO. Mr. Schaefer comments, ” As you build your social media tribe and the conversations multiply, you have to adjust and come to grips with the fact that you have a life beyond social media. Some thing(s) are going to slip through the cracks. Allow that to be OK.”

Your life and time are precious, so take on what you can do well and do them consistently. Learn what you must in voiceovers and pick up the rest down the road. It’s better to do a few things well than a lot of things poorly. You’ll sleep better too.

Break that lip!

Five Concepts to Becoming a Voiceover Entrepreneur

Business Tips, voiceover, Voiceover Bussiness Tips

One good thing about being an employee is you are usually not the person taking all the business risks. I live near a Government town, and Federal Jobs are at a premium. Perks to being a Fed are you have lots of benefits, healthcare, and a regular paycheck. If you’re sick, you get paid. If you go on vacation, you get paid. If you work well at your job, you get paid, and if you don’t work so well, you still get paid. It’s nice work if you can get it. However, if you decide to make voice acting your side business or second career, the transition from employee to running your own voice-over business can be from one extreme to the other. In a few words, no work, no wealth. While the learning curve is very real, applying these five concepts may help you go from employee to voiceover entrepreneur.

As an employee, you can work hard and become a big shot! While you may be a great team player and phenomenally successful in your job, your responsibilities and functions as a self-employed voice actor are going in a new direction. A successful voice talent must be a marketer, editor, director, producer, manager, housekeeper, troubleshooter, and more. But if you’ve never run a business, it may take longer than you expect to get your head around all the stuff to be done. Here are a few unconventional concepts.

Cast off the Old Thinking

Most of us have had at least one bad boss, and some of us have had many bad bosses. As a self-employed voice actor, you may need to change your opinion of what a boss is and does. As such, there is a vastly different mindset and risk level when all the voiceover responsibilities fall to you. You are the fall person for the good and bad decisions connected to your business.

Bosses have to take chances and make the tough calls and, if so, stand-alone with their decisions. You may need to change how you feel about persons in charge in general and start mentally developing the mindset of a leader who is ready to take on the unpopular challenges.

The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That’s the day we truly grow up. “ John C. Maxwell

Forgive the Past

The older we get, the more we have experienced. While our past is excellent material and foundations for our acting, it can also remind us of hurts, regrets, and old wounds. These negative thoughts and attitudes can affect how you run your business, interact with people, market for clients, and your performance as a voice actor.

Voice acting or acting for that matter is a performance art. We bring all we are to any performance even when it’s too much or in the way. Release yourself from the old attitude and thoughts, which may not have been a problem in other professions and jobs but could seriously hinder your voice over success. Forgive (yourself included), make peace with your past, and learn to shape your history to fuel your future.

Learn to Play – Anew

I’m a big proponent of playing, but I’m referring to the kind of play that leads to creativeness. Likewise, allow yourself to think like a child, be silly, have fun, and use your imagination in creative ways. These activities can awaken hidden acting talents and help your succeed.

Stop Thinking Like your Former “In Crowd”

As a native of the US East Coast, I’ve noticed that we have a way of thinking and acting. Many people come to my area to climb the ladder of success. Often people pick up an attitude about themselves that exhibits a perceived self-importance. They brag about their success, who they know, or their educational background. The “In-Crowd” enjoy each other’s company, so there’s no loss of conversation among them.

While bragging about one’s job success may be nice, it will not usually endear you to potential clients. Humility is a quality successful voice actors know well. Thriving voice talents understand the importance of listening (being directable) and having empathy for others. And since voice actors often have to lean on each other, good actors know how to encourage and build up others. The spirit of humility and forthrightness is an incredible magnet for making the right connections and developing strong relationships.

Success is the byproduct of good communication, the right attitude, and confidence as a voice actor. Arrogance, no, but confidence knowing you’re a good talent and doing your best even when you don’t get the job.

Give yourself Time to Renew

Unless you began voice acting as a child, you have years of learning and relearning to do. Give your self-time to learn how to run your business well, develop encouraging friendships, work with coaches, and the many other aspects of the professional. In 9 ‘Mindsets’ You Need to Switch From Employee to Entrepreneur, Maite Baron writes, “Being an entrepreneur involves learning many new skills, unless you have the funds to outsource what you’re not good at or don’t want to do.

I once heard of a voice actor that waited four years between his first VO job to his next one, all while traveling to auditions, getting coaching, and learning the business. Can you imagine four years between voice-over jobs?

If you love this business, it may not love you back right away. Give it time. Learn and actively seek to grow your skills. Shape your company for the success that brings you true fulfillment as a voice actor and as a person. If you hang in there, the accolades will come.

That’s my two cents, now break that lip!

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!

Voice Overs