It doesn’t really matter how you spell it…it is using the spoken word as a medium of expression…and a beautiful medium of expression it is. In most instances, the voice in turn goes through another medium in its use…when it’s played on radio…it’s changed. When it’s played on tv…it’s changed into something else again. For more on this talk to Marshall McLuhan (you’ll have to find a ‘communications séance group’ to start this procedure) or pick up his book “The Medium is the Massage”. The voiceover changes its message depending on how it is used.
The Voice Needs Care
Help your voice get over some damage from a cold…with fresh grated ginger, honey and lemon tea…great for the voice and all-round health. Pour hot water over the grated ginger and let it steep. Mix lemon and honey into a large cup. Pour the hot ginger tea into the cup and mix. (Never thought I’d be passing on recipes but there ya go!) To bring your best possible voice to the session…bring the water and the apple…be warmed up. If it’s early…give your voice time to warm up…meaning your tongue, throat, neck, vocal chords, nasal passages. If you want to sing, do it…talk loud…hum to yourself…Do all this in search of your perfect voice. If you find yourself driving to the session while doing these warm ups and people look at you strange…just remember…it’s for your art…dig it!
Voice Talent and Producer Communication
When asked to do a voice over for a commercial it’s always a good idea to have the producer hiring you explain what is wanted from the voice over. That is, is it a high energy read or is a more relaxed voice over called for. It pays to ask ’cause if your first take throws them off…you may need lots of extra effort to win their confidence back. Best to approach the voice with an understanding of what they’re looking. Often the reason you have been chosen to perform the voice over is because the producer knows and appreciates what you bring to the session. If the producer of the commercial wants you to read it as you see it…then it’s up to you, the voice talent, to interpret the words on the paper drawing on your experience in the voice over business.
Voice Talent and Media Imaging
Whole new ball game here…this is an announcer gig. Straight ahead reads (for the most part), authoritative voice overs…making it big and exciting. Again you need to talk with the promotions manager or program director to get a feel for what they want…they need to explain their format, it’s variations etc and the voice talent then knows what to bring to the read. News and Sports formats in particular look for balls-to-the-wall-linebacker-kicks-ass reads. No question…. this voice tells you where you want to be and what the score is. Radio Imaging is more flexible in that there are generally more contests and programming elements specific to the format than tv demands. Voice delivery for Country radio is not unlike a voice delivery for a CHR or Hot AC format. I like to provide atleast 2 takes of each liner/promo so the producer has more to work with. Extra takes should be somewhat different in delivery than the first take…to add variation in style. The producer can pick and chose from what you’ve provided.
Next Time - Different approaches to different projects. Cheers! Steve (return to index)
