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VOICE ACTING
Hugh Ties A Simple Change
To A Better Voice Over Read
September 7, 2016

By Hugh Klitzke
Casting Director and Coach

I wear a tie at work every day. Every single day. And I like it. It's not for everybody, I know - but there's a dress code and I like keeping to it.    

Now, men's sartorial options are very limited in the U.S. (no guayaberas in white collar America) - but the "uniform" of shirts, ties and shoes gives me pleasure. I dress foremost for myself in colors, patterns and textures that I enjoy and others often appreciate.    

And honey, I can rock a Panama with serious style.  

So, I'm arriving at the office and someone says ...
"Hugh, if I may?"  

"Absolutely..."  

"If you put your necktie outside of the strap on your satchel, it won't be cinched against your body."
 

Hmm.  

So, I try this little thing - and it's not a cure for cancer, but my tie is on display (not crushed), my satchel moves more freely and comfortably about my body and (surprisingly) the fabric at the back of my shirt isn't pulled when my bag moves naturally. 

The tie being compressed added enough friction to force the strap to pull at my shirt uncomfortably - which I had taken for granted as a by product of wearing a strap across my body.    

One simple change.  

THE TIE TO VO ...


Fast forward.    
HPK:  "Slower."  

Actor: "Slower?" 
 
HPK:
"Do everything you're doing. Just slower."  
And the read opens up to breathe a little more. There's space for the ideas to happen. The language rests on the ear with a little more conviction, and the listener is invited to participate in the words as the syllables are moving at a pace that almost seems like the words were written for.    

All because of one simple change.
---------------------
ABOUT HUGH
Hugh P. Klitzke is studio manager and voice casting director for a leading bi-coastal talent agency, who in more than a decade has directed over 115,000 auditions for all voice over genres. Based in New York City, he is also a coach specializing in teaching voice over for actors, and blogs at voiceoverfortheactor.com, a twice-weekly blog with helpful voice acting tips.  


Web: www.hughpklitzke.com
Email: VO4TA@voiceoverfortheactor.com
Blog: www.voiceoverfortheactor.com


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Comments (2)
Matilda Novak
9/8/2016 at 4:55 PM
Brilliant.
Al
9/7/2016 at 2:12 PM
That sounds great, but what about when you are trying to fit 45 seconds of script into a 30 second spot?
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