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VOICE ACTING Voice-Over Directed Sessions: How To Prepare & Perform When Clients Listen In  By Daree Allen NievesVoice Actor, Podcaster & Life Coach Yes!
Your audition was chosen and your voice-over directed session details are set.
Congratulations. But now what? If you're not used to having an
"audience" when you record, this can be a little nerve-wracking, but I
got you. There
are times when the production team (creative director, art director,
project manager) and client like to come together to participate with
you in the creative process of the video or commercial they are
developing. They have likely spent weeks or even months working on this project. If
you can have a short meeting with them prior to the session to
understand the concept of the piece they're producing, it goes a long
way to understanding their vision, and where you fit in as the voice
talent to contribute that vision. They will also appreciate that you
care enough to ask! Here's how to prepare and deliver your best performance for a client-directed session. A DAY OR TWO BEFORE THE SESSION Hopefully, the client has given you at least one day of advance notice. Avoid soda and milk in the 24 hours before recording, and drink plenty of water instead. Prior
to the session, there may be some changes to the audition script. If
so, the client will provide you with the updated script. Read it and
see what has changed. Also, as you read
it aloud, note any typographical errors or grammatical mistakes (such
as missing punctuation) that might throw you off and cause you to
stumble as you read. Email the client in advance if you see mistakes,
so they are aware and can make corrections. PRACTICE & MARK UP THE COPY Give the copy a workout by practicing it a few times. Play
the role of different characters so you don't get stuck reading the
script the same way every time. It's guaranteed that in a live session,
the client will ask you to read lines in different ways to see what they
like best. Print the script on paper and mark it with pencil, or use an app like iAnnotate to mark it up with notes. TEST YOUR TECH Double-check and set your tech. If you're doing this session from your home studio, then it's
crucial that you and the client can hear each other clearly, with no
static, drops or other issues that can cause delays and frustration. So whether you're using a phone patch, Skype, Source Connect, ipDTL or
another type of connection, make sure you can get it up and running
prior to the scheduled time. If you're unfamiliar with the tech, or you have a new setup (new internet provider, new home studio), then do a test run with a fellow voice actor and/or the studio you're working with. Also, advise
your contact ASAP if you feel a sore throat coming on, or otherwise get
sick in the 48 hours before your session is scheduled. Your voice won't
sound the same if you're not feeling your best! THE DAY OF THE SESSION Eat
about two to three hours before the session. You don't want to go into the
session when you're starving, nor when you have just eaten - the mic
picks up stomach noises and burps, and you don't want embarrassment to
add to your nerves. Don't wear any noisy jewelry or clothing that could make noises the mic will pick up. If you're doing the session from your home studio, launch your tech at least 30 minutes before the session begins. If
you're doing this session from another studio, prepare accordingly and
give yourself extra time to get there, especially if it's a peak traffic
time or you're unfamiliar with the area you're traveling to. Bring two bottles of water, tea bags (or whatever you prefer to soothe your
throat), your tablet (if you have one), and a hard copy of the script as
a backup. DON'T TOUCH THE MIC ... Speak to everyone you meet in the studio, and follow their
instructions. When you get in the booth, don't touch the mic! Let the
audio engineer make the adjustments you need. If
you choose to use paper, lay it on a music stand - don't hold it. This
is voice acting, so you want your hands to be free to move as you read
and perform the copy, and you don't want to hear noise. Once you're in the session, be professional, but also relax and have fun. This is what you came to do! DELIVER WHAT THEY ASK Listen to the direction you're given for each line or page of the script, and deliver whatever they ask. You've practiced many "A, B, C" options, so you're ready! After
you've given each read (or "take," as in "Take 1," etc.), wait for
comments from the production team before you speak again. It's important
to wait for a moment of silence
while the client and other decision makers decide what to do with what
they heard from you, before you start talking again. If
they ask you to make an adjustment such as changing your tone, sounding
like you're talking to a friend, or an "A, B, C," do it. But don't
think too hard about it or read into it. Sometimes it's hard for people to describe exactly what they want from you in the read, and the words may not translate well. So it's ok to ask for clarification if you're unsure of the direction, but do so before you give a line, not right after. DO.
NOT. ARGUE. Never, ever argue with the client about what they are
asking for in the read. As a professional voice talent, you are there
to provide a service. If you'd ever like to work with them again, or
get a recommendation to work with other future clients, treat everyone in the session with respect. They
will remember if you didn't act right. If you're hard to work with, it's one and done for you. Have fun and let me know how it went! ---------------------- ABOUT DAREE Daree
Allen Nieves is a voice actor, technical writer, podcaster and life
coach who hosts a monthly Twitter chat called #VOLifeChat. |
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Some additional relaxation techniques for before and during a session I love.
Imagine balancing an imaginary tangerine on the back top part of your head
Focus and feel your breathe in your nostrils.
I use this for on camera work.
Have an awesome day!
-Tommy Lentsch
https://www.tommylentsch.com