Thursday, July 02, 2009

Tim Webb

"My most important component in my marketing plan is being myself. It has been said to treat others like you want to be treated, and I live by that in my voice over business." - Tim Webb

So far, this mantra has worked wonders for Tim Webb while pursuing his voice-over career. Since his training with Such A Voice in July of 2008, Tim has produced spots for car dealerships, insurance companies, bedding stores, electronics stores and even provided the Australian accent for an exotic wild life ranch. In just a short time, Tim has really made quite an impact on the voice-over field. Most recently, Tim was hired to be a part of a regional commercial playing throughout Texas for a Texas-based insurance company. It was his first conference call/recording session.

Such success comes as no surprise to those who know Tim well. Ever since Tim was a kid, he has been impersonating people. People frequently said to him, "Maybe one day you'll get paid to do voices." Remembering those words, Tim decided to pursue a communications major in college, hoping that this would lead him to his goal of one day hearing his own voice on television and on the radio.

With his ambition and drive to succeed, Tim has achieved that goal. Using his young, hip, guy-next-door voice, Tim has embraced his niche as a youthful announcer and has found his strongest market in the companies advertising to a younger clientele, like sports bars and steak houses. He has a clear sense of where to market himself and where his voice will make the most impact. He knows who he is and isn't afraid to show his personality to potential clients. "My most important component in my marketing plan is being myself," Tim says. Even though it seems simple, it is this self-awareness and self-confidence that has propelled Tim's voice-over career forward. While knowing his niche and knowing how to market himself are important elements, Tim continues to get the jobs because of his attention to customer service. When asked how he deals with clients, Tim replied, "It has been said to treat others like you want to be treated, and I live by that in my voice-over business."

Tim also lives by his passion for voice-overs and his drive to further his career. After all, he's been interested in it since he was a kid! For Tim, the effort is always worth it in the end. "I am getting to do something that I absolutely love to do, and feel that I am using my God-given talents. I am getting paid to do voices, which is what I have always wanted to do," he says. Tim plans to turn voice-overs into a full-time career within the next year and hopes to be the voice for a national company or a cartoon character sometime in the next few years.

When asked what advice he has for those starting out in the world of voice-overs, he said, “The tortoise, not the hare, always wins the race. You are not going to be the next Don Lafontaine overnight. It takes perseverance, but in the end, you will win.” For Tim, perseverance means checking his e-mails and online casting sites daily, making sure that he is following up with clients in a timely manner and continuing to make new contacts and search for new potential clients. It is this tortoise mentality, this perseverance, that has propelled Tim to success. The best part? He is running a race that he loves--and winning.

To listen to Tim's demo or to learn more about his voice-over career, visit his Voice Fact page at http://www.myvodemo.com/such/index.cfm?world=3440 or visit his Web site at http://www.timwebbvoiceovers.com/

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Anytime you begin a project, it’s crucial to warm up and get your instrument ready for work. That instrument, of course, is your voice. For many people, recording first thing in the morning or recording late at night may make it difficult to produce a quality sound. Your instrument (your equipment) just may not be at its best at those times of the day. You will be able to determine the time of day when your own voice isn’t ready for optimal use. To help your voice wake up, the best thing to do is to talk. Talk to your dogs, talk to the television, talk to your family, sing while you're in the shower. Talk as much as you need to in order to get the blood flowing to your vocal chords. Most importantly, make sure that you drink plenty of liquids. If you are a coffee drinker, that's fine, but try to get a couple of glasses of water in before you start recording.

Repeating tongue twisters is another great trick to help warm up your voice. When you’re having warm-up sessions, think of yourself as a baseball player who is waiting to go to bat. Baseball players will often practice swings with weights on their bats before they step up to the plate. Swinging the bat with these weights on it makes it seem so much easier when they actually do step up to the plate to take a swing; it makes that bat feel light. Tongue twisters can do the same thing for your mouth while you’re warming up. If you are practicing with and mastering these difficult tongue twisters, by the time you pick up the actual script, the words will come easily and flow off the page. Chances are that whatever you have to read will be easier to get through than the tongue twisters, just as the baseball player's bat is lighter without the weights.

Another thing you can do to warm up is to take your entire script and say it through clenched teeth. Doing this really makes your tongue, throat and jaw muscles work hard to get those words out. The goal of this exercise is to try to enunciate so that people can understand what you’re saying. By attempting to do this through clenched teeth, your mouth is really working hard to clearly pronounce the words. The great thing about this exercise is that you don't even need to have a script to read. You can just walk around your house talking to your kids, your husband, your wife or your dogs through clenched teeth. Just be sure to let them know what you’re doing so that you don't come off looking or sounding angry!

Once you begin recording, deep breathing is essential. People are often tense when they get into the studio. This might be because of nerves, or maybe it's been a stressful morning. Who knows? Just remember: one of the best parts of what we do is that we can start over if we make a mistake! A script recording rarely ever comes out right the first time. We have a job that allows us to make mistakes. The goal is to get the end result sounding right. So relax, take a deep breath and just have fun knowing that even if you do make a mistake, you can start over. After all, the better prepared you are and the more you warm up, the fewer mistakes you will make!

Lisa Foster, Voice-Over Talent, Coach and Producer

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

With over 25 years of experience in the radio & voice over business, it's obvious that Sheryl Powers loves what she does and we're excited to have her as our second Producer Interview.

As a DJ, talk show co-host, radio & tv voice-over artist (both locally & nationally), and radio sales and marketing specialist, she knows all sides of the business.

Sheryl's voice-over credits include American Gold and Silver Exchange (aired on Lifetime network), Mattress Giant, Funjet Vacations, Hearts on Fire Diamonds, Sunnyland Patio Furniture, Charlotte Gold and Diamond, Dalworth Clean, and many, many more.

Name: Sheryl Powers

How and why you got into the voice over industry:
Radio/TV major in college, internship at a radio station near Dallas the summer of my Senior year got me hooked and never went back to school.

What do you enjoy in your free time:
anything outdoors: waterskiing, home projects, jogging, sipping a beverage on a patio somewhere with my fella

Something about you that not many people know:
A short stint in Montana when I was 11 had me as the sausage processor at our family's butcher shop. I measured the lard to the wild game, worked it in to the casings and I piped out some pretty fabulous links if I do say so myself!

What is your least favorite word or sound and why:
Repetitive "R" words and anything in German :)

Monday, June 29, 2009

As a smaller company, Such A Voice boasts in our ability to remain closely connected with our partners, stakeholders, and friends. With that in mind, we want to personally introduce you to each of our Producers and Voice Coaches.

Starting us off in this blog series is Brian Thon (pronounced “tone” ironically), an energetic father of 3 from Richmond, Vermont. You can hear Thon’s voice booming over the phone when he calls into the office and we are excited to introduce him to you!

Name: Brian Thon

Locations/Areas Covered: VT, CO, IN, KY, WI and WY

How and why you got into the voice over industry
I started working in film before college and started dabbling in V/O then, doing some radio spots and TV commercials, but went into Corporate America after college and stayed there for 25 years. Though rewarding in some ways, I decided to make a change to something more connected to my heart, creative work that had captured my imagination years before.

I established a relationship with a local FM station, on a volunteer basis and that as I gained voice and engineering skills, the relationship grew. I started producing and voicing some short form spots on the radio when my wife saw a listing for a class on voice overs called, "You're On the Air!" with Dan Levine. After taking that class, I knew that V/O was a good fit for what I was looking for: Fun, creative and commercially viable. I was invited to and took the Such A Voice Master Class and had my first professional voice over demos produced. Before I even had the finished demos in hand, got laid off from my career "day job". Instead of replacing that position, I took my demos to market and made a go for V/O. The rest is history!

What do you enjoy in your free time?
I enjoy my family,
building my own multi-media company,
playing, writing and singing music,
all forms of artistic expression
being involved with Church
social justice
travel
sports
the ocean
the beautiful State where I live and all that goes with it!



Something about you that not many people know
I changed the pronunciation of my last name, Thon, to its ethnically correct pronunciation (TONE) right after college, in 1986.

What is your least favorite word or sound and why
My least favorite sound is the cry of pain from one of my children. Why? Because, for one, they're in pain; secondly, the sound is emotionally wrenching - it's so visceral and unrestrained in all aspects that it's caustic to the ear.
In the context of V/O my least favorite sound is a bad Arnold Schwarzenegger impression. Because it's just....bad.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Performing auditions is a huge part of the VO/acting industry. Learning how to deal with rejection is also a huge part in this process as well. Believe it or not, getting passed over for those parts can be great for your business! Here are a few tips to help you develop a positive spin on every audition experience.

Depending on your market, the audition process is a regular part of getting new jobs and clients. There are a lot of factors that go into choosing who gets the job. What you don’t know is if that choice will be YOU! Some VO artists take this all in stride without even an eye blink or a raise in blood pressure. These artists don’t let a rejection ruin their day.

You on the other hand, might not have such a thick skin when it comes to rejection. How do you get over this rejection hurdle? First off, not getting the gig isn’t a personal issue. You didn’t get the job because you didn’t “fit the ideal” of what the producer or client was looking for…this time.

That’s right. You didn’t fit the “type of voice” they were looking for. Your performance can be flawless and you simply will not be the voice they choose for this job. The powers that be decided another voice had the sound quality and personality they were looking for.

While not getting this job is a disappointment, you can use this audition experience to your advantage. You are getting the chance to become your own “spin doctor” in how you handle the situation. Take this audition time to cruise, schmooze and learn!

The next time you go into an audition focus your attention on building your marketing advantage. Arrive early, have extra demos with you and always keep those business cards handy! If possible, check out the other artists who are there to audition as well. Are they a different group with every cattle call or are these guys the same ones you usually have to compete with?

Many producers like to call in VO artists that they have worked with before and add a few new voices to the mix. Take notes of who the client/producer is and if possible who got the job. The more you know about your potential clients and your competition, the better your chances for winning that next audition.

Once you are in the booth, you get your chance to shine! Here are a few ways you can get noticed and remembered even if you don’t get this job!

Stay upbeat and positive, even if you mess up your lines. Staying cool under pressure is a sign of professionalism that every client appreciates. You can stumble over your lines in the booth and still shine with your winning attitude!

Along with attitude is what you say when you mess up. Profanity is a poor choice for venting your frustration and is never a delight to listen to. This can hurt you as some producers and clients don’t want to here expletives. Keep your comments G rated only! You won’t have to worry that your potty mouth just flushed your chances for that dream job.

Remember, you won’t get every job you try out for. Don’t sweat it! Use your positive attitude and studio time to build your business. You will walk out a winner and make a great impression every time!

Thursday, June 25, 2009


One of the biggest hurdles many new voice over artists face is getting their demo heard by people who need their services. Read on to find how effectively listening to your radio can accelerate your voice over career!

Radio is one of the most popular ways to promote a product or service. The dynamics between the advertisers, producers and station managers is what keeps the stations on the air. When the advertiser is happy, everyone at the station is happy!

So, how can you fit yourself into this advertiser/ station manager/ producer dynamic? What can you do to showcase your talent if the station isn’t using freelance talent? Don’t give up and write the station off your list of possibilities! You still have a great chance of getting your demo heard, even if the station turns you down.

There is someone that wants to hear your demo! They not only want to hear it, they would be flattered to hear from you! Just who is this person and how can you find them?

That’s easy! You find them on the radio!

Advertisers are very receptive to hearing a new voice to promote their product or service. Listening to your radio is an excellent way to hear what companies are buying ad spots.

Here is how using your radio as a lead source works: Make a point to listen to several different radio stations. Record the commercials that get a lot of air time. Make sure you list which stations aired each commercial, how often it played and pay particular attention to primetime spots. Collect contact information for each of the advertisers. Try to find at least a dozen companies of different products that are within your local area.

Transcribe the commercials to written copy. Try to choose ad spots that are short (around 15 seconds) that you really enjoy hearing and are naturally easy for you to perform.

Once you have your selection of scripts you can use your ProTools software to record each of these scripts into a separate MP3 file. Don’t have ProTools yet? No problem! A good recording software program and a quality microphone will work for now.

Make sure you are comfortable with the copy you choose before you record it. Practice reading each script until you sound relaxed and natural performing it. Remember, you are a new voice promoting their product. It is important they hear your great voice, not one that sounds like their current ad spot.

Now that you have recorded your MP3 files, you have several ways of sending them to the advertisers. The least expensive method is to send the MP3 as an email attached file along with a personalized cover letter. All you need is a brief statement to the advertiser on why you chose them and how you would love the opportunity to promote their product or service. Be sure you include all your contact information. Make sure you keep your statement down to a few sentences in a short paragraph. Gushing over how great a product is considered only a testimonial not a query for work so, keep it sweet and simple.

Your next option is to create a CD to send to each advertiser. Each advertiser will have a dry read of your voice performing their latest commercial, followed by your original studio recorded demo spots. Make sure the dry read is first so, the last spot they hear is your professional recordings. This creates the “before and after” effect of how great you will sound promoting their product in the studio.

Once each individual CD is completed, label the CD with their name and radio ad demo, followed by your name and contact information. Make sure you use a jewel case to protect the CD. You can even create a custom label for the case if you like!

The next step is to get your CD to the advertisers. You can either mail the CD in a padded mailer (with a cover letter) to the attention of the Advertising Department or, you can personally deliver the CD.

If you decide to hand deliver the CD, call ahead and make an appointment. Try to speak with someone who is a decision maker in the process. You might want to take your Walkman with you…you may get to play your demo during the introduction!

Taking the initiative and introducing yourself to the advertiser opens another door in your voice over career. It creates the opportunity for the advertiser to have their own professional voice for their next advertising campaign. Your initial effort gives you the credibility and confidence of the advertiser behind you when you walk into the studio.

The airwaves are full of potential voice over clients and you found them all just by LISTENING to the radio!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009


Volunteering your professional pipes is one way you can build your voice over business. Read on to find out how donating your golden voice can lead to rewarding opportunities for your voice over business.

Building a successful voice over business should not be “all work and no play.” You possess a much needed talent. No matter where you live, there are groups and organizations who would love to work with you! Your next big gig could be stepping up the microphone as a voice over volunteer for charity!

Donating quality time to a local charity or nonprofit is an excellent way to advertise your talent by promoting a worthy cause. There are organizations that desperately need your professional services. They would love to have your professional voice promote their message!

There are several ways you can volunteer your voice over services. You can offer your voice for public announcement spots on radio or television. You can also find organizations nationwide that need great voices to read local news and events for the blind or reading impaired. Nearly every city and town has a reading program to assist the reading impaired.

One such organization is Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic ( www.rfbd.org ). RFB & D have trained volunteers that read textbooks and other printed materials to produce audio books and learning tools for people of all ages. Be aware that organizations such as this require a good deal of commitment and are looking for long-term volunteers to work with.

There are also networks of privately funded radio stations that perform reading services. You can easily find these organizations by looking up Nonprofit and Charitable Organizations online or in your local phone book.

Not all volunteer work involves time in a recording studio. Do you have acting talent? Enjoy speaking in public? You can offer your vocal expertise to MC charity and nonprofit events throughout the year. You may be the next Master of Ceremonies for a show, beauty contest, auction or other live fund raising event.

Many local businesses also make a point of volunteering their time, products or services to charitable causes. You never know who may be listening! The product or service you are auctioning off today could bring you a new client or two tomorrow!

Volunteering your time and talent provides a much needed and welcomed service within your community. Your time is both well spent and well invested. Every donated experience adds to your career portfolio, builds your professional character and opens the door for new business relationships. People like doing business with those that work to improve the lives of others. Investing time in your community is always an excellent investment for your business.

So, grab your phonebook and let your fingers find an organization you’d love to work for! You can make a substantial difference in the quality of someone’s life by simply doing the work you love! Your charitable heart and vocal talent will both shine!

Monday, June 22, 2009

The advantages of recording at home give both you and your clients a win/win business relationship. The savings in studio fees for your clients can be phenomenal. It’s no secret that clients want to work with artists who cut great tracks and also save them money. Your clients know that hiring you will meet both their quality and budgeting needs.

Here are a few examples of how your home recording studio greatly benefits you and your clients:

* You: Short commute around the corner to a spare bedroom or down the hall.
* Client: No commute! You’re just a phone call and email away!
* You: Scheduling studio time…anytime you like!
* Client: Pure heaven! Great time flexibility in scheduling! I’m getting a professional quality recording without studio fees!
* You: Working in a relaxed home environment…even in your pajamas!
* Client: This is great! I can do this project on the phone and not leave the office or disrupt my daily schedule!
* You: Location is not a problem. Work with anyone…worldwide!
* Client: What a relief! I can access my favorite V/O artist for my overseas projects!

As you can see, offering home studio recording has quite a few advantages for you and your client. One of the best reasons to offer home recording is the marketing edge it gives you over your competition. Let’s face it; there are a lot of great voices in this industry. When it comes down to picking between you (V/O with home studio) and someone else (V/O only), who do you think your potential client will choose?

Now that you are aware of the benefits in having a home recording studio, you need to know what professional equipment is necessary to do a quality job:

* Computer with a modem (Mac preferably) and at least 512 MB of Ram.
* Pro Tools Recording Software. Pro Tools is the industry standard used by the majority of professional studios worldwide.
* M-box to use with Pro Tools.
* Microphone designed for professional speaking with a pop screen.
* Quality microphone cable.

You now have the basics on how home recording will increase your business and benefit your clients. The next thing you need to learn is how to set up your studio and use it!

Such A Voice is offering Pro Tools Recording Software Instruction in Burlington, VT, Boston, MA, and Long Island, NY this Fall. Course dates in the Spring are being set for Washington, DC and Chicago, IL areas. Give Ben Weir a call at 802-264-604. He can answer all your questions and let you know of special equipment discounts offered to Such A Voice students or, send Ben an email to ben@suchavoice.com

Classes are filled on a first come first served basis and will be limited in size. Call soon and schedule your Pro Tools personal instruction today.

Friday, June 19, 2009

5 Professional Tips for the Proper Care of Your Voice.

Taking proper care of your voice is something you learn early on in the music and entertainment industry. Professional entertainers have known for years the importance of taking proper care of your “instrument.” These professionals religiously take measures to protect their ‘golden throats.”

Many of the vocal techniques or “tricks of the trade” used by entertainers can also be applied to the voice over artist profession. After all, you are performing in front of the microphone too!

Always breathe using your diaphragm muscles. This not only enables you to take a deeper breath but, it also helps you to stay relaxed in your neck, shoulder and chest area. Tension around your vocal cords can change the tone of your voice so, breath deep, relax your throat and keep your upper body relaxed.

If you have to eat before a recording session, make sure you only eat a light meal. A stomach that is too full can temporarily reduce your ability to breathe deeply. Keep your meals light and both your stomach and your producer will be happy!

Keep in mind that the foods and beverages you eat and drink can affect your vocal cords. Foods that have a creamy texture can alter how your voice sounds. Good food choices might be a light soup and sandwich or salad with fruit. Try to choose liquids you can easily see through that aren’t overly cold or hot. Actually, room temperature is best, especially when taking a sip to wet your throat during recording.

Protecting the sound quality of your voice isn’t limited to what you eat and drink. You have to actively take physical care of your head and throat as well. Do your best to avoid smoky rooms, chemical or exhaust smells. Bundle up and protect your neck and face in cold, blustery weather. Keep a scarf around your neck and over your mouth if necessary, to keep cold winter air out of your mouth. Breathing through your nose is how your body naturally warms and moistens the air you breathe. Your vocal cords work best when warm and relaxed. You may enter the studio looking like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer but, at least you won’t sound like him!

Another cold weather problem is electric heat. If there is a lot of static in your home or clothes the humidity in the air is not nearly high enough to protect your throat and vocal cords. A small room humidifier will greatly assist in eliminating the dry air problem. The ideal location would be the bedroom. You will wake up with a warm moist throat instead of a dry, scratchy one.

No matter how diligently you take care of yourself, it’s only a matter of time until you get a cold or sore throat. Drink plenty of fluids and get proper rest. If you have to take an over the counter medication to tame the symptoms, be aware that drying up post nasal drip and congestion will also dry out your voice. Ask your doctor to recommend some natural treatment alternatives to help you deal with your symptoms until the cold has run its course.

You alone are responsible for the quality of your voice. It is almost impossible to edit out the dry, raspy sound of your voice in a recording. When in doubt, don’t do the job. It’s better to pass on this job now, then to perform at a reduced capacity. Remember, you are being recorded and you don’t know who may get the pleasure (or pain) of listening to you.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

First impressions count, particularly in the entertainment industry. In all honesty, you have 3 Golden Opportunities to show your professional expertise during a voice over session. How you act during these three time periods can be a huge determining factor in how well received you will be for this session and any following sessions.

Opportunity #1 starts by arriving at least 10 minutes before your scheduled session. This one professional courtesy gives the producer time to work with you a bit or update you on any copy changes. Use this free time to get acquainted with a new producer or client. Keep in mind that every minute behind the microphone is being paid by your client so, limit the socializing to before the recording or immediately after.

You need to have a professional business card. Presenting someone with a business card is one way of demonstrating you are serious about your voice over business. Hand out your business cards either before or after the recording session. Make sure you have all your contact information on the card. List your website address (if you have one) and any affiliations with a union or other performing organizations. Your business card could lead to your next job so; make sure to keep your card information up to date.

Opportunity #2 happens in the studio. Wear casual and comfortable clothes and shoes. Wear clothing that you are completely comfortable in. Jewelry that jingles or nylon fabrics that rustle should be removed before recording. Don’t make the producer’s job harder by wearing apparel that creates more noise for them to edit out.

Focus your complete attention on the producer. Be attentive and listen carefully to their instructions. Ask any questions before you record and keep your focus on the copy. Remember to read ahead and if you mess up, keep talking! Even seasoned professionals stumble over the copy at times, so don’t get nervous about it. The producer will stop you when needed and will direct you as to where to start over on the copy.

Also, related to reading the copy is do not point out typos or grammatical mistakes on your copy! Chances are, the producer will hear the mistake and have it corrected. There are times when the client is actually present listening to the recording and they won’t be happy hearing you finding fault with their copy. Focus your attention on your talent…creating the best professional recording their money can buy!

Opportunity #3 includes all the above: Project a confident and winning attitude. This is vitally important when meeting a new producer and possibly the client who hired you. Your smile and relaxed, confident manner will reinforce their decision that they hired the right voice over artist for the job. Remember, you aren’t just performing a voice over, you are creating a working relationship. Next to your sparkling talent, your positive attitude and professional behavior are the biggest contributing factors you can utilize to advance your voice over career.