I’m your voiceover Chinese water torturer. I’ve got a one-track mind. I’m a broken record. . . . YOU MUST KNOW WHAT YOUR INTENTION IS. YOU MUST GET IN THE WRITER’S HEAD VIA VERY FOCUSED SCRIPT ANALYSIS. YOU MUST BE, NOT READ.
We’ve been doing this work for the last bunch of blogs, allowing you to really SEE a script for what it is in the hopes it will prevent you from “reading.” What I would like to reinforce here is just the intention, rather than the technical aspects of conveying the writer’s truth. Technique(s) will get you far, and they’re appealing because they’re tactile, but they’re like empty calories if the heart isn’t in it too. Intention starts with the “specs” – those descriptive words hopefully given by the writer/producer that explain the type of read it should be. This description might use words like sarcastic, bold, gentle, upbeat, introspective, wry, or playful. It doesn’t end there though. There’s only so much the writer can do without being there in person to direct your interpretation. Your job is to those specs to heart and then dig even deeper. Find the words and writing style to support those adjectives that the writer started you out with. Find the truth in the writing that supports it being wry, playful, bold . When you find the truth in the writing you can finally have a support beam for your intention. There are audition opportunities where you may be able to check out scripts and work on your analysis skills at voices.com. For now, take these lines from a Chase script:
“With Chase Sapphire, whenever you call, an expert advisor will pickup, 24/7. No machines will answer and there are no buttons to push. Ever. We’ll have you at hello.”
What you have here is a very clear statement from the writer. He sets up this “voice” to just TELL IT LIKE IT IS. He adds drama, and confidence to this by separating words and putting them up on a platform. He does this with “24/7” and also with “ever.” When you see words separated by commas or periods that don’t need to be, pay attention. The writer is making a point out of these words. These words, in their isolation, speak more loudly, clearly, boldly, and confidently. Don’t take me literally on the “loudly”. Let that one be metaphorical 🙂
So there is your intention as laid down for you by the writer: Ultimate confidence.
There are certain techniques that work for confidence, such as leaning more on your downward inflection, but the heart of your intention is most important. If you ultimately can see the big picture here (that the writer wrote this entire script in confident tone), you’re already a winner. You can take that insight and intention all the way . . . to your booking.