Voiceover Exercises from the Holidays

Let’s be honest, there probably weren’t many voiceover auditions these past few weeks.  At least I hope not.  I hope that priorities were in order here and people are at least for one week of the year focusing on their families and celebrating, finding their zen, having fun…..right?  But you can’t help it, you’re back reading this, which means you’re already thinking about voiceovers again.  Oh, wait, I’m busted.  So am i.  First of all, I don’t do much reading of other blogs, I don’t even do much writing of my own blog! – but I discovered a guy who organizes them all for you so you don’t have to work too hard.  You can come here every week and find blogs written by all sorts of different professionals – casting directors, voice actors, etc… Check it out when you’re finding yourself without any auditions this week!

http://thevoiceofyourbusiness.com/blog/2012/08/26/10-top-voiceover-blog-posts-this-week-2/

Now, the next thing you can do is have some really secretive fun behind everyone’s back.  No, this is not in a mean-spirited way, so much as a project you don’t really need to announce to everyone that you are working on.  Voiceovers and acting in general demand a greater understanding of ourselves and others.  Of human nature and behavior.  When you sat down to holiday dinners  this year, did you take a few moments to study everyone?  Observe their speech patterns, their volume and projection, any sounds they make in between words, how fast or slow they speak, how sarcastic or sincere they are and the methods they use to convey those moods?  Really listen.  Watch.  Process.  People in your life are most likely a varied cast of characters as diverse as in any play or film, yes?!  I know I can instantly drum up half a dozen people in my family that entire books could be written on!  Every person is a universe.  This is the well upon which you need to replenish your performance thirst on.  Voiceover is an art form which more often than not asks you to be not only authentic and believable but also interesting.  What better place to do your research than within the convenience of your own home?  Or Aunt Edna’s? Hope you all had happy holidays and enjoyed YOUR universes.