Most people have some level of “voiceover” self-consciousness. I know for example, that I talk slightly louder than necessary. I imagine part of it was having a comedian of a sister that there was no competing with. The other part was many many years of training in NYC where if you aren’t loud, you won’t be heard. What’s your level of self-awareness? If it’s slim to none, start using your senses more and focus them inward toward yourself. Try to identify the volume at which you normally speak at, that pace your sentences take on, the amount of high versus low inflections in your words….Dig even a little deeper now. Do you speak with a relaxed feel? Do you speak quickly and anxiously? Introspectively? Are you choosing to convey your thoughts passively, aggressively, or assertively? If you’re not sure of the answer to that last one or you want some life-changing communication skills for speaking more assertively, check out this awesome article to find your assertive voice.
So once you have identified your comfort zone, you now can begin the exercises for pushing yourself one step outside of it. I want to be clear that your comfort zone could already be very marketable – but can you, and shouldn’t you, try for more? Absolutely. If you’re passive, reading things quietly and slowly, take a script and work on it in the comfort of your own safe space and BELT it out. Stand UP. Use your hands. Give it your best over-the-top, loud, dramatic, theatrical, read. Over and over again. You are WORTH listening to. What you have to say is IMPORTANT. Now, for those of you already there, trying to tone down your volume, speed, intensity…..sit on the couch. Take some slow deep breaths. Read slower, quieter, exuding a confidence that what you are saying IS so true, that you don’t HAVE to force it on anyone, their conviction will be from the words you are saying. Now read it even slower, even quieter. Breathe.
For the perfect example of a balanced read, both relaxed and confident, check out the latest great commercial demo by Meredith Zeitlin. Your comfort zone is wonderful. A little tweaking . . .that’s all. J
Hi! I’m Lesley Bailey. I’m an award-winning Casting Director, Voiceover Coach, Demo Producer, and Consultant with over 30 years “in the trenches”. I love helping voice actors bring scripts to life with authenticity and confidence.