VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[tackerman]

Instead of throwing another MP3 up here for dissection I think you'd be better served by looking up a local acting coach for lessons or looking into some lessons on how to deliver a more conversational read. It's not something that's going to fix itself without a little help!

[asnively]

Exactly. Even though the pronunciations were all correct in that last sound file, it doesn't sound natural.

Record you telephone conversations for a week. Get in touch with what you actually sound like when talking to a real person. That would be a great first step.
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Amy Snively
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[Jeffrey Kafer]

Agreed. At this point, it isn't about tweaking your reads, it's about getting the proper training so you don't need to tweak your reads.
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Jeff
http://JeffreyKafer.com
Voice-overload Web comic: http://voice-overload.com

[Bailey]

Christopher... Don't let Jeffs' avatar scare you... he's not yelling at you.

With all of the advice you have received since you joined the VO-BB, please remember this ...
Advice not taken is education lost.
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"Bailey"
a.k.a. Jim Sutton
Retired... Every day is Saturday, except Sunday.
VO-BB Member #00044 .gif" alt="W00T" border="0" />
AOVA Graduate 02/2004 ;
"Be a Voice, not an Echo."

[Christopher French]

http://media.putfile.com/My-regular-speaking-voice-without-any-touchups-at-all

THIS is my regular everyday voice. I didn't do anything other than record it (ie. no noise reduction, production of any kind other than to increase the gain). I am looking into getting trained by someone. I was looking at driving to Columbus to be trained by Ron Allen but I haven't gotten much in the way of feedback about him, other than his website was down. I'm also looking at doing the AVOA Teleseries. I think this will be a better investment for my money (especially since it won't cost me the gas and time driving to and from Columbus would).

I've had acting training in my past, and I've had broadcasting training (yes, I did end up doing the radio school in 07. I graduated in March). I highly value and respect everyone here, because you are all doing what I want to be doing, living the VO dream! Right now, I'm working at a job I don't particularly like but can't afford to leave. I've been talking off and on for the last two and a half years about doing this, and now, I'm 100 percent serious and determined to make this work. I love acting. I've loved it since I was a kid. I love talking to people. I've been talking non-stop since I learned how. I KNOW I can be successful in this business. I just need some help to get started. That's why I come here and learn what I can from you folks. You're the masters at this game. I'm your humble student.

Chris
_________________
Christopher G. French

"The only limitations we truly have are the ones we place on ourselves." -Attributed to Donald Trump

[Bailey]

[asnively]

We're not doubting that this is your regular voice. We're talking about it not being your natural delivery. Please take me up n the challenge to record yourself talking to real people on the telephone. You will be shocked at how different you sound from your audition when you hear yourself back!
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the Amy Snively family of brands for all your branded thing needs.
Amy Snively
Faff Camp
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TalkerTees

[Philip Banks]

I listened to the original clip and having read the feedback before doing so I was pleasantly surprised at what I heard.

In a studio session with another person directing every problem could be solved with another take. You're not bad, live with it.

Here's where you need to do something. Learn to listen to yourself and nit-pick. Learn to put the smallness of body language into your voice as opposed to the largeness of incredulity. Forget how good you are and discover how good you need to become - That's the tough part!

Do you know how many people who claim to be Voice Overs regularly produce unuseable material? Most of 'em.

[miaBaby]

Very pleasant! and cool....
I like it, you have a very laid back attitude, and heck, I would listen to you on the radio without getting bugged and switching the station, I guess that means it's pretty good

good luck!

[Rob]

It's not the consonants that get you up north, it's the vowels. Once talked with a lady in Wisconsin about the town of Highland for thirty minutes before finally figuring out that she was saying Holland. Makes the room bend when I blink. Lol.

[PhyllisKDay]

Hi Christopher;

Speaking purely about the sound of your voice, you could do a few things to clear it up. I think you have a naturally clear tone, but from this demo, it sounds a bit like you're pushing your air up through your nose. And using too much of the sides of your tongue where it touches your back teeth. I am sure this sounds odd, but listen to your demo with this in mind and see if you don't hear what I'm talking about. I think using more of the end or tip of your tongue more deliberately will pull the sides of your tongue away from your teeth. And think more about letting the air come out of your mouth more naturally and not be pressured into coming out of your nose.

Also, you aren't using the inside of your mouth properly, you are sort of over using it, especially around your jaws. I bet you sound different over the phone or in casual chat with friends when it comes to this.

Thanks for reading this.

Phyllis