VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Jen Gosnell · Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 5:33 pm Post subject: e-learning demo

Hi you guys,

I would greatly appreciate it if you could find a couple of minutes to give a listen to what I'm proposing to be my first e-learning demo. Would you please let me know if you hear anything you'd consider a big red flag or be concerned about?

I posted it up on Soundcloud. **NOTE new edit posted, see below**

I tried to follow the model of what I heard on many other e-learning demos that I surveyed, including those from quite a number of the fine folks here. So thanks for your examples Smile

and for any comments you'd like to throw my way!

Jen
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bobsouer · Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 6:00 pm Post subject:

Jen,

You have a very listenable voice and all of your examples show you in a good light. I would suggest that the flow from the second segment to the third is so seamless that it's a big difficult to tell you've moved on to a new subject at that point. (There were 4 segments in all, right?) Each of the other transitions was marked by a slight shift in tone or emphasis, which I think is important.

But, really, a VERY NICE job. And if this was recorded in your home studio, you certainly have a very workable space, at least to my ears.
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Scott Pollak · Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 6:44 pm Post subject:

I know we never really have music under our e-learning, but in my e-learning demo I added some anyway to help differentiate between bytes and just to add a little 'something'. Never had any complaints about it. You might consider adding an unobtrusive cut under at least two of your samples here, Jen, to help break things up a bit. And if you have anything that shows a change in pacing or energy level, that would help, too. But your voice is delightful. Like chocolate mousse.
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samowry · Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 7:31 pm Post subject:

Nice work my dear. Good points on making the segments stand out a bit more. Continued success and see you at VOx on the Rocks. (Or Panera for that matter).

Jen Gosnell · Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 11:38 pm Post subject:

Bob, thank you! Yes, 4 segments and I do hear what you are saying about the transition there. I was a little concerned about it too, so I'll have to ponder re-recording with a different energy to it, or maybe add some music as Scott suggests to help demarcate the transition.

It is indeed my home recording setup that I used here, so I'm glad it sounds OK to you! I had George W. help me get things organized to optimize the sound, which obviously did the trick. Smile

Scott, thanks very much! I will consider adding some music or perhaps just swapping out one of the segments for something higher-energy. I had been a little worried about too much sameness in the pieces, but figured I was too close to it and needed outside feedback. I'm not too sure what high-energy e-learning would be! but I'll bet I can find something. Wink

Sam, thanks! and definitely looking forward to seeing you again soon. With or without toddler in tow. Wink

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Jen Gosnell · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 2:32 am Post subject:

Okay, based on Bob and Scott's feedback I took another crack at this thing.

I added music under the 2nd and 4th segments, and changed the 3rd segment to something with a different character.

Clicky here for version 2! NOTE: Revised again, see below.

Does that work better? It's been a long time since I produced anything, so a bit of a learning curve here with my software, but I managed... hopefully without creating new problems along the way. Wink

Thanks again in advance for any feedback.
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Scott Pollak · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 5:59 am Post subject:

It does work better, Jen. And I don't want to nit-pick, but as I listened this time, I was thinking that perhaps you need to shorten the bytes some, too. I'm not sure it's necessary to put :40 or so of each sample on there. At about :20 in would be a good point to bail out of the REI piece and get into the next one, and so on. Really, after a potential client has heard the first 10 or so seconds, they're going to know whether you're the voice or not. I would have done a quick re-edit for you but I can't download from Soundcloud (or at least, I don't know how to!)
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Fran McClellan · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 6:11 am Post subject:

Very nice, Jen! I do prefer the second one with the music and addition of the "workout" piece. The only thing maybe is that the very first piece is a tad long, but otherwise, it sounds awesome! Smile

Fran
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Jen Gosnell · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 9:03 am Post subject:

Thanks, Scott and Fran! I can definitely shorten the first clip. I was somewhat concerned about its length, too, but some other thoughts caused me to leave it the way it was. I think it's time to overrule those other thoughts. Wink

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Benjamin Stovall · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:33 am Post subject:

Wow! First time I've heard your voice. You have a great sound! Kind of reminds me of the voice actor that does the Kaiser Permanente commercials on the radio (she's very good). You possess that same warm, professional, soothing quality.

If she ever gets hit by a bus... But, I don't wish her ill! I want her to live well and thrive. Wink

Jen Gosnell · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 5:58 pm Post subject:

All righty - I have re-edited again and I chopped down 3 of the 4 clips. I like it much better now that it comes in at about 1:05 - I do think that's plenty long enough! Got to learn to be more ruthless with my edits the first time.

Clicky for what I hope is the final version!

And, Benjamin, thanks! I had to laugh at your comment about Kaiser. My MIL recently told me how much better of a job she thought I would do on the Kaiser ads which she'd heard on the radio. I haven't heard them, so have no idea, but I told her I can only hope to have such a problem one of these days! Smile

Thanks again to one and all for your listening and feedback. The demo's surely in much better shape now! Laugh

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Benjamin Stovall · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 7:30 pm Post subject:

samowry · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 7:32 pm Post subject:

Allison Janney.

Jen Gosnell · Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 12:09 am Post subject:

Thanks, Benjamin - that was fun to hear. And boy, could I relate to the subject matter. Wink

Sam, good ear. Now I know who my celebrity VO role model can be... Wink

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heyguido · Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 6:14 am Post subject:

Model, schmodel.....

Your own voice will serve you just fine. Good on ya.
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