VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

glittlefield · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 7:29 am Post subject: mental clarity

I know we've covered mouth noise, soundproofing and all the other external aspects of VO work. How about the internal? What, if any, are some good mental exercises that you do before going to work?
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Brett Mason · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:14 am Post subject:

Well, slightly askew of your topic, but wanted to share yet another noise issue I discovered last week....stomach gurglings! I was already mentally prepared, and raring to go and voice a take when unexpectedly my headphones pick up this strange noise right between lines. Totally lost my focus, had to take a break and regroup...digestively speaking, of course. Confused

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bobsouer · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:25 am Post subject:

Greg,

The key, I think, is to understand that essentials of the story you're about to tell. Focus on the story.
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glittlefield · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:56 am Post subject:

Very true indeed, Bob! I think my question is more along the lines of... What method or routine do you go through to flush your mind as you prepare to do VO work? I'm mostly curious about the different ways of getting "there" since I'm mostly doing breathing exercises at the moment.

Well, it made sense when I originally posted it... Smile

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todd ellis · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:12 am Post subject:

i start with "holy CRAP, the mortgage is due!!!" that usually motivates me pretty good.
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CarynClark · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:47 am Post subject:

LOL.... God, if I thought of that, then I'd be in a panic during the entire session.

This is a good question... I'm not sure if what I have to offer will help though. I've recently been learning about grounding yourself, and putting yourself in a place where you are the most knowledgeable in order to talk about whatever it is you're reading. For example, I was told to think back to how I thought/felt when I was in the corporate world, doing my job. It took me to a whole different place.

Again, not sure if that's what you're after...
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Deirdre · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 10:57 am Post subject:

I just think "Oh boy! Voice Talking!!" and I'm ready to scale a vocal mountain.

But seriously Greg, that's the kind of thing I do.
I go into my studio and say to myself something like "Now for my real job" or "Now for the real work" or "Let's get busy!" .

I don't take myself very seriously, but my life's work is another matter. I know people are relying on me.
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Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 1:00 pm Post subject:

i give the room a tilt-a-whirl kind of view of what awaits.
i ignore all the crap on the floor, which lately has made a fine place to put said crap.
i assess the task(s) at hand.
i head back downstairs and eat.
today, the arugula with feta, salt and pepper, and fresh italian olive oil, plus a couple of pieces of semolina raisin bread, toasted, gave me exactly what i needed to begin, continue, and finish my first-ever! vox studio session,
(and thanks to liz for helping me tremendously to get to the essential mental clarity i needed to figure it out.)
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TC · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 1:46 pm Post subject:

I always try to take a moment to remind myself how much I truly love doing what I do. I find that this is especially helpful before auditions or sessions done at a studio with other people around (as opposed to at home alone). It helps me to relax and enjoy the moment, or, if I've got any nervous energy, to channel that energy into something positive.

SoundsGreat-Elaine Singer · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 2:16 pm Post subject:

You could add some relaxation and visualization exercises to your breathing exercises. Do some slow, deep breathing deep into the gut and exhale slowly. You can either visualize some relaxing place or something that has to do with the piece you will be recording.
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Lizden · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 2:17 pm Post subject:

Moe Egan · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 2:31 pm Post subject:

Great question Greg. I can hear it in my reads when I don't clear my head of the real world before turning on the mic. It's not so bad at someone ELSE's studio- that comes with it's own rituals to get you into 'voice reader' mode.

I have to give myself a 'buffer' between mommy mode and voice talking...It's like actor's who have to get into a character and hang their own identities up back stage. We have to give ourselves permission to leave the real world outside the studio door and focus on the 'little stories' we're telling.

I totally get what Liz said about rushing - worst part about that is I end up having to voice and edit a poorly read spot twice because I rushed through it the first time....

Okay, now time to get ready to watch the RED SOX!!! Sticking out Tongue

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paddyo · CM Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 975 Location: New York City

I ask myself who am I talking to so I remind myself to focus on one person.

Paddyo
www.radiotheatrenyc.com

jrodriguez315 · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:11 pm Post subject:

Why not try a little poetry

Or perhaps just go over your lines
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KaraEdwards · Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 6:39 am Post subject:

It's probably silly, but I have a list of tongue twisters I say over and over faster and faster. Then I sing scales. I find it actually helps me a lot. Especially if the copy is challenging, or it's a hard voice to do. I do this while I print my scripts, set up my equipment, or if I'm driving to a studio.
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