Sitting in front of my computer thinking, “How can I make this read better than everyone else’s? I love this script. It just feels like me.”
I’m sure you’ve had those moments when something falls into your lap and you feel like you were built for the moment. I got a script like that while I was away from my studio on a family vacation at Disney. I was standing in one of those 2 hour long lines using my time wisely by practicing my script and searching for studios. Luckily, I found one with the help of my wonderful voiceover manager. I kept my game face on for the family and I actually had fun on those Disney rides.
The next day I arrived at the studio with my daughter in tow. She wanted to listen. I was ready. The studio felt fabulous with logos all throughout. The heavy studio door slid soundlessly open. I hopped on the U87 microphone – this was a directed audition.
The client on the other end had me read the script over and over. I did about 11 takes. I could tell they didn’t feel the love like I did. I couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong. As we finished up our hour I was saying my thank you’s and the producer stopped me.
He said, “Can you read the script in THAT voice?”
I moved back to the microphone and said “What voice?”
He said, “I guess it’s your normal talking voice. I want you to just be normal. Don’t perform the script. Talk to me like a regular person.”
I spent all that time in the Disney line prepping and the producer wanted me to be myself all this time. This is what I call a light bulb moment. We spend so much time trying to BECOME something that we are not and the people who buy our voice are often buying who we already are. They want us to be natural.
As you grow in life and in your voiceover journey find the place that feels genuine, get comfortable and stay there. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season!