http://www.soundscalpel.com/info/articles/?id=tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996761672875623151.post-6540967875535800648

http://www.soundscalpel.com/info/articles/?id=tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996761672875623151.post-3462398931184961630

I’m a high-tech “messenger”: I do voiceovers for a wide range of clients who want their message delivered with impact. Let’s say my client needs a voice for an animated presentation showing how a new-fangled system does lickety-split medical transcriptions. Not the sexiest assignment — but that’s why it’s a good example. Since I’ve been chosen to be the client’s “audio messenger” I discuss goals of the copy, the target audience, how and where the piece will be used, tech considerations, etc. In this case the client knows that he wants a lot of “enthusiasm” but beyond that doesn’t give much information about his expectations.

Digging deeper, I glean that the piece is for a kiosk at a trade show booth. I’ll be given a storyboard. Good. Now I know some key things: It’s a sales piece, and the people seeing it are likely unfamiliar with the product, but probably know something about medical devices and systems if they’re attending the trade show. With the storyboard I can also “see” what I’m selling.

These clues tell me:

• The tone should be more upbeat with a bigger “smile” and lots of energy to compensate for somewhat dry material that has to be interesting (hence, “enthusiastic”);
• Clear enunciation is critically important for brand name and technical terms;
• Pacing needs to keep the piece moving for people who will be overloaded with info but need to remain engaged for the length of the piece (about 5 minutes);
• Pauses between sections are critical so that the animator can more easily time the animation to the voice (in this case).

With this in mind, here’s the audition sample I submit:

Perry_Anne_Norton_ACUSIS_Take2.mp3

Oops. I pronounced the company name incorrectly. (Writers:Make sure you provide phonetic information.) With the understanding the name will be corrected, the sample is approved, with the caveat that it be “much more enthusiastic.” Uh-oh. To me this means 1) he’s not really hearing what he wants though he’s approving the sample; and 2) he wants a “hard sell” though my gut tells me this is not the best approach to serve the piece. But, the customer is always right. However, to save a lot of second-guessing what he actually wants to hear, I offer to have the client direct while I record so that he can give immediate feedback. This provides a “what you hear is what you get” approach rather than doing retake after retake in a vaccuum. While the vast majority of my clients approve my samples and let me run with copy to final output, there will always be those who don’t quite know what they want until they hear it.

The client likes the “directing” option and before the session sends me final copy with words in bold that he wants emphasized. Fair enough – the client is clearer about what he hears in his head.

We do the session in no time – I record while he listens via muted speakerphone (a great alternative to fancier phone patch if your client is willing) and we make only minor copy changes (for “ear-friendliness”). I edit out the takes he doesn’t want, and presto. I send a finished, clean audio file to the animator. Easy, right? Umm…

When the client hears the approved v/o in the context of the animation, he doesn’t like the added emphasis he’d provided in bold. It’s too over-the-top; so my initial instinct was right – but now he can clearly hear it. So I re-record a few offending sections ‘to time’ (now that the animation is complete) and all is right with the world. Here is the “before” take with emphasis and the final one that was approved, Notice the emphasis in the first clip on the words unique, fast, accurate, etc.

SessionRead_with_Emphasis.mp3

In the second clip, these words have been “smoothed out” into the overall read, and the read is also softer, with less of a “smile.” This is the approach that was approved – fairly different from the original “approved” take.

Retakes_Less_Emphasis.mp3

One challenge in doing retakes is to maintain consistent audio levels, room sound and vocal tone quality. Sometimes re-writes or new copy comes weeks after a job is “complete.” If Barnes and Noble.com adds some new voice prompts they’d better match the ones I initially created!

I accomplish this by using the same mic as I did for the original job, keeping a reference file for matching, making sure my CPU is quiet so that no noise is added to new takes, and by giving a good listen before sending off a new file. I also make sure I do retakes after being warmed up vocally so there’s no difference in pitch.

It’s all very subjective, this business of hearing – so save yourself unnecessary work and client frustration by trusting your instincts, getting as much info up front as possible and then “acting” accordingly.

“Wild Things” is a particularly good challenge because the book consists almost entirely of images – probably what it is best remembered for – but when you study the very few words in the story again and again, you realize that the tale of Max and The Wild Things is a brilliant psychological peek into a child’s mind and the way that children use their limitless imaginations to entertain themselves, and to process anger, sadness, loss and a host of other human emotions.

So — how to translate that into sound only, and do the book a modicum of justice?

First, I approached the book as if it were a storyboard – and “spotted” where I’d need or want audio, and of what type (music, sound effects, narration, e.g.). I recorded the narration first (my audio “A Roll”). The theme music idea (Thomas Newman’s wonderful “American Beauty” score) came from a friend of mine – and as soon as she suggested it I instantly “heard” in my head exactly how it could work. One particular cut gave the mischievous tone I wanted to set. Here’s a clip of the opening, with rain added as an environmental indicator:
Wild Things – EXERCISE – Clip 1.mp3

As the story progresses, the character of Max gets in hot water for making mischief, and is sent to bed without supper, where his imagination begins to run “wild”. Another section of Thomas Newman’s haunting score worked perfectly here for me as well and underscores (pardon the pun) how important music is in helping establish or change mood, environment and situation:
Wild Things – EXERCISE – Clip 2.mp3

Once Max has become “King of all wild things” – he gets bored and lonely, and wishes for more familiar surroundings:
Wild Things – EXERCISE – Clip 3.mp3

Finally, as Max sails back home, the closing music bookends the piece and re-establishes the listener where they began:
Wild Things – EXERCISE – Clip 4.mp3

The next time you rent a film, try just listening to all that goes on, without the aid of the picture – you’ll be amazed at how much the audio creates and moves the overall story – sometimes more than the pictures themselves.

Here’s some guidance to help you shine in the dark:

Practice makes…

• If you’re not used to speaking extemporaneously – even if you know your topic or guest well – get a coach, practice, and know your topic or interviewee strengths inside and out.
• Nervous? Learn proper breathing and vocal warm-up exercises. Stress can make your voice shrill or shaky, lessening credibility. A voice coach can provide guidance. Do warm-ups before you record or go live. Some universities have classes in being a DJ – might be worth checking into!
• Make sure all technical issues are worked out in advance, including audio quality. Are you using satisfactory equipment, and do you understand how to get the best out of it? This is especially important if your topic is technology!
• Think about questions in advance of your interview by doing research. Find a fresh take on old topics – any one can re-hash the obvious. Provide links and resources you can send your listeners to after the “show.”
• If you’re going “solo” pick out a friendly “face” ahead of time to which you can deliver your material. Use a photo if you need to as an anchor. This adds sincerity, focus and genuinely connect s you with your listeners.
• Eliminate verbal mannerisms (such as um, uh, yeah, I mean, ya know). Record yourself in practice and try simply pausing for a split second when you need to gather your thoughts. People use mannerisms because they’re uncomfortable with silence, but verbal mannerisms lessen the sound of confidence.
• Don’t talk down to your audience; prepare with their level of “savvy” in mind.
• Practice your material but don’t recite by rote. Use bullet points as a verbal guide to keep you focused and on track, but be spontaneous in your delivery.
• Drink enough water two hours before your presentation to hydrate your vocal cords. A few drops of lemon juice in your water can eliminate “mouth noise” and lip-smacking.
• Try to avoid dairy, salty foods and caffeine before speaking – these create phlegm and/or dry out your mouth.

Leave ‘em wanting more…

• Briefly introduce yourself and your guest(s), as well as the topic.
• Quickly get to the subject at hand — people are investing time in your information potential.
• Outline up front what listeners can expect to learn and then deliver.
• Stay engaged with your material and guest If you’re not truly interested in or don’t believe in your material, your listeners won’t either.
• Ask the most compelling, relevant questions or those which re-state key points.
• Succinctly recap the main points and thank your listeners for their time. Let people know how to reach you for more information.
• Consider following up with a satisfaction survey (Survey Monkey, e.g.). Ask how you could have made it a better experience. Then act on it!
• Learn where to post you’re audio for best exposure, and how to promote yourself to generate greater listenership; you may even find a sponsor to cover your costs once you get rolling.

http://www.blogarithms.com/index.php/archives/2007/12/23/skype-for-interviews/

Very interesting reading from The Phrase Finder at www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/go-berserk.html

May we all “bear up” under the pressure (pardon the related pun) – and try to remember that all this frenzy is a luxury for so many. Dump all your stress from”what to buy” into “which charity would I like my friends to give to” (or like ME to give to on their behalf). It really would be much more helpful all around. And if you can’t afford to do that, write a heartfelt note about why you love someone and send it – or tell them directly.

Happy Holidays all…

Dress Rehearsal

• If you’re not used to speaking at length – especially with an unseen audience — get a coach, practice, and know your material inside and out.
• Nervous? Learn proper breathing and vocal warm-up exercises. Stress can make your voice shrill or shaky, lessening credibility. A singing or voice coach can provide guidance.
• Eliminate verbal mannerisms (such as um, uh, yeah, I mean, ya know). Record yourself in practice and try simply pausing for a split second when you need to gather your thoughts. People use mannerisms because they’re uncomfortable with silence-but mannerisms lessen the sound of confidence.
• Make sure all technical issues are worked out in advance, including audio quality. Are you using a reputable web service to connect to your audience? Nothing hurts credibility like a failed connection or wrong conference line number at the opening of an online presentation – especially if your topic is technology!
• Practice your material but don’t recite by rote. Use bullet points as a verbal guide to keep you focused and on track, but be spontaneous in your delivery.
• Drink lots of water two hours before your presentation to hydrate your vocal cords. Keep water handy during the webinar. A few drops of lemon juice in your water can eliminate “mouth noise” and smacking.
• Try to avoid dairy, salty foods and tea before speaking – these create phlegm and/or dry out your vocal cords.
• Don’t talk down to your audience; prepare with their level of “savvy” in mind.
• Find a fresh take on old topics. Use compelling graphs or visual aids or links people can refer back to. Make them available post-presentation. Use memorable, bulleted bites that get your points across and stick with the listener.
• Pick out a friendly “face” ahead of time in your mind to which you can direct your practice and presentation. Use a photo if you need to as an anchor. This will add sincerity and genuinely connect you with your listeners.

Showtime

• Briefly introduce yourself and your guest(s), or, if you’re using one, have the web service host do it for you.
• Get quickly to the subject at hand and remember that people are making an investment of their time in your information potential.
• Outline up front what listeners can expect to learn and then follow through.
• Keep an eye on the time allotted for each point you need to make. Do you have an hour? 90 minutes? Is there Q/A at the end?
• Stay engaged with and committed to your material. If there is a webinar host, give them a list of prepared questions along with key points you’ll touch on to help you hit all your marks.
• Exude confidence and “expert energy”. If you’re not truly interested in or don’t believe in your material, your listeners won’t either.
• No need to cram an entire book into your allotted time. Your webinar can be a selling tool as well as an educational one. If appropriate, leave listeners wanting more detail so they’ll follow-up with you offline.
• Allow enough time for questions and answer the most compelling, relevant questions that your material may not have covered, or that re-state important points.
• Succinctly recap your main points and thank your listeners for their time. Let people know how to reach you for more information.
• Consider following up with a satisfaction survey (Constant Contact or Survey Monkey, e.g.). Ask how you could have made it a better experience. Then act on it!