FREE VOICE-OVER LESSONS: BASICS/PROFESSIONAL PROTOCOL PT.3

I discontinued voice-over training and coaching, and for years still received inquiries about how to start a voice-over career (which simply has no concise response.)  While no longer teaching, I have decided to post increments from my Basics Training Event Workbook here, with a link to an audio track narrated by me.  It's my hope to help those interested in learning more about voice-over and what's involved in starting a career.

The sixth in the series of voice-over basics is the 3rd of 3 posts on Professional Protocol, addressing Session Etiquette and Professional Apology. 

TCVO Presents…

SPRING INTO VOICE-OVER!

© Teri Clark Linden, 2014

PROFESSIONAL PROTOCOL

Attitude (See previous blog "Basics/Professional Protocol Pt. 1)

Teri’s Golden Rules (See previous blog "Basics/Professional Protocol Pt. 2)

Session Etiquette

Professional Apology

Session/Audition Etiquette

It’s a party: You’re invited!

Arrive on time

Ask questions

Everyone is right

Read the situation

Professional Apology

Pamela Lewis (author of Talking Funny For Money) introduced me to the idea of “Professional Apology,” and I want to pass it on to you.

Confidence is key to coming across at the microphone successfully.  No one likes to feel intimidated or insecure and certainly when we make mistakes feel bad for it.  We are human.  We make mistakes.  Or, we make choices we think are brilliant only to get the feedback that they weren’t, and could we please do something else?  Whatever the case, don’t take it personally and crumble.  Pamela suggests using the following sentence with the intention of Professional Apology:

Professional Apology Practice Script

“I’m sorry.  Let me try that again for you.”

Practice breaking this into two different thoughts, with the first thought being, “Oh, I’m so sorry!  I’ve had eight bookings already this morning and I’m fried!”  The second thought is a completely sincere, while smiling, “Let me try that again for you.”  Now with the first thought, you don’t want to come across arrogant by any means.  It’s just one of those mornings, where you have been so busy ‘where is your head?’ and ‘let’s get it back on now!’  Don’t crumble or come across as insecure and weak either.  Smiling while you say anything at the microphone always makes what you are saying come across with a smile too.  Practicing professional apology will keep you out of a self deprecating place and into a professional one.

© Teri Clark Linden, 2014

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MY NARRATION OF TODAY'S LESSON ON PROFESSIONAL PROTOCOL/SESSION ETIQUETTE & PROFESSIONAL APOLOGY.

CLICK HERE FOR THE YOUTUBE VIDEO OF TODAY'S POST ON PROFESSIONAL PROTOCOL/SESSION ETIQUETTE & PROFESSIONAL APOLOGY.

In the booth recording today's lesson.

Film Role

Little diversion from my Voice-Over reporting to write about an upcoming on-camera project I just found out about 3 days ago:

So lucky to be last minute replacement for lead in small indie film produced and directed by Ohio U upperclassmen for their "419 production" class. Embarking on a journey researching an actual leading role (v. the 1-5 line one scene Studio films I usually do) and researching & Skyping & collaborating on everything from script table work to wardrobe.  It's like a Master Class where I get paid for my attendance and work!  I get to Skype with the lad playing my son tomorrow (in our "Thelma & Louise"-like Mother/Son story) and start shooting this weekend.  Oh, and I can add Texas to my list of states I've visited. I'm being flown there for a few days in March to shoot some road trip scenes (where I'll be at the helm of a '63 Ford Falcloln - oh, yeah, it's a period piece...1965.) Living my dream.  Stay tuned.

Fringe I cut tonight for the role.

FREE VOICE-OVER LESSONS: BASICS/PROFESSIONAL PROTOCOL PT. 2

I discontinued voice-over training and coaching, and for years still received inquiries about how to start a voice-over career (which simply has no concise response.)  While no longer teaching, I have decided to post increments from my Basics Training Event Workbook here, with a link to an audio track narrated by me.  It's my hope to help those interested in learning more about voice-over and what's involved in starting a career.

The fifth in the series of voice-over basics is the 2nd of 3rd posts on Professional Protocol, addressing "Teri's Golden Rules." 

TCVO Presents…

SPRING INTO VOICE-OVER!

© Teri Clark Linden, 2014

PROFESSIONAL PROTOCOL

Attitude (See previous blog "Basics/Professional Protocol Pt. 1)

Teri’s Golden Rules

Session Etiquette

Professional Apology

Teri’s Golden Rules

An actor never directs another actor

Don’t take anything personally

Check your ego at the door

Fire your judge

I have come up with a few golden rules I try to live by when auditioning and working around others.  Number one, especially in the acting world is AN ACTOR NEVER DIRECTS ANOTHER ACTOR.  This pertains at the microphone as well.  It’s up to the director to communicate to the actor what is wanted and if you are a good enough actor, you will be able to get what you need from another actor with what you give them, not with what you tell them.  It’s taboo. 

Rule number two for auditions and sessions: DON’T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY.  You can apply this to life as well.  (There is a great book written by Don Miguel Ruiz called The Four Agreements and not taking anything personally is one of the agreements.)  Your director’s mood is your interpretation made by your ego and that’s all.  It’s a wonderful thing when personalities mesh and everyone gets along, but sometimes that’s not the case.  Don’t focus on negative perceptions, but keep your energy on the task at hand, keeping your mood light and pleasant at all times.  Set the tone.  

Here’s rule number three: CHECK YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR.  No one likes to be around a big head.  You’re all there to accomplish the same thing: a good audition or a good commercial spot.  

This leads to number four: FIRE YOUR JUDGE.  You are your own worst critic.  You and your ego will get in the way of your creativity and professionalism every single time and ruin a good session or take.  Be open to your director and fellow actors.  Give to them and they will receive what you give, be inspired and give back.  When they don’t, reach into your bag of tricks you learned from your training because that’s what it’s there for.  

© Teri Clark Linden, 2014

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MY NARRATION OF TODAY'S LESSON ON PROFESSIONAL PROTOCOL/TERI'S GOLDEN RULES.

CLICK HERE FOR THE YOUTUBE VIDEO OF TODAY'S POST ON PROFESSIONAL PROTOCOL/TERI'S GOLDEN RULES.