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.