Take a class in improvisation if you want to improve your management and communications skills. Yes, Virginia, there IS a place in the business world for improvisation. Not just the "think quick on your feet" glib type of speech used by slick Willies in sales, but real improv. The kind that professional actors perform on stage that often generates lots of laughs. Second City. The Groundlings. THAT kind of improv. I see that you're already shrinking back from the idea, thinking "I'm not a comedian" or "I'm not getting up on any stage!" or "I can't come up with a snappy response just like that!" Don't worry. I'm not talking about improv for entertainment purposes, but to broaden the skills you'll need in everyday business. Skills like leadership, management, and interpersonal communications. Activities that inspire creativity and contribute to building a strong work team based on trust and active listening. What's the basis of great communications? Listening. Improv teaches us to truly listen: to live in the moment and respond with an open heart to the other person in the conversation. How does improv help in a business environment? Improv trains your staff to value everyone's contribution, whether or not it solves a particular problem, and frees up even the most reticent and shy to participate without fear of judgment. The basis of improvisation is being in the moment, truly listening to the person in front of you, taking in what they have to say, and building upon their perspective. You may have heard of the basic "yes, and..." game, in which you listen to what the other person is saying, accept it as truth, and then add on to their story with your own insight or observation. It doesn't have to be funny. Just sincere. For example, person A would say: "Revenue for this quarter is taking a nose-dive because of that recent acquisition." Person B may respond with: "Yes, the company took quite a risk, but I think that by the end of the year we'll see an entirely new market opened up to us as a result." Person A can continue the conversation with: "Good, I hope so! Please get back to me with your projected sales revenues for Q4." In a light-hearted improv session, the conversation may instead go like this, with person A declaring: "Aha! I knew it! You're the infamous cookie thief!" Person B goes with the flow: "You caught me red-handed, Detective Know-It-All. But hey, nobody can have just one." Person A runs with the idea that person B is a human Cookie Monster: "And that's your downfall. I suppose I'll be bringing you in on milk-swiping charges, too." and so forth. I think you get the idea. It furthers the conversation and doesn't shut anyone down. Advantage: Improv creates emotional bonds within work teams Improv games are often high energy. One of my favorites is a warm-up exercise to get everyone warmed up and attentive. It's called "zip-zap-zop." Your team stands in a circle. One member looks into another person's eyes, extends his arm like he's throwing an energy bolt at her, and says "zip!" The recipient immediately chooses a different individual to look at, extends her arm towards him and says "zap!" This third person chooses someone and repeats the same action calling out "zop!" The game continues in a rotation of zip-zap-zop, in which anyone can direct the energy to anyone else until the leader feels that everyone is engaged and energized. There's usually a lot of laughter that goes along with this game, too, and the sense of fun builds a positive emotional bond within the team. When people are enjoying themselves, they're building a sense of community and friendship. They also can see a side of their co-workers that may not often show itself in the workplace, like a mischievous sense of humor or a talent for wordplay. There are games that require collaboration between two people, like the alphabet game, in which a conversation take place between them. The first person starts a sentence with the letter A. The second person replies beginning with the letter B. They continue alternating, continuing through the alphabet until they end up at Z. Yes, some letters (like Q) can be more challenging than others, and the conversation may take a weird turn, but it's fun. And the participants (and onlookers) will have a good laugh or two. Improv trains your people to expect the unexpected and to take it all in stride. Actually, a very good life lesson for anyone! Advantage: Improv trains sales and customer service teams to pivot Improv is particularly helpful for sales and customer service teams, especially if they're looking for new and better ways to connect with their leads and clients. Difficult clients? Improv can help your team discover new ways to connect with these folks, listen and learn what's most important to them, and ask insightful questions based on what the clients tell them. It's all about listening and moving the conversation forward. I know - I used to be in high tech sales, where I was often calling on introverts who preferred coding to conversation. It wasn't always easy to draw them out, so I learned to speak their language and truly listen to the problems they were trying to solve. I also called on top executives, who'd dole out five minutes (at most) on their calendars, in which I had to listen to their top concerns, make a compelling case for them to work with my company, and come away with a mandate that would move us that much closer to a sale. In both scenarios, my staff and I would often have to pivot to understand new concerns, respond to changes in direction, and bring in specialists to resolve unexpected issues. Improv trains your people to expect the unexpected and to take it all in stride. Actually, a very good life lesson for anyone! Laura's Quick Tips Most people just want to be heard and their opinions respected. That's what improv teaches. A good crisis can bind people together in a hurry. Improv can do the same without any of the trauma. An open-minded, flexible attitude builds strong relationships with clients. Improv training helps your staff pivot when new information or obstacles are presented. Interested in learning more about improv? I'm happy to talk with you more one-on-one about it and how it can help your organization. I'm currently performing in an improv company. Read more about it here > Could your sales team use some help presenting to your prospects or customers, either via online Zoom calls or in person? As a former sales rep turned actress, I know how to bring the entertainment factor into even the most dry content. I can work one-on-one or with a group. Check out some of my top tips with this free downloadable PDF: Want help developing your on-camera confidence? I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

An actor's take on how and why you need to brand your business ... or yourself. So what's an actress doing talking about branding? Shouldn't that be discussed with, oh let's say, a marketing specialist? Yes and no. Marketing experts, and particularly those who specialize in branding businesses, do know a great deal about the subject. Presumably much more than someone who works in the entertainment industry. But think about it for a second. Which profession requires instantly recognizable branding to even be considered for work? Actors. And not the famous ones. We already know what to expect when we work with them. It's the vast majority of actors who aren't famous who need strong branding the most. When a casting director is trying to find the right person for a role, they don't have a lot of time to research each job applicant. Each role, even the smallest ones, attract hundreds if not thousands of qualified actors. The casting director has limited time to determine which ones to ask to audition and has for each actor only a headshot and a performance reel (which may not even be watched) to make the decision. If that headshot and first moments of a reel don't immediately cue the casting director as to that person's essence and if that person could be right for the role, they're rejected and the casting director is immediately on to the next possibility. It's fast. It's brutal. It's branding. And it's essential. What did we talk about? Clearly identifying what you and/or your business are all about Showing potential customers what you have to offer them Demonstrating the benefits your customers will receive from working with you Thanks, Mary Scott, for having me on your BusinessRiff podcast! We only had nine minutes, so Mary told me to go for it, which I did. Lots of info in a short segment. Learn how become more effective on camera! I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

You're not alone. Public speaking - including when it's to the camera - can be a nerve-wracking experience. Time to rein in the anxiety. Does the idea of talking on camera make you anxious? Welcome to normal. Talking, presenting, or just addressing a camera lens is innately odd. We’re used to speaking to people, or at least pets, not inanimate objects. Well, unless those objects are called Alexa or Siri or some other AI model name. Furthermore, speaking on camera for a video is also a form of public speaking, which most people find intimidating and avoid at all cost. If you’re especially uncomfortable with receiving attention, the experience can be quite stressful. The good news: even the most camera-shy can build their confidence, learn to address the camera lens as if it were a real person, and pull off a professional performance. This video demonstrates four easy-to-follow steps to help you conquer and move past anxiety. Don’t worry about being perfect! It’s the human quirks and foibles that make you interesting. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips 1. Before you step in front of the camera, take a minute for a simple breathing exercise to relax your mind and body. 2. Minimize distractions in the recording space. 3. Focus on your message, not on perfection. 4. Talk to your camera as you would a good friend. If you found this video helpful, check out the others in the YouTube series Top Tips for Busy Execs . Just want a quick sound bite? Practical tips, each in less than a minute, make up the YouTube short video series On Camera Confidence . Want help developing your on-camera confidence? I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Improv is coming to TV ... and to a streaming service near you There's not much new original TV available right now. Or coming for the immediate future. The double-whammy of a writers' strike (Writers Guild of America) and an actors' strike (SAG-AFTRA) is taking its toll on everyone, including its audiences. The issues underlying the strikes are very serious. However they're resolved, they'll affect the entertainment industry for a long time to come. But in the meantime, expect a lot of reality series to be broadcast. A LOT. Like game shows, they're relatively inexpensive to produce. Best of all, from the studios' perspectives, they don't require writers or actors. Good for the studios, not so great for the rest of us. Industries, though, have a way of being disrupted. We hear about them all the time in the worlds of technology, medical services, and transportation, to name a few. Why should entertainment be any different? It's not. That's a good part of why the writers' and actors' unions are striking. AI (and its potential for abuse) and the success of streaming services are turning the industry on its head. But guess what? Actors and writers don't have to sit on their hands hoping and waiting for a favorable outcome. No, we're trained to go out there and make our own content. And that's what some of us are doing. Welcome to a new type of improv comedy. It's riding the wave of some of these very disruptors that are shaking up the entertainment industry in unexpected ways. What's different is that it has the potential to empower the very people who are making it: the actors vs. the studio executives. Allow me to introduce you to the GrooveCat TV improv company. Industry disruptors are double-edged swords. They cut jobs, but they also provide huge opportunities for those who can recognize them. Sometimes it's the underdog who ends up on top. Beyond Second City I've always loved improvisation and its cousin, extemporaneous speaking. (My favorite event when I was a member of my university's competitive speech team.) Once upon a long time ago, I studied with Second City in Chicago and with the (now defunct) Atlanta Highwire Comedy troupe. Fast forward to early 2023, when I picked up improv again with classes taught by an Emmy award-winning director and the founder of one of Atlanta's longest running improv troupes. David Webster, affectionately known as "Web" to his friends and students, has created a new, experiential form of improv that he's eager to bring to TV and streaming services. Pure improv: no pre-planned skits, forced humor, or one-joke comedy. Nope, this is improv that touches on real life and evokes authentic emotional responses in its audience. It is DIFFERENT. Forget wacka-wacka comedy. This improv is EXPERIENTIAL. Remember "Seinfeld," the show self-described as all "about nothing?" It was definitely about something: the small, often humorous, everyday experiences and annoyances that we all go through. It was genuinely funny and its episodes resonated with most of us. Web's improv is kind of like that. His company, the GrooveCats, performs experiential improv that's grounded in real human experiences and feelings. Students are taught not to go all out for the big laughs from a single joke, but to evoke authentic emotions from the scenes we play. And when we, the performers, truly put ourselves in these situations and honestly feel what our characters would be experiencing, then the scene takes on heart and depth and resonates with our audiences. As for the funny, well, it comes naturally from the bizarre situations our real characters find themselves in and the improv games we play to move the scenes along. And it WORKS! See for yourself in November 2023 when we come via a streaming service near you. Watch this blog for details and then catch an episode or two when it airs. Let me know if you think this type of improv works for you! It won't matter if you decide to participate as a member of our live, in-person studio audience or as part of our digital community watching from wherever or however you like. You'll have the same chance to participate by throwing out improv suggestions as any in-person participant (or heckler, for that matter) might do. Improv makes me a better actor. The ability to live in the moment, connect with the scene and other actors, and react spontaneously and authentically is the basis for good acting. Striking the soul of acting: stage, screen, or voice over. Now let me give you the actor's perspective. True acting is re-acting. It's all about being in the moment, taking in the actions around you, and responding as any real person would to what others in that scene or saying or doing. And this is what improv teaches: to listen and react. Web's GrooveCat company goes one step further by bringing the essence of stage, screen, and voice acting to improv. And that's EMOTION, which gives every scene importance and weight. Not many - if any other - improv companies do that. This is another reason why I'm enjoying being a GrooveCat: it makes me a better actor. Period. I have another tool in my belt for accessing the deep emotion and purpose that a character is feeling and bringing it to whatever scene I'm in. You may have heard of the Meisner acting technique, which teaches how to be in the moment. Well, so does this form of improv. The Stanislavski acting method trains actors in the art of "experiencing" by accessing deep wells of emotion. Web's improv does so, too. Personally, I like improv takes the best of two of the most acclaimed acting techniques, melds them together, and applies them to subtle comedy. Furthermore, I think that this type of improv, especially as Web is positioning us for live broadcast, is at the forefront of unscripted TV. There's historical context, too. Think back to the writers' strike (Writers Guild of America or WGA) in 2007-2008 when all scripted TV shows went on hiatus for the duration of the strike. That's when the reality series format truly took off. Now just look at how many unscripted series we have today, and how many more being planned, especially with the SAG-AFTRA actors' strike looking to last through the rest of 2023. People want their entertainment and they like it fresh. Can't get much fresher than improv, both in the literal and figurative senses. (Translation: content is continually being created anew and the subject matter can - let's be honest - get rather raw.) Where do I think we're going? In the near term, on a popular streaming service. Long term? Well, let's just say that 15 years ago, reality TV was a relatively inexpensive answer to traditionally scripted television shows. I think we're going to see broadcast improv shows like the GrooveCats storm those parapets in the coming years. Laura's Quick Tips Disruption is not always a bad thing, even though it feels that way at the time. There's always the urge to balance: the more we're fed pre-packaged, bland "entertainment" by computer, the more people crave authentic human experiences. Embrace new ventures. You never know where they'll lead you! Comedy is everywhere, even in the smallest of places. I've created my own super short video series called Momisms. Each video is only 5-10 seconds long and enacts one of those funny sayings you find on cocktail napkins, postcards, towels, and aprons when you stop in those little gift shops while on vacation. At least, that's what I do! The sayings aren't originals, but the videos acting them out are. Check 'em out ! I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Quick tips to become more comfortable and charismatic on camera. Got a quick minute? If you need help getting ready for your next video appearance, I've got some helpful, practical tips for you right now. Maybe you'll be speaking on behalf of your company. Perhaps you're prepping for an on-camera interview. Or possibly you have an important Zoom presentation scheduled soon. If you're at all nervous or unsure how to speak to the camera and own the virtual room ... well, check out this video series. Even the camera-shy can be dynamic on camera with a little guidance from an industry pro. Learn to relax on camera I get it. If you're not used to speaking in public or addressing the camera, it can be downright scary, especially if you know a lot of people will be watching you live or in a replay. Even worse, things in the digital world have a way of hanging around forever, which doesn't exactly help to put your mind at ease. Relaxing for the camera may sound like an impossibility, but it's something you CAN achieve. As a former business gal turned actress, I've learned all the professional tricks, tips, and techniques that can help you look like a pro, too. And guess what? They're not hard. That's why I can teach a few of them in a minute or so. Understand the power and limitations of the lens To do well on camera, it's useful to know its strengths and weaknesses so that you can use them to your own best advantage. How do you fit a 3D person (you) into a 2D Zoom box and still convey all your personality and uniqueness? I talk about how to address the camera so that your viewers feel like you're speaking one-on-one to them. How to work within the frame of the camera's lens and avoid many amateur mistakes. And what equipment you need if you'll be recording your own videos and how to use them. When you learn to play to the camera, your videos will become so much more interesting to watch. Discover how to keep your viewers glued to your live or recorded virtual appearance When you're speaking to a group of people in person, you can usually tell from their expressions when they're bored, confused, or distracted by something else. Not so easy in a Zoom call if the viewers' cameras are off or if their little boxes are not appearing on screen at all. Certainly not if you're in a recorded video that people can watch later at their leisure. There's no guarantee that you can keep viewers watching from start to finish, but you CAN significantly increase the odds with a few tips on dynamic delivery. Learn how to minimize verbal fillers like "um" and "you know" and how to play with pace, tone, volume, and intended pauses. Quick tips that can help you become a more fluent, interesting speaker, both on camera and in person. Here’s a sample: Want to see some more? They’re all on YouTube, along with my other long and short video series. If you find them helpful, consider subscribing . You'll be notified as each new one becomes available. And it'll only take a minute or less per video. Laura's Quick Tips Physical movement and basic breathing exercises can greatly help you relax in front of the camera. When you learn to play to the camera, your videos will become so much more interesting to watch. Vary your speech patterns and play with your delivery to add interest, excitement, and a little drama to your presentation. Find them all on the On Camera Confidence playlist on my YouTube channel . Want help developing your on-camera confidence? I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Perfectionism - it's a good way to kill your creativity and productivity in one fell swoop. The pursuit of perfection can often be self-defeating. And more than a little frustrating! That's not to say that excellence is not your goal. On the contrary, it should be. But striving to achieve your ideal can cost you more time and money than you have available and leave you with very stale results. Totally counter-productive, and the frustration or panic you may feel will only feed upon itself, sending your creativity and productivity spiraling downwards. Don't let perfectionism strangle you. Here's a handful of practical tips from a reformed perfectionist to help you avoid perfection paralysis. Cut yourself a little slack, like you probably already do for others. Remember the law of diminishing returns. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Kick negative self-talk to the curb. Do your best, especially within time and budget restrictions. Realize your physical limits Embrace imperfection. We're human and sometimes those less than perfect results prove more interesting. Value what you're doing right. Getting past perfectionism will help you look and feel much more relaxed - and happy! - in your videos. Want more practical ideas that you can immediately use? Check out On Camera Tips for Success . Want help developing your on-camera confidence? I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Acting Secrets from the On-Camera World Acting for voice over is not so different than acting for the camera. Although perhaps a bit harder, since there’s no one else in the room to interact with. And it’s typically in a VERY small room, at that. The primary difference is the medium of expression. On-camera work is close-up, often focusing on the face, and especially on the eyes. This is where actors in a scene most connect. And it’s where we register the truth behind a character’s emotions and reactions to the other people and events in the story. Often, our sense that a scene feels REAL is because the actor has internalized his or her character’s wants and the struggle to overcome obstacles – and expresses that honesty through the eyes. A number of acting schools, particularly those that teach the Meisner technique , train their actors to connect with their scene partners visually, to search for the real meaning of a word or phrase in the eyes and thereby react viscerally and honestly. Voice actors have a microphone. That’s it, no one else is in the booth. Perhaps a photo of an imagined scene partner may be propped up as a point of connection, but there’s no other living, breathing human being inside that rather constricted space to react to. The story, the emotion, the truth of the moment must be conveyed solely through the voice. This doesn’t mean that the voice actor doesn’t use the rest of the body – far from it! – but that the inflection, tone, tempo, volume, and pacing of the voice is the sole medium of expression. The same acting principles, however, apply to voice over as they do to on-camera work. The trained voice actor analyzes the script in very much the same way as the on-camera actor. What is the story that is being told? If the script is a commercial piece, then what is the problem that the target audience is wrestling with and how does the client’s product or service resolve it? If the voice over is intended for internal corporate use, perhaps as a presentation or an eLearning module, there may be a call-to-action (CTA), as well. The actor analyzes the script from multiple angles and asks a variety of questions to bring clarity to its purpose. The relationship between speaker and receiver, the purpose of the voice over, the placement in time and space (even if not seen) to ground the scene, the obstacles and conflicts that must be recognized and overcome, and perhaps even a change of perspective or understanding by the speaker himself/herself … the process is the same. Voice over IS acting, not just reading a script in a pleasant voice, and the successful voice artist has trained in both acting and improvisation work. The goal for both voice and on-camera actors is the same: to create a believable, “real person” to convey a message. Sanford Meisner famously teaches, acting is "living truthfully under imaginary circumstances." And this applies whether the medium is visual or purely auditory.

Starting Off Strong and Avoiding Common Mistakes OK, you've trained in voice over, you may be working one-on-one with a coach, and you have a pretty decent home studio. Now what? It's time to offer your services as a professional voice talent. The first thing to do is to create a demo of your work. Pick one genre to start. Most people begin with a commercial demo, as that is what voiceover agents primarily want from their talent rosters. If, however, you're primarily focusing on one of the many genres that don't typically involve agents, such as audiobooks or eLearning, then you may choose instead to record your first demo in one of those other areas. Demos are the calling cards of the voice acting world. They showcase the VO actor's talent, range, and versatility within and across voiceover genres. Competition is stiff and standards are set high, so voice actors need to have high quality, professional demos. Here are some basic do's and don'ts to keep in mind: Do's 1. One genre, one demo - each genre requires its own demo. Long gone are the days when a single demo mixed commercial, promo, and character tracks to highlight the talent's abilities. Agents and buyers want to listen specifically to examples of the type of work that they’re casting. Someone who only books voices for commercials is not going to listen to an audiobook demo. 2. Professional quality - this is not a do-it-yourself project. Go to an accomplished, vetted demo producer who will evaluate your voice, customize short scripts that show your range and versatility, and record and produce the finished piece. Not sure where to go? Start by asking for referrals from other voice actors whose demos you like, coaches, and studios where you’ve trained. Some coaches and studios offer demo production services, but carefully evaluate their work just as you would any other. Listen to the demos that they have produced and talk with the voice actors who’ve used them. Are they happy with the finished product? Was the producer easy to work with? Have they been able to book work off their demo? 3. Approximately one minute in length - each demo contains four to seven short scripts that keep the listener's interest with variety and range. For example, a commercial script will have a read that is conversational, another that is authoritative, a third that is caring and compassionate, a fourth that is full of attitude, etc. Oftentimes, agents or buyers only listen to the first few seconds to determine if they like the voice or think there’s talent there, and may skip ahead here and there to sample for range. Then, if they’re interested, they’ll listen to the whole thing. 4. Update demos as VO trends change - we've seen commercial trends go from the big announcer read to the the more personable conversational or "real person" read to the laid-back Millennial sound. Now with worries over Coronavirus, the trend is shifting towards more caring, compassionate reads, especially with medical spots. Even within these trends, styles change and demos need to reflect the current marketplace. Demos have an average two year life span, usually due to a combination of improvement in the voice actor’s skills or changes in their voice, and/or shifts in the market trends and the “sound” that’s currently in demand. Don'ts 1. Don't record a demo before you are ready - train, train, and then train some more. Your teacher or coach will tell you when you are ready. You typically have only one chance to present yourself to agents for representation, production companies for inclusion on their rosters, or buyers for your services. Make that first impression when you can consistently deliver two different takes on a script within a few reads. 2. Don't waste your money on "demo mills" - these are scams that promise the would-be voice actor a few lessons and a "quality demo," all for a low, low price and produced within a very short period of time. Don't waste your money. You need more than a few lessons and these "churn and burn" operators take your money and deliver very little value. Worst yet, the demos they produce could tarnish your reputation for a very long time. All the listener knows is that the demo is supposed to represent your ability and professionalism, and if one or the other is lacking, so may be your opportunities to book professional-level work. 3. Don't present a poor quality demo - a professional demo producer will customize a demo that presents your voice to its best advantages. Prices range all over the board, but do your due diligence before deciding on who to hire. Listen to their previously produced demos for both content and audio quality and don’t cut corners. Even if you have a top quality recording space and can create tracks with music or special effects, the top VO talent will still urge you to work with someone who can objectively and expertly assess your vocal strengths and guide your recording session. 4. Don't hold onto old demos past their expiration dates – OK, demos aren’t stamped with a “throw out” date, but they can sound pretty outdated much more quickly than we realize. It’s not just that delivery styles change rather frequently, but our voices change over time, too, some more quickly than others. Voices deepen, may become raspier, or we may just sound wiser as we age. Life experiences creep in to color our vocal delivery, changing the way we see the world and how we express ourselves. Just like an on-camera actor’s headshots have to be updated every few years, our demos have to reflect who we are at that moment, not who we used to be. And while you may love an older demo, don't keep presenting it as current. Even if you’re Dorian Gray and never change, styles do and an outdated demo will stick out like a sore thumb to industry professionals. Looking for other takes on producing a voice over demo? Here are a few other articles you may enjoy: Common Voiceover Demo Mistakes to Avoid I Want to be a Voice Actor VoiceOverXtra How to Make Audio Demos That Get Voiceover Work

You’re a Professional. Here’s What You Need to Get Started. First impressions count. If you haven’t been told that before, know that the adage is true. You may not get a second look, at least for not for quite a while, if you get off on the wrong foot. It’s much easier to propel your voice over business to a strong start when you present yourself as a professional from the very beginning. Voice over is a business like any other when it comes to creating the fundamentals. Make sure that you’ve covered the bases before hanging your shingle and welcoming customers. Skip a step and your business is more likely to fail. First, do the prep work. Decide what products or services you are offering and how they can benefit your customers. Hone the necessary skills to make a high quality product that people want. In voice over, this translates to training and coaching so that you can acquire the knowledge and skills to create, offer, and deliver your services … high quality voice overs. There are many reputable coaches and training programs, available both in-person and on-line. Reference this article for a list of multiple resources to help you get your game up to its highest standards. Second, have a dedicated workplace where your products are made. Have all the tools you need sharpened and at hand, and be able to consistently turn out a quality product. This is the voice actor’s home studio . It is your workshop and your tools include a properly treated space, a good microphone, interface, recording/editing software, and headphones/speakers. And, of course, a reliable computer. I talked about the basic of creating a home studio in another article that you may find useful. Third, have samples of your work available so that potential customers can see for themselves what you can do. These are your voice demos that showcase your talent, range, and experience. One demo per genre, please – a commercial buyer does not want to hear how you narrate audiobooks. Yes, I have another article that focuses on the do’s and don’ts of demo creation. The fourth step is to actually create the store and a marketing plan where you can advertise your business, find and attract leads, and service your customers. This is your voice over website and it can grow with you as you develop your voice over career. Check out this article about what goes into making a professional website and the resources for building an effective storefront for your business. By having all the preliminaries in place – and keeping them current and in good working order – your business can thrive. And when the customer finds value in your services, they’ll more likely help you grow your business with repeat business and referrals. So, how do you find your new clients? Besides referrals and personal networking, which are terrific ways of finding new business, here are a few options: Casting Sites or “Pay to Plays” A majority of newer voice actors find their start on voice casting sites or “pay to plays,” so named because they are most often only available as subscription services. There are literally dozens of these sites worldwide, some with better reputations than others, and all at different price points. You may or may not have to audition with one of your demos to be accepted. Commonly, they will allow you to build a profile describing your vocal qualities and the genres that you want to voice in. You will be able to upload one or more demos and submit auditions for jobs that fit your profile. Each works differently, but know that for each job, you may be competing with fifty to one hundred other voice actors, depending on how many auditions the client has requested. Each site also has their own protocols for handling pricing, booking, communications with the client, and payment for completed jobs. I’m not going to list all the casting sites here, except to say that I use Voiceovers.com , VoPlanet , and Bodalgo , all of which I’ve found to be highly reputable and responsible to their talent. Occasionally, I also see voice over jobs listed on Actors Access , primarily a (subscription-based) casting site for on-screen actors. Do your due diligence and don’t oversubscribe and spend all your time chasing their auditions. You’ll find that audition requests are very time sensitive. They may state that talent has a few days or even a week to submit an audition, but the truth is that clients may only accept 25, 50, or 100 auditions, at which point submissions are no longer accepted. Additionally, getting your audition in towards the end of the queue may mean that the client may not even listen to it. Often, if clients hear something they like early on, they make their casting decision right then and there. Many auditions can sound the same after listening to dozens in a row, and not all clients have the patience for it, despite having asked for so many in the first place. You can feel tied to your computer, watching for an audition to come in, so that you rush to be one of the first in the queue. Some casting sites will show you how many have already been submitted, so won’t. The point is that casting sites are a nice way to find work from time to time, but the numbers are against you. Honestly, it’s highly unlikely that you can make a living off of these “pay to plays” alone. Self-Marketing The bulk of good opportunities are found by marketing your own business directly to production companies and businesses, and driving interested leads to your website. Leads come from a variety of sources, including personal networking with local businesses, referrals, and using Google and LinkedIn to find companies you want to work with and the decision makers within those companies. Self-marketing takes time, self-discipline, and persistence, but it pays off with much better opportunities down the road than other methods. It also requires you to run your business as a professional business, with lead tracking, regular marketing communications, and an invoicing and payment system, to say the least. It requires self-discipline and strong organizational skills, and the mindset to proactively look for new business, rather than more passively waiting for auditions to populate your inbox from the casting sites. One of the most important tools that you’ll want to get sooner than later is a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system for keeping track of your leads, prospects, and clients. Look for a CRM that fits the size of your business. Some are intended for corporate-wide use and may be overkill for what you need AND your budget. They all have different strengths, as well as price points. Primarily, you’ll have to decide what you want from your CRM. Some have integrated email messaging systems, others help you keep track of your targets’ social media activity, most will include invoicing and job tracking. All will help you manage a growing list of contacts. Some popular choices for voice over businesses include: · Wix · Close · Nimble · Hubspot Some newer systems developed just for voice actors are: · Voiceoverview · Upperlevel CRM A few casting sites offer their own custom CRM systems, too. So, how do you choose which to use? As with any other tool, there’s a trade-off between functionality and price. Decide which features are most important to you and how much you’re willing to spend. Test the user interface to see how the system works. Do you like the way you can pull up client data, update records, and view reports? Often, the decision on which CRM to use comes down to what feels natural to you. So how do you successfully self-market your VO business? Rather than reinventing a wheel that’s been extensively road tested by others, I prefer to refer you to two voice actors who have done remarkably well in this area and who have made a name for themselves as VO business experts. They’ll teach you their steps for marketing your VO business, what pitfalls to avoid, the tools to use, etc. Marc Scott has a podcast and Facebook group, as well as an overall marketing program and coaching service. Tracey Lindley built her VO career on leveraging LinkedIn and teaches others to do the same. There are others, but I’ve personally worked with both Marc and Tracey and found a lot of value in what they have to say. Agents In the on-camera world, representation is crucial for finding acting work beyond student productions, small independent films, and the occasional commercial or industrial. In voice over, agents also play an important role, especially for opportunities to audition for national and major regional commercial campaigns, animated roles on TV cartoon series, promos, and other projects. Until you are an established talent, though, and even after you are a working full-time VO actor, the percentage of auditions and bookings from an agent is small compared to what you can find for yourself through direct marketing. Voice agents are usually local, regional, or national in scope and reputation. They are paid by their clients to find the best voice options for any particular job, but represent their talent with contract negotiations and handle invoicing, payment, and accounting. A voice actor may have one, several, or a half dozen agents in different regions of the country, and perhaps even one or two in other national markets. With multiple representation, it’s not unusual for a national commercial job to arrive in the talent’s email inbox from different agents. It’s up to the voice actor (and agents) to determine ahead of time how these situations are handled. The best way to approach an agency for representation is to go to that agency’s website and READ their instructions for submitting yourself. They will tell you if they are open to accepting applications to their roster and the procedures to follow. Please note that you need to have at least one demo (usually commercial) before applying, and ideally a website. Look at their roster, listen to voice samples, and see if you can fill a niche for them. You will hear back if they are interested and often nothing at all if they are not. Check back again in six to twelve months, especially if you have something new (like an updated demo) to show them. Hanging Your Shingle Whew! There’s a lot that you can do to market yourself to potential clients. Remember, though, like with any other business, it takes time to build up your list of qualified prospects and clients. In sales terms, a qualified prospect is someone or some business that needs voice over services and has the budget to make a project happen. A lead is an individual within a business to contact who may have a need for your services. And a client, of course, is someone who has already booked and paid you for a job. So, are you ready to go into business? Let’s review the checklist: · (On-going) voice over training and coaching · One or more professional demos · A home studio for producing high quality audition files (.mp3 or .wav formats), including equipment (minimum: computer, microphone with pop filter, interface, headphones and/or speakers, recording/editing software, internet connectivity) · A website · A system for managing leads, prospects, clients, and bookings · A (multi-tiered) marketing plan for finding work You’re good to go! Hang your shingle with pride, knowing that your business will be ever-changing as both you and the marketplace continue to change and grow. Make it a priority to stay on top of these changes so that you can adjust accordingly with new demos, perhaps upgraded equipment, and of course, on-going training. If you’re missing any of these elements, check with my blog for tips and links to outside expert resources. Best of luck – I look forward to hearing your voice in the ethers down the road.

Top 10 Considerations Before You Start Congrats! Not only are you thinking about becoming a voice actor, you're one of the few people who actually know that voice over is "a thing." Most people associate the voice on the radio with a DJ, the voice of a cartoon character in the movies with a celebrity, and the voice announcing their favorite upcoming TV show ... well, most people have absolutely no idea. But voice over extends way beyond radio imaging, animation, and promo. It plays a huge role in business, with corporate narration for company websites and internal presentations, eLearning for training employees and clients on products and services, and explainers on company websites that illustrate those products through video, animation, and whiteboard presentations. Voice actors describe medical innovations, treatments, and procedures. They also walk the viewer through documentaries or guide museum goers through the exhibits. Political ads, video games, crowd conversations in movie scenes, telephone systems, course audiobooks, and many other genres are all voiced by actors trained to bring words to life, using only their microphone and their vivid imaginations. But getting started in voice over involves much more than buying an inexpensive mic and hooking it up to your computer. Here are my top 10 considerations before getting started: 1. What do you want to voice and why do you want to do it? What draws you to voice over? Do you love audiobooks and imagine yourself voicing multiple characters? Are you a fan of video games and want a career in their creation? Are you a former DJ and want to transition your on-air skills into your own business? Are you particularly adept at tongue-twisting medical jargon and see a financially rewarding opportunity in voicing medical journals and training modules for health care workers? Every genre has its own unique qualities and calls on different skill sets. Decide which ones appeal to you, learn as much as you about them, train with voiceover coaches with experience in those genres, and with their help, create a professional demo. 2. Do you want to be a full or part-time voiceover professional? Or hobbyist? Many people can earn full-time wages as voice over artists, though it doesn't happen overnight. What are your goals? How many hours a day can you devote to it? Do you see it as a side business while working full-time in another field? Or will you be pursuing voice over as a hobby, in which you may derive more joy than income? Knowing the answers to these first few questions will help you answer the rest. 3. Are you prepared to invest time and money to learn your craft? As with screen and stage acting, voice over requires training, practice, and dedication. You don't wake up one day, decide to become a voice actor, and expect to book projects simply because you plugged a mic into your computer. Besides training and individual coaching, you'll need to invest in creating a good recording space, purchasing and learning how to use software to record and edit your recordings, and creating one or more demos that show off your ability and range. You'll also need to invest in yourself, particularly in patience as you build and learn how to run your voiceover business. 4. Are you comfortable working alone in a small, confined space for long stretches of time? Voiceover booths, studios, or dedicated recording spaces are typically small (4'x4' is the norm) and insulated to reduce the "noise floor," so that outside activity doesn't interfere with a quality recording. If you're claustrophobic, this may not be the best career choice for you. 5. Are you willing to dedicate yourself for the long haul? A voice actor can earn a comfortable, full-time living, but this is a competitive business and the professional standards are high. As with any new business, the first few years may see far more investment than payoff, especially when you consider the time to train and develop a quality product (your voice). It's said that it takes 10,000 hours to truly master a new skill, and voice over is no different. 6. Are you willing to learn and adapt to an ever-changing marketplace? The demands and whims of the marketplace change often over time, and sometimes take an abrupt shift when outside events change dramatically. For example, to demonstrate the shift over decades, the once popular deep announcer voice gave way to a more conversational tone, which segued to the popular laid-back, "I don't care" Millennial read. A good part of this shift came with the changing generations, as younger people rejected commercial messages that preached to their audiences what they should be buying and why. With the internet and then social media, attention spans shortened and voice overs adjusted with new-found attitude and humor to attract listeners. Now, more recently with the Coronavirus pandemic and a fearful public focused on medical information and treatments, we're seeing fast-growing demand for the caring, reassuring, and compassionate middle-aged voice. 7. Are you a self-starter? Are you an exceptionally lucky individual with uncourted opportunities falling in your lap at every turn? Do you have a huge social media following clamoring for your next project? Are you a "name" celebrity that creatives would like to see attached to their projects? Neither am I. So clients are probably not going to be hunting us down for our voiceover services right out of the gate. You'll find that agents are not easy to come by and even when you are on a talent roster, auditions will be far fewer and in between than what you may have imagined. Casting sites ("pay to plays") seem to offer tons of opportunities, but are you aware that you'll be competing against a hundred or so other voice actors for one job, most of whom may be far more experienced than you? Most voiceover work comes from our own marketing and networking efforts, and being a self-starter is a must. 8. Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? Yes, if you took my hint from point #7, we are running our own businesses. Voice over is more than just a creative outlet, an artistic skill, a natural-born talent. It is all that, PLUS the understanding and mindset that it is also a business, which requires getting out there to promote our services, deliver a quality product, and handle all the financials involved with a business transaction. 9. Can you consistently demonstrate your professionalism and reliability to your clients? The successful voice actor is both a creative artist and a responsible business person. We back up our talents with organization, follow-through, and clear, concise communications with our clients. We have a professional website that provides the viewer with all the pertinent information they need: who we are, what we offer (with at least one demo to show our work), and how to reach us. And we respond quickly to queries and audition requests. 10. Does all the above make you happy? If you are still reading, then perhaps all this appeals to you! Wonderful! I find voice over to be exciting, rewarding, and a great deal of fun. If you'd like to read more, then please head over to the other blog pages, where you can learn more about finding training, setting up a home studio, producing a demo, etc. And for more perspectives on getting started, click on these FREE resources: Articles I Want to Be a Voice Actor! by Dee Bradley Baker So You Want to Be a Voice Actor by Sarah Sealey Get Started in VO How to Start in Voiceover Without Losing Your Shirt, Part 1 by Patrick Kirchner How to Start in Voiceover Without Losing Your Shirt, Part 2 by Patrick Kirchner How to Start in Voiceover Without Losing Your Shirt, Part 3 by Patrick Kirchner E-books The Voice Over Entrance Exam by Peter K O'Connell Voiceover e-Book by Dan Hurst 35 Mentors, 1 Piece of Voice Over Advice by Marc Scott Looking for some great training resources? Check out this article for links to online and in person options.

Making a video? Create a genuine, inviting presence on camera. You want to attract viewers and keep them engaged with your video. They should feel like you’re talking directly to THEM. How do you do that? Take a few tips from the actor’s handbook with 5 basic questions to help you connect with your viewers and keep their attention: the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of your message. Technology allows us to reach a wider audience. But it’s totally useless if you can’t connect with them right away, touching their hearts and minds in a very human way. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips See a real person in your mind’s eye who has a vested interest in hearing what you have to say. Imagine you’re in the middle of a real conversation at a particular place, at a specific time. Think of your message as a solution to a very real problem that your imagined friend is wrestling with. The 5 basic questions will help you move beyond just speaking to camera to having what’s perceived by your viewers as an honest-to-goodness conversation. Not a sales message, but insight or advice coming from someone who’s been where they are now. A helpful and friendly professional who has an idea that can help them with their dilemma. A real person that they could turn to for further help. Find this helpful and want to learn more? Check out this video in my series On Camera Tips for Success . I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Build a reputation as someone who's easy to work with What's one of the highest compliments an actor can receive? Something about your talent? Past performances? Stars you know on a personal basis? That's all well and good, but I'd like to offer up something else. Something that can see you hired time and time again. Be easy to work with. It may not sound like much, but it truly is a valued quality to those who book you. Casting and production look for good, reliable pros they can count on to elevate the material, deliver on-point performances, and pivot under changes of direction. But not every actor is willing or able to do that. It takes a team mindset. Looking at things from the client's perspective. Delivering what the director is asking for. And putting your own ego aside, including specific ideas of how your role should be played, when you're asked to adjust your performance. Guess what? Casting and production note all this, especially when considering who to bring back for future projects. So what makes an actor easy to work with? You're part of a creative team. Align your vision with theirs. Flexible and accommodating First and foremost, people who are easy to work with realize that it's not all about them. It's about the project and working as a team to make it successful. Start off on the right foot by demonstrating consideration and respect for all those involved: PROMPT As they say, "early is on time and on time is late." Be sure to arrive early for call times and other appointments. 10-15 minutes ahead of schedule should do it. And when it comes to messaged requests, be sure to respond quickly and briefly. Even if it's to dash off a quick note to say that you'll respond more fully in a short while. LISTEN to what's being said. Open-mindedness is not just a matter of hearing; it's interpreting, considering, and (as the situation warrants) internalizing. Listen and implement suggestions. Listen and address any raised concerns. But don't just listen to those in charge. Pay attention to those working in all aspects of the production to understand what they need from you the actor. They'll see as a thoughtful team player. And, of course, listen to your scene partners as you are all performing. No going on auto-pilot here, just because you know your lines and blocking cold. The ability to respond authentically in the moment is the essence of good acting. ADJUST your performance, if requested. Learn to say "yes" to direction. Offer alternative ideas, if the director is open to different interpretations. Don't be wed to only one way of doing things. FORGIVE small mistakes, misjudgments, or misunderstandings. These things happen. Give other people the benefit of the doubt. Most are trying to do the right thing. After all, you're on the same team while you're working on this production. Pleasant and fun This goes back to the old adage: "People do business with those they know, like, and trust." People are people, whether they're collaborating on a business or a creative project. So be the kind of person that others enjoy being around. POSITIVE Show a can-do, optimistic perspective, especially when problems arise. Most setbacks are temporary and readily resolved. A grumpy, disdainful, or generally negative outlook is not going to improve anything and will only sow greater discord. Reputations are built or destroyed by behavior. Remember, people are watching. CONNECT with people. Be interested in them, their background stories and accomplishments, and their pastimes. Most people love to talk about themselves, especially when someone takes the time to get to know them. They'll think better of you for it. No need to be intrusive, of course. And truly private people will let you know if they prefer a more distant, formal work relationship. TRUSTWORTHY Be ethical and do what is right, regardless of circumstances. Say what you mean and mean what you say. You're part of a team and other members need to be able to count on you. APPRECIATE the work of others, as well as those who've hired you in the first place! Sincere compliments go a long way. Don't forget the crew and particularly those who help you look and sound good: hair and makeup, the camera crew, etc. Of course, the ones who keep you where you're supposed to be, like the 2nd assistant director (AD) and the often overlooked, uncredited production assistants! Any time you can go above and beyond, do so. Show production that you're looking at the project from their perspective. Bringing the "value add" to the project These are all the little extras that you bring to set. The things that may pleasantly surprise another member of the production team. ANTICIPATE NEEDS on set requests. Make someone's job easier and show that you're the thoughtful, experienced pro, all at the same time. If you know you'll be reporting to the hair and makeup (HMU) department upon arrival, have a clean face and hair when you show up. If you have allergies or particular sensitivities, tell HMU in advance and offer to bring some products from home, if none will be available on set. EXTRA SKILLS Do you have a particular skill set that can complete your character, perhaps one that wasn't originally requested? It may not be needed, but occasionally it helps move the overall story forward and becomes a defining aspect of your character. Alternatively, if a problem comes up on set that you can help with, offer assistance if appropriate. Union (SAG-AFTRA) sets have strict rules on who does what, but non-union crews may welcome your experienced help. Ask before pitching in. COMMUNICATE! As actors, we're supposed to be good at communicating. Evidently, not every actor got the memo. Production is regularly frustrated with actors who fail to respond to calls, emails, and texts. Who don't let them know of conflicts or other concerns. And who sometimes fail to show up. You can stand out by demonstrating that you are not a talent they need to be concerned about. You and others like you are viewed as pros. Everyone else? Well, they're not just called back. EXCEED EXPECTATIONS Any time you can go above and beyond, do so. An excellent performance will satisfy the hard-to-please director or producer. But an actor who ... goes the extra mile and is exceptionally well-prepared who knows that their job is to further the storyline regardless of the size of their role and who aims to make their scene partners look good in the process, too ... well, that's the professional who understands the big picture of this creative process. And that's the person production wants on their team, time and again. Laura's Quick Tips Be an asset to production with proper preparation and a positive attitude Go beyond your own interests and consider the needs of the project Respect and support the other cast and crew members Have you noticed that certain actors seem to work with certain directors over multiple projects? Some well-known frequent director/actor collaborations include Mel Brooks/Gene Wilder, Wes Anderson/Bill Murray and Owen Wilson, Steven Spielberg/Tom Hanks, and Tim Burton/Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. They have strong working relationships, born from shared vision and mutual understanding. On a regional and local level, I've seen casting directors call in their favorites over and over again. They are the known, reliable, and easy to work with "go to" actors whom the casting directors love to present to their clients. And when production needs to bang out a quick commercial or add a last minute character to an on-going TV series, oftentimes they'll already have someone in mind. An actor who'd previously proved themselves, both in talent and in attitude. Be that person. Consistently. Over time, you will be noticed. And called in as a go-to resource. Interested in reading more about what it's like working on camera? Check out these articles and stories in the "On Set" category of my blog: Read more here > I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY