There are 5 different types of business videos out there. Each needs a different type of delivery. Most parents will tell you that no two of their kids are completely alike. Even identical twins. Each has a unique personality that requires at least a slightly different approach when it comes to raising them, especially when it comes to motivating or disciplining them. It's the same way with business videos. Some are customer-focused, while others are intended primarily for internal use. But each has its own purpose and is specifically constructed to achieve its goal, whether that's to sell, inform, introduce, teach, or persuade. And different approaches call for different speaking styles. These are broad categories, but just about every video falls into one of these types: Commercials Industrials Explainers Training videos Website videos Here's an overview of each type and how you, as the speaker, can adjust your delivery to effectively reach their audiences. You're going to want to play to these different video styles when you're speaking on camera. It's all about recognizing that each type of video has a unique purpose. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips One size does NOT fit all! Understand the purpose of the video and who it's intended to reach Adjust your delivery to what's suitable to each type If you're not sure about what the video is supposed to achieve or who its audience is expected to be ... just ask. Then you'll have a clear understanding of its purpose and can visualize talking to one particular type of individual when you're speaking to the camera. It'll make for a more genuine and engaging video - and be that much more successful. Lots more tips where this came from! Check out the full 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

Appearances DO matter, especially when you're on camera. Do yourself a favor and do it right. Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard aside, you DO want to look camera ready when the the director calls, "Action!" or "Go!" or "Rolling" or the plain old vanilla version, "Uh, that's your cue to start talking." A few disclaimers first: You don't have to look absolutely perfect, whatever that means to you. You don't have to be "gorgeous, darling," young, or even particularly photogenic (though any or all of these don't hurt, either). You don't have to be of the female persuasion to be concerned about your appearance. You DO want your appearance on camera to be in sync with the message of your video. You may be speaking as a corporate representative or as a user of your company's product. Most likely, your intention is to come across as a real person in a real-life situation, speaking frankly to your viewers about whatever, well, you have to talk about. Here are some tips, and a few do's and don'ts, to make sure that you look like the professional or expert who's worth listening to. Remember that the main focus of the video is the message. Make sure that the messenger - that's you - is not a distraction. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips The attention of the viewer needs to be on what you're saying, not on whatever you're wearing. Production lights can be harsh, so everybody - even guys - may need a little makeup. Be careful not to wear anything that makes noise when you move, like a bangle bracelet. The microphone picks up EVERYTHING. You'll notice that this video focuses pretty much on everything from the neck up, because many videos feature speakers as "talking heads" - from the shoulders or chest up. Wardrobe DOES matter, especially when the shot is anywhere from waist up to full body. Because wardrobe is a big enough subject to warrant its own video, it'll be covered separately. In the meantime, the advice in this video doubles as pointers for any upcoming professional headshot session that you may be planning. And here's a bonus tip when it comes time to finding a photographer or studio: find someone who specializes in corporate headshot photography. There's more to this art than simple portrait photography or (gasp) your spouse or buddy with a mobile phone. A specialist in corporate headshots knows how to create the professional images you're seeking, from poses to lighting to ambiance, without the results coming off as dated or contrived. Chances are they'll echo the advice in this video as to how you can physically prepare yourself for the session. Finding these tips helpful? Check out many more in my video 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

Burp on camera? Not the best way to leave a good impression in your video. Here's a major on camera prep tip: be careful what food & drink you enjoy. Some things are best avoided until AFTER the work is done. Why? Well, there's no better reminder that you're MORE than a talking head on camera then when the rest of your body pops in to remind you. Usually by rudely interrupting the conversation. Stomach rumbles. Unwanted but highly audible bodily emissions. Burping, belching, and other side effects best left to amuse young children. Usually of the male persuasion. It's bad enough when you're working alone. But working alongside other people...? Ugh. Let's not even go there. Prep yourself before you step a foot towards that camera. Know the Do's and Don'ts of food and beverage choices. It'll save you a lot of heartache ... and heartburn. Go figure. 9 out of 10 viewers want good, clear sound. That last one? Probably one of your competitors. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Careful! Sometimes your body has a mind of its own. And it may be up to no good. Water is your best friend. Really. Food that sticks to the roof of your mouth can make it difficult to speak clearly. Should be obvious, but sadly, not everyone realizes that this could be a major hindrance to sounding great in a video. Oh, there is one more thing to keep in mind. If you're going to eat right before you step in front of the camera ... check your smile. It's best if you can brush after eating, but if nothing else, make sure that nothing is sticking in your teeth. It's not the best look, especially if someone is watching your video full screen. Just sayin'. Yes, this blog is chockfull of helpful hints! Want more? No problem. Check out 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

Nervous about speaking in public or for a video? Use some breath control! Hmmm...could this be you? Feeling anxious before going on camera. Heart pounding a little too fast. Or loud. Shortness of breath. Yup. Any or all of these pretty much point to a bad case of the nerves. Totally understandable! Speaking in public is scary to most people and anxiety-inducing at one point or another for just about everyone. Talking to the camera is a close cousin to speaking in-person to an audience, so you're bound to feel uneasy there, too. Especially if you're unfamiliar with talking directly into a camera lens, with bright production lights and a microphone capturing every sight and sound. Let’s talk about a few breathing exercises to get all that under control. When you breathe correctly, the situation corrects itself and you feel more centered and calm. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips There's a reason why people will advise you to "take a deep breath!" before you attempt something a bit scary. Breath control allows you to better control your body's reaction to stress. Yup, that whole fight or flight thing. You can do any of these basic breathing exercises anywhere, anytime you need to. Knowing how to control your breath, and using it to calm and center yourself, will serve you in just about any capacity, not just for public speaking. We all tend to breathe shallowly, except for when we know we need to steel ourselves to do something athletically-demanding. Knowing how to change our habits with slow, deep, and deliberate breaths can see us through new or scary situations. And bonus! Even help us to relax and get to sleep at night. Find this useful and want more? Check out 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

What do you do over the holidays? Shutdown your business completely? Keep your regular work schedule? Or some combo? To be, or not to be .. in the booth over the holidays. For some, this is a pretty easy question with a straightforward answer: NO. "For crying out loud" - I guess that's still a thing - "It's the holidays! Time to devote to God and the family." With all the together time, hugs, squabbles, and fights for food and presents taking precedence over mundane work matters. At least for a week or two. For others, it's "Business as usual." No going all out on the holidays or caring two figs about an oversized ball descending from on high to count down the remaining seconds to the new year. Better to take advantage of some relatively quiet time to catch up, clean up, and prepare for a new fiscal year. And then there are some of us who like to cut the difference, Goldilocks-style. But without the breaking and entering, destruction of furniture, or theft of food stuffs. We prefer to slow down the work and fit it around family get-togethers on an as-needed, as-desired basis. Or as the place to beat a hasty (and temporary) retreat to from the same. That's the happy middle where I like to live. It's especially easy this year since I'm not the one traveling this holiday season. I just have to play host. It depends on YOU and what makes you happiest ... and healthiest. And what your family will tolerate! Advantage of being Mom It's taken a few years, but now I'm the mom that the adult and college-age kids come home to. Yup, that means extra cooking, cleaning, and laundry, too! But it's all worth it to have family together, at least for a short time again. It also means that I don't have to deal with extra traffic, airline security lines, and all the packing, unpacking, and making myself useful in someone else's home. That's worth a LOT. I'm not the matriarch in my family - yet - but I've segued into becoming the destination for family and home-centered celebrations for my immediate family. A nice sign that along the way as a mom, I must have done something right. A respite from family hoopla The Oxford dictionary defines "hoopla" as North American slang for "excitement surrounding an event or situation, especially when considered to be unnecessary fuss." It's also fun to say. But most importantly, hoopla pretty accurately describes all the hubbub of family coming together to catch up on everyone's news, argue about points large, small, and political (sigh), and dredge up old dirt on each other. Fun stuff. No wonder that after a while, everyone - especially the hostess - needs a break. For me, that's a quick dive into my voiceover studio, where I'll happily take on last minute auditions and rush jobs. It's the perfect change of pace and shifts my brain from chaotic, overworked, let's-keep-'em-happy-for-as-long-as-I-can mode to pure creative play. Ahhhh.... I really do emerge from the booth that much more refreshed. My version of " Calgon, take me away !" The only frenzy in the family should be during the tearing open of presents. Moderation, the perfect balance The trick to hosting happy family holiday celebrations is to strike a healthy balance between taking care of everyone else's needs, while not completely neglecting yourself. Not always easy! If you have a large family, enlist your spouse, siblings, and adult kids to share the work and keep things positive. You may have a relatively small family, like I do, but that doesn't mean we still don't need some time to ourselves, too. Going for a walk, provided the weather isn't too cold or downright frightful. Quiet time sitting by a warming fire, ideally with a book or glass of wine in hand. Enjoying a favorite movie with loved ones. Or finding time to exercise, meditate, write ... or focus on your business. If a bit of work here and there helps keep you organized or just makes you feel better about being on top of things - more power to you! Kudos if it also gives you a creative outlet and a much needed break. There's nothing wrong with some "me time" in the middle of all the holiday time craziness. A little moderation goes a long way to keeping yourself balanced. The only frenzy in the family should be during the tearing open of presents. Laura's Quick Tips Do what's best for you and your family If you need a little "me time" - take it! Everyone will be better off for it. "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy" The holiday season is a marvelous time for families to spend together. It's also one of the most stressful times of the year, because families ARE together, and there's this expectation that everyone should be happy and joyful throughout. Yeah. Sure. Not realistic. Happy and joyful only go so far, particularly when families are together. Too often, social filters are tossed out, new arguments arise, and old rivalries resurrect themselves. My best advice? Pace yourself and encourage everyone to take a little quiet time out for themselves - however they wish to spend it. Work a little, if it makes you happy. Play a lot and laugh. Give kids and teens ample time to decompress and let off steam, ideally OUTSIDE the house. Most importantly, if the family is converging on your parents' home ... be sure to help out your mama. 😏 Need another good reason to dive into your man cave (or whatever you call your personal retreat)? Here ya go . You're welcome. And Happy Holidays! 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

Voice over is a great career! But build it the right way - and avoid the scammers. Curious about how to get started - and succeed - in voice over? Joe Matz of APEX-able and I sat down recently to talk about the ins and outs of the business of voice over. The key takeaway? Build your new career with the proper training, investment, time, and patience. Short cuts often lead directly to the many scammers out there preying on the hopes and dreams of creative artists. In this 30 minute interview, Joe and I talk about how I transitioned from a corporate career to being my own boss doing voice overs and on camera work. We covered the essential building blocks that form the foundation of a successful voice acting career and how to go about putting them in place. Finally, I provided a long list of resources that new and aspiring voice actors may find useful, most of which are provided in this Resources section of my blog. Questions? Leave a comment below or send me an email . I'd love to hear from you! Watch out for the many scammers out there preying on the hopes and dreams of creative artists. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Overnight successes are built over 10, 20, or more years - and rarely truly overnight. Start any new venture with training, just to see if it's the right fit for you. Never stop investing in yourself or your business. I firmly believe that none of us is just one thing in life. We play many roles and often enjoy more than one career in our working lives. As long as we're able and willing, we can start a new career or side gig at any age. Just be sure to take the time to understand your new industry and develop your business the smart way with knowledge and patience. Step by step, the benefits will surely come! Don't just take my word for it! Check out out what some of my voiceover friends have to say . 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

Branding. Fame. Reputation. How are these tied together and what's most important? I was listening to marketing strategist and futurist Mark Schaefer talk about branding. He differentiated between being famous and being known and why being known was far more important. It's an interesting concept and I gave it a lot of thought afterwards. Fame was of little importance (or possibility) when I worked in the corporate world, but now that I'm squarely in the entertainment world, I see that notion flipped on its head just about everywhere I look. So many fellow actors are quite busy pursuing fame. And fortune. (The two are pretty much a package ideal in the minds of most entertainers.) It's understandable, since fame can land an actor choice roles, And the industry itself regularly recognizes its top performers with nationally televised awards shows and shiny, golden trophies. Still, and perhaps because I do originally come from the business world, I appreciate the value of being known. Known for what? Well, as being an expert in something or as an advisor to be sought out, or just as a good person with a trustworthy reputation who's worthwhile knowing. Actors certainly aren't oblivious to the value of good reputation. Hard work, professionalism, and respect for all members of a production endear us to important decision-makers: the casting directors, directors, and producers, and even our agents and managers. A good reputation not only begets work, it also enables those who teach and coach to attract and retain serious acting students. And that brings in money (which by most accounts is a good and necessary thing 😏). Safe to say, most people (actors, especially) wouldn't mind having both fame and a good reputation. No reason we can't, though there are key differences between them that are worth keeping in mind. To keep our heads on straight, if nothing else. Know your values, as well as your ambitions, and order them accordingly. Being Famous Being Known Recognition Reputation For how you present yourself For what you bring to the table For major work you've done lately For body of work built up over time Builds quickly or even suddenly Builds slowly over the years Often fleeting Long-lasting Self-centered Focused on being of service to others Mercurial: can flip between positive and negative Stable: usually stays either positive or negative Who you seem to be vs. what you do Which has more meaning to you? Fame allows you and some of your bigger achievements to be known at a superficial level by many, many people. Most of whom you don't know and may never meet. A reputation is built on your work and, like fame, can be good, bad, or even a mix of the two. It's a description of your character and deeds, rather than of your physiology, personality, or a few better-known accomplishments. Flash in the pan vs. long-lasting Do you prefer a dazzling spectacle like fireworks or the comfort of a roaring fire? Both are well-loved. Fame can be exhilarating, with celebrity-status and the thrill of being at the center of attention. It can also be quite damaging, especially to those ill-equipped to handle it. It rarely lasts long. While we remember iconic stars of stage, screen, and the athletic halls of fame, there are many more has-beens capitalizing on their short-lived time in the limelight with guest appearances on game shows and TV dramas. Reputation is the sum total of all our actions, an indirect result of anything and everything we do. It's how people think of us. A good reputation is traditionally regarded as fundamental to success, while a bad one will be extremely difficult to overcome. "Your brand name is only as good as your reputation" - Richard Branson Self-centered vs. focused on others Does the success of your work reward primarily yourself or those who engage your services? Fame is pretty-much self-serving. There may be managers, agents, friends or family members or company representatives who also benefit from your success, but by and large, you are the primary recipient of fame. Depending on your actions, fame too can quickly flip to infamy through misdeeds, or abuse of power or privilege. A reputation is earned - for good or ill - by how you treat others through your actions and the quality and reliability of your goods and services over a longer period of time. Unlike fame, it doesn't fade, though it can be turned from good to bad (or vice versa) through proven, deliberate action. Laura's Quick Tips As you measure success, first assess what's really important to you so that you're measuring the right thing. Know your values as well as your ambitions. Keep a long view of your life and career. It'll help you make the right decisions. ] For my part, I cherish a good name and reputation far beyond the lure of fame. I've taught my children to be, first and foremost, good caring people as this is how we make the world a better place. There are enough egocentric people running around, looking to better themselves at the expense of others. Not that fame itself is bad. But it is a double-edged sword, especially when it misleads those unready to handle it into thinking that they're more important/irreplaceable/special than they really are. Fame, too, can bring the wackos out of the woodwork who may do us (or our loved ones) real harm, not to mention continually disrupt our privacy. We may take pride in being famous ourselves or by being associated or related to a famous person. But what's really important? I think of the warm, loving stories told about family members long passed, the good names that still bring smiles to those who knew and loved them. The lessons they taught through example that helped shape the next generation or two and showed them how to be their best selves. That's what's lasting. I'm working to build a good, strong reputation not just as a film/TV/voice over actor, but as someone who shares what I've learned to help them in their own pursuits. That's how my YouTube series of on camera tips for non-actors came about. Curious? Check it out on my YouTube channel . 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

The best part of making a video is that you can always fix your mistakes afterwards. Here's something to take out the stress of appearing in a video - or at least greatly reduce it. Unlike live presentations, you have the option of a do-over, which is called a second take. Or a third. I wouldn't go too many more, because the problem could very well be something other than your verbal mistakes. No, it's possible that you're just not familiar enough with your topic. Better to review your material until you're sufficiently comfortable to speak "off the cuff" about it. If you keep forcing a performance that you think is technically perfect, you'll only come across as stiff and unsure of yourself, which will not go over well with your audience. The do-over, done properly, will allow you to back up to the idea or thought you had before you made your flub, and let you have another try. If you're great at editing, then you can make it look seamless. If you're not and you're making a video totally on your own ... don't worry. I got you covered. Just take a few minutes and watch this video. "Just about everyone messes up at least once in a while, so you're in good company!" Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Too err is human ... which you will find out well enough when you try to execute a perfect 5 minute video from start to finish. Ha! Know that time is on your side. It's not a live presentation!f You may not want to edit out every single little flub. Perfection is boring and people WILL relate to little stumbles now and then. Let your humanity come through. And don't worry. Chances are you're NOT a train wreck waiting to happen. Very little professional content has ever been created perfectly the first time. As anyone who has worked in the film industry would say, the magic is in the editing AFTER everything has been shot. A great editor can work wonders with even the most mediocre material ... not that what you or I ever film is merely mediocre, of course. The best thing you can do is to deliver your message as honestly and personally to the camera as you can. You'll be surprised at how well your heart-felt message comes through. Especially when you're free of the fear, worry, and possible judgment that you're "not doing it right." Let go of the harsh self-criticism and focus on what you came to say. We the audience will get it ... and love you all the more for your integrity. Ever get caught up in the quandary of choosing perfect vs. good enough? And what to do about it? Got you covered in this video . 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

Actor Troy Baker talked about his past mistakes at the One Voice USA 2023 conference How nice to be invited to speak at a conference of your peers! I was thrilled to be a presenter at the One Voice USA 2023 conference in Dallas. Voiceover conferences are warm, intimate affairs – even when hundreds of people are attending. Maybe it’s because everyone is so happy to break free from the confines of small recording spaces where we spend most of our working hours alone. It probably has a lot to do with that. But mostly, it’s because the acting industry is full of caring, kind people who genuinely enjoy meeting and supporting one another through the ups and downs of an artistic career. My topic was “From Mic to Lens: Expanding from Voice Over to On Camera Work.” In other words, how voice actors can take their skills and apply them to film, TV, and commercial roles on screen. I love sharing what I’ve learned with others and the talk was very well-received, but that’s not what I want to dedicate this blog to. Instead, I’d like to share the acting advice of our keynote speaker, Troy Baker of “The Last of Us” video game and a voice actor and musician himself. His advice is solid for any group of performers. Here’s what he had to say. Be professional! Show respect and consideration for others in everything you do. And treat the entertainment business as a business . Never be the one they’re waiting on Troy learned the hard way the value of time and what it means to other people. He was often late to set and was eventually fired for it. It’s a tough way to realize that all of us are cogs in the machine and that one little piece gone awry or missing can gum up the works. Learn every name on the call sheet Well, at least a few. And use them. It endears you to the crew, especially the hard-working production assistants (PAs) and shows respect for all they do for you. Just make sure that you get their names right. Troy thought he was doing a bang-up job remembering one gaffer’s name, only to be told near the end of the shoot that he’d misheard it and had been calling the guy by the wrong name for weeks. Note to self: check the call sheet if you’re unsure! Don’t just memorize your lines, but focus on the pattern of the scene We’re not human tape recorders. Knowing the words alone does not convey meaning, especially if lines are over-rehearsed and seem stale or disconnected when you say them. We’re always responding to the other people in the scene and to the environment, and there are nuances we need to pick up on that require us to be immersed in that reality. Troy referenced Mickey Rourke, who told him, “Dialogue is the last thing I worry about. If I’m in character, it should just fall out of my lips.” Mickey didn’t believe in memorization, though, in truth, Troy said that Mickey later admitted: “Cue cards help.” The key is to ask yourself what’s really important. Know the meaning of the scene and attach dialogue to the truth. When you learn the scene, you’ll learn your lines. The lesson is to be prepared, not over-rehearsed. Casting can detect fear or desperation better than any bloodhound. . Stop thinking that you’re “auditioning” when you walk into an audition Instead, regard it as going to a “meeting,” where you and the casting director (and whoever else is in there) can see if there’s a fit between you and the role. Don’t prove that you’re trying to act when you walk in the room. Casting can detect fear or desperation better than any bloodhound. What they DO want to see is that their character walks in the door, solving their casting problem. If that’s you, congrats! If not … well, do the best you can, make a great impression, and chances are that they’ll remember you for future projects in which you ARE a great fit. Acting: Don’t be afraid of a “no” on either side – whether they say it or you do “No” means “not right for this project” or “not right now.” It’s not a summation of your personal worth as a human being … or even of your acting talent. OK, sometimes your talent or training may be in question if you’re just starting out, but it’s not going to doom you forever. What can slow down your career? Being rude, certainly. Unprepared? Possibly. Falsely claiming a special ability that a role calls for? Yeah, not a good move at all. Overall, though, casting doesn’t remember that any given actor gave less than a stellar audition. They’re mostly focused on finding GREAT ones, and specifically, those that make their characters real and memorable. Sometimes the relationship is worth more than the money. Sometimes the other way around. Occasionally, the opportunity to work with a particular director or to support a special cause is worth more than demanding your usual, standard rate. Do what makes sense for YOU. Don’t undervalue yourself, but occasionally money is not the gold standard. The reverse holds true, too. If an individual or relationship would be toxic to the good of a project or to your own health and well-being … the job is just not worth it. You’d be happier walking away. And sometimes you just need the money to pay the bills. Think of it as a job, and then resolve to work professionally with the individual as best you can. Laura's Quick Tips Be on time ... for every meeting, every phone call Take the time to learn the names of your co-workers, even if it's only for a one day booking Understand the greater story and your role in it You'll do better if you don't burden yourself with thinking that "everything rides on getting this job" Sometimes, a closed door redirects you to bigger, better opportunities elsewhere Money is important, but keep your values front and center Actors are storytellers. We reflect society back on itself, posit and answer philosophical questions, entertain and educate, and inspire future generations. From the earliest human history, we are all storytellers. Cave art. Traveling minstrels. Tales told around campfires. Books, film, TV, cartoons, video games, internet videos … oh my! It’s a privilege today to have so many means of expression, and actors are front and center in that regard. Let’s all enjoy it and remember why we chose the entertainment industry for our livelihoods in the first place. A huge thanks to J. Michael Collins and Hugh Edwards of One Voice for the opportunity to speak at this conference! If you'd like to learn more about a career in film and TV, drop me a line. I'd love to talk with you! And for more information about how to get started - and avoid many common pitfalls - check out this recent blog post . 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

Writer's strike? Use the time to develop your own projects. The film/TV industry is slow. S.L.O.W. Pretty much a standstill. At least in the union world, it is. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is striking for some very good reasons. Streaming services are at the center of the dispute. The guild says that even as series budgets have increased, writers' share of that money has consistently shrunk. Writers are not being paid commensurate with their experience, and many are looking at their full-time employment being replaced with a freelancer "gig" model. WGA members are fighting for better pay, streaming residuals, mandatory staffing, employment duration, and AI technology safeguards . The result? Every project that employs professional writers is coming to a screeching halt. And it looks like it'll remain so for some time, as negotiations don't seem to be progressing too rapidly. As a result, many in the industry, like the actors who get most of their work from these projects, are turning to their side "safety" jobs (often in the service industry) to pay their bills until the strike is resolved. Those of us who are non-union or Fi-Core have it a bit easier. Non-union projects are not as affected by the strike. Nor are most voice over jobs. For those of us who work both on camera and behind the mic, that gives us more time to pursue voice over opportunities in the non-union world, like non-broadcast corporate narration, explainers, and eLearning. But this time is also ideal for keeping our on camera skills sharp with classes and our own projects. Film actors are always encouraged to write, direct, produce, and even star in their own productions to broaden their experience and garner greater notice. And often these short and feature-length films do well in film festivals, bringing accolades and media attention to the actors and filmmakers. I've decided to take this film-making on a different route, especially since as a voice actor, I'm acutely aware of the advantages of marketing through social media. Extra points when the marketing vehicle offers entertainment or educational value. Translation: YouTube videos and, in particular, YouTube shorts. Short videos are, well, SHORT and simple enough for just one person to do on her own (which, truthfully, are about all I can handle!). Plus, they're fun to make, which - hopefully! - means that they're also enjoyable to watch. Long before the strike, I made a series of YouTube videos, each several minutes long, called "On Camera Tips for Busy Execs." The idea: use both my corporate sales experience and acting training to help business professionals and entrepreneurs become more comfortable and charismatic on camera themselves. After all, video IS king when it comes to content marketing. Maybe you've noticed that videos seem to be EVERYWHERE. Business folks are finding that they're appearing more on camera than ever before, in corporate videos, Zoom calls and presentations, panel discussions, and one-on-one interviews. Working on the series got my creative juices flowing and sparked ideas for several other short video series that I'm now pursuing. Then, when Google announced that it was going to include YouTube shorts in their general search criteria, it made sense to give these new series a shorts format: each under a minute long and shot vertically (in portrait mode on my iPhone) to ease viewing on mobile devices. Take ownership of your creativity. When work dries up, make your own! And use it to showcase your talent and skills. On Camera Confidence After creating the "On Camera Tips" video series, I saw an opportunity to repurpose much of the same information, but in a shorter, more easily accessible format. Voila! Instead of one 2-5 minute video on a topic with multiple points, such as how to get over your fear of being on camera in the first place (a biggie for most people!), I began creating shorts of 60 seconds or less that deal with different aspects of that fear and how to handle each one. The advantages? Attention spans are getting shorter and shorter, and quick sound bites are easier for people to watch and absorb. Plus, the vertical format makes it easier to watch on mobile devices. Each video is captioned, too, just like in the original series, but with larger and more dynamic captioning that reminds viewers of Instagram or TikTok videos. These are not clips from the original video, but brand new videos. It's a different way of repurposing existing content, rather than just presenting re-runs that subscribers may recognize and therefore bypass. MOMisms This series is all about having fun. I have a wry, dry, and occasional dark sense of humor, which has been acutely developed since becoming a mom. A coincidence? I think not. For two years, I've been collecting all the funny witticisms I've come across in gift shops while on vacation. Quips that are printed on cocktail napkins, towels, notecards, postcards, and wall signs. I've long thought about putting them in teeny, tiny short videos ... and now's the time. I call the series MOMisms, and it's made up of all the things that moms think, say, or do when they believe their kids aren't paying attention. Or are too fried to care. Each is only one or two sentences. They're quips, observations, and downright funny sayings that ring true and may even be things you actually heard your mom say out loud. And I act them out, with appropriate background scenery, to give them context as very short stories. How short? Under 15 seconds long. Just enough to give people a little laugh as they go through their day. So what should be the subject of your own projects? Draw on your experience, interests, and passions. Actors Over 50 Being an, ahem, older actor has its challenges ... and its advantages. Especially in the on camera world where, unlike in voice over, how we look largely determines the roles that we play. Our appearance is as much of our brand or type as our personality and acting style. You'd be surprised to learn how many people take up acting careers later in life. I'm not talking about the occasional participation in the local community theater or appearing as a background character (an "extra") on screen. I'm referring to serious training that leads to professional representation and speaking roles in film, TV, commercials, industrials, and print. I've met attorneys, professors, medical professionals, and business people like myself who are pursuing acting full-time, as a side career, or in retirement. Not surprisingly, there are questions and concerns that we older actors have that our younger colleagues may not share, such as: Is there much casting for older roles? And if so, are we limited to mom and dad roles? Should I or should I not try to look younger? What about using hair dye, Botox, or fillers? Why in the world would they want me, at this age, to do a nude scene?! Advice for your own projects So what should be the subject of your own projects? Draw on your experience, interests, and passions. There are millions of people out there who are interested in all sorts of things. And many of them are surfing YouTube looking for ideas, examples of expertise, and tips to help them improve their own skills. Ask yourself: do I have something to offer that others could find useful, supportive, or just downright entertaining? The answer is probably yes. And hopefully, it's something legal that won't get you into trouble. Assuming that you and your subject matter are on the up and up ... go for it! Bring your own personality and quirks into the mix. Share your unique perspective on life, work, or play. Post consistently, whatever that means to you. Consistency is important when it comes to getting noticed and growing a following. My schedule is one video in each series per week, for a total of three videos weekly. It may sounds like a lot, but it really isn't, especially since each video is so short and to the point. Once a week is a pretty good rule of thumb. Batch the making of your videos, when you can. When I have a block of time, I jot down my ideas, consider how I want to present them, and then tape several at one time. I usually edit them later, again as a batch, and then schedule them to be published on YouTube and posted on social media accordingly. You'll feel a sense of accomplishment once you have the raw material recorded, again after they've been edited, and finally after they've been scheduled. Bonus good vibes when they begin to receive likes, subscribes, ad positive comments. Keep it simple! One idea per short is usually enough. Remember that short videos are not meant to be fancy. People actually prefer authenticity and a "real person" vibe over an obviously-tried-too-hard or snazzy professional production. (Longer form videos are another subject entirely.) Keep the editing minimal, too. Clip the video so that the speaker or action begins immediately upon play and ends right after your message is done; don't leave any "dead" space when nothing is happening or you may lose your following. In this day and age, attention spans are extremely brief and if viewers aren't being engaged or entertained ... they're gone. Laura's Quick Tips Not enough work out there to float your boat? Make your own waves by create something yourself. Producing your own content will keep your skills sharp and your creativity flowing. The more you do, the easier it becomes. (Just like anything.) If you're making short videos, don't overthink it. No fancy production necessary, just good content. Have fun! Or what's the point?! So, whaddya think? Want to try making your own content? If you'd rather just watch others' instead ... well, hop on over to my YouTube channel and take a look around. Of course, I'd love to have you as a new subscriber. It's kinda mandatory these days to say that, and people are tired of being told to "like and subscribe!" but it does encourage the creator to keep on creating. Instead, I'll say: I have fun making these YouTube shorts and I hope you enjoy them, too. Let me know what you think. Seriously! Feedback is cherished. And, of course, if there's any particular topic or question you'd like to see addressed, let me know that, too. Happy watching! Are you new to YouTube or just curious what a channel with multiple playlists looks like? Here's my channel as an example . And if you'd like to subscribe to be notified of each new video, you can do so here >. See? I couldn't help myself. I think the YouTube creator experience rewires your brain so you have to say that.... 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

A voice actor's worst nightmare! Congestion, hoarseness, and relentless coughing. Oh my! AAARRGH!! I was finally struck down after three years of successfully evading colds, flus - and yes, even Covid. And like the Energizer Bunny, when my battery runs down, I go down. Hard. Toppling over right where I'm standing. Not a pretty sight. Now, three weeks after contracting a nasty cold and spending a few days in bed ... I'm still coughing. So much so that my back muscles feel permanently twisted into a network of Gordian Knots from all that hacking. Painful, annoying, and more than a little detrimental to a voiceover career. Meaning that I've been barely able to literally squeak my way through a script without doubling over. Like I said, aargh! It's a fun little bugger that likes to hang on for weeks. It's been quite a winter for respiratory illnesses for a lot of people. Cold, flu, RSV, Covid ... take your pick. Hopefully, you've escaped the worst of it. Or at least had very minor cases of the bug du jour. It sure doesn't seem to take much before you're left literally speechless or croaking like a dessicated frog. Again, not a pretty sight. And universally problematic if you need healthy vocal cords to get you through meetings, presentations, and phone conversations. Or even just to yell at your kids when you think they need it most. If you're a voice actor like me, it puts the kabash on just about all voiceover auditions and bookings. Ouch. No voice, no work. Fortunately, there are a few things we CAN do to keep our pipes in good - well, at least decent - order to manage and power through these challenges. Losing your voice is not the end of the world. It just feels like it! What you CAN do to beat those respiratory bugs... Apply as many of these suggestions as you can: Hydrate – with lots of water. Add lemon and honey to help keep those vocal cords smooth and slippery. Hot or cold, water is just what your body needs. Soothe the throat – with lozenges, tea, and throat spray containing slippery elm, a natural throat lubricant. Licorice and marshmallow are also good for reducing inflammation. I find Traditional Medicinals' "Throat Coat" tea especially helpful, though I also love Aveda's mint tea blend wonderfully soothing. Hard swallow – frequent coughing causes swelling of your vocal chords and a good way to “lose your voice.” Instead of coughing, try tucking your chin to your chest and swallowing as hard as you can. Rest your voice – or use a soft, gentle tone instead. Forget whispering, which actually can strain your voice by forcing a greater airflow than normal through the vocal chords. Humidifier – Mama is right. More humidity in the air means less dryness in your throat. Standing in a hot shower inhaling the steam is beneficial, too, and soooo relaxing. What NOT to do... Watch out for these things, which can only make your symptoms worse: Don't clear your throat too often, which causes irritation and swelling. Try swallowing hard or sipping water instead. Avoid medications that are drying, like antihistamines and decongestions. Don’t smoke (inflammatory) or drink alcohol (irritating and drying) or caffeine (dehydrating). That last one can be hard, but try to limit or better yet, avoid altogether. Avoid hanging around obviously sick people. This may seem a DUH! And sometimes it can't be avoided if you're living with family or roommates. But ... we can wash our hands regularly and be careful what we touch in public spaces, especially mid-fall through late-winter when these bugs are most prevalent. Don't ignore early symptoms. Feel a cold coming on? I like to chew on some Zicam, drink more water than normal, get more sleep, and avoid overly stressful daily schedule. And finally ... be careful of the advice people give you. Perhaps including mine! Though it's not as strange as the folk medicine that Mark Twain described receiving when he was under the weather: (This elderly woman from the western plains) "mixed a decoction composed of molasses, aquafortis, turpentine, and various other drugs, and instructed me to take a wine-glass full of it every fifteen minutes. I never took but one dose; that was enough; it robbed me of all moral principle, and awoke every unworthy impulse of my nature." - Mark Twain Moral of the story: experiment at your own risk! Things I do on a daily basis to keep colds, etc. at bay... I'm usually pretty healthy and I attribute a large part of it to some good, longterm habits: Vitamin C daily, 1000 mg, builds up the immune system. I strongly suspect that I would have had many more colds, flus, etc. without it. Exercise, at least a few times a week, to keep the body and immune system fit. Personally, that includes stretching exercises every morning, and at least one short but brisk walk outdoors, weather permitting. I also like to mix in some cardio, Pilates, and low resistance weight work. Maybe your thing is running, tennis or pickle ball, or just running after your preschool kids. Whatever works! Just move. Sleep. It's the first thing most of us cut back on when we just. have. too. much. to. do. I'm a night owl, always have been, and my sleep was the first thing reduced when I had to get everything done AND get kids up, fed, and off to school (mom taxi here) or weekend activities just about every morning. I'm finally an empty-nester and now back to my old late night habits, though honestly I think I'd get more done if I shifted my schedule back an hour or two. More sleep during the night correlates pretty well to better moods during the day and a stronger immunity to illness. Keeping well-hydrated with water throughout the day. The old saying, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Homemade, vegetable-heavy meals ... in other words, good, healthy food. Limited junk food, sodas, sugary snacks, and fast-food runs. Easier for some, not so much for dedicated carnivores or those with hectic schedules. Or those like me with an incurable sweet tooth. But it's a worthy goal. Laura's Quick Tips Listen to your mama and what she used to tell you about managing a cold or virus. Yeah, that stuff helps. Don't ignore early symptoms. Treat them as best you can when they first appear and you may be able to ward off or shorten your downtime. Good, healthy daily habits may ward off more attacks on your immune system than you'd realize. When I am laid low, my favorite go-to is hot tea with mint, slippery elm, and honey. Just makes me feel so much better and it pairs well with sitting by the fireplace, too. Wrapping up in a cozy afghan or blanket is also so nice. Hey, you do what you can! What are some of your faves for dealing with the blahs? Sometimes sh*t happens and we just have to cancel a booking ("nooooo!!") or put auditions, speaking engagements, and the like on a temporary hold. But sometimes, there can be a silver lining there, too. Read more about it 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

What’s inside The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever? Ideas that take you from traditional marketing to the metaverse ... and beyond. Strategy fundamentals, social media, marketing standards, and the newest technologies and business practices... Harness the power of collaborative marketing, featuring 36 expert authors What happens when futurist Mark Schaefer assembles 35 of his smartest marketing friends from around the world (with more than 750 accumulated years of experience!) and asks for their best marketing ideas? Well, it’s something amazing. In fact, it’s the most amazing marketing book ever! “I challenged my community friends to create insights, not just re-hash information you can find in a blog post somewhere. They delivered. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a small business owner trying to establish your first marketing strategy, get out your highlight marker!” Mark Schaefer Marketing Strategist and best-selling author of 9 marketing books What’s inside? Ideas that take you from traditional marketing to the metaverse ... and beyond. You'll find 34 chapters on strategy fundamentals, content strategy, social media, marketing standards, and the newest technologies and business practices. The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever - I'm in it! I write about leveraging your videos (and YouTube itself)... I give a bit of a different perspective, as I stand with one foot in the business world and the other squarely in the entertainment industry. My spiel is plain and simple: Stop scrollers in their tracks with videos that grab their attention! You have the great content; now add a little razzle-dazzle to keep their eyes on you. Make sure that your creative content is properly tagged and loaded with strong keywords so that it can be more easily found. My YouTube series, “On Camera Tips for Busy Execs,” is a perfect companion piece if you want to know how to make better and more dynamic videos yourself. - Watch HERE Find it on Amazon “The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever” is available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle forms, and as an audiobook on Audible. Bonus: Author interviews Hear what the authors have to say about their chapters. We hosted a 24 hour marathon of author interviews, which is available here upon replay. Check out the schedule and choose the interview you'd like to see: 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