Save Time and Money on Your Next Project Congrats! You have your project all mapped out. The script for the video is written to perfection. You have selected the perfect voice to narrate it. And now you’re ready to schedule the recording session and direct a spot-on performance, just like you’ve imagined it should sound. OK, maybe it’s not a directed session. This could be an eLearning course or an explainer video, in which case the voice over may be recorded (and perhaps edited) remotely from the talent’s home studio on his or her own time. But with the right script and the right voice, you’re golden, right? Maybe yes, maybe no. It’s best not to leave anything to chance, especially if you have something specific in mind. The last thing you want to end up with is a recording, while technically what you’ve asked for, that misses the mark and needs to be partially or even completely redone. And if you’ve never worked with a voice actor before, you may be unsure of how to even proceed once you’ve selected the talent you want. In any situation, it’s smart to avoid unnecessary waste of time and money. The goal is to get it right the first time, and that’s done with diligent upfront planning and clear communications. In no particular order, here are my Top Ten Tips for getting the most out of your voice actor: 1. Use a broadcast-quality studio It doesn’t matter if it’s an outside professional recording studio or a home studio – just make sure that the voice actor can deliver audio with a sufficiently low noise floor (-60 db or lower) without extraneous noise ruining the quality. Without a proper recording environment, your audio engineers will find it very difficult to turn the audio files into something useable. Your voice actor may have recorded his or her audition from the studio that would be used for the job. Great! You know what you’ll be receiving. Otherwise, you may want to ask for a very short voice sample before the job begins or have the talent connect with your audio engineer to test the dynamics first. 2. Clarify the scope of the job Oftentimes, these details are communicated to voice actors BEFORE they audition for your job, especially if you had posted the job on a casting site, sent it out to agents, or asked certain talent directly to audition. Otherwise, make sure that the talent understands exactly what the voice over will be used for: genre (ex. commercial, corporate narration, video game, etc.) length : number of words in the script OR the approximate length of time of the finished recording (ex. 90 seconds for a narration or 15 minutes per eLearning module) OR any time restrictions (ex. 30 seconds for a commercial) character (if applicable) for a video game, animation, or certain eLearning scenarios audience: who is it for? Are they to be informed, persuaded, or entertained? 3. Describe the tone of the project Again, the vocal tone is often described prior to auditioning, but make sure that the voice actor knows what you’re looking for. Do you want a friendly, casual read that purely conversational? A brassy, sassy type of voice, perhaps like that of a well-known celebrity? Or a serious and authoritative read? Be specific and provide several descriptive words like these to let the talent know where you’re coming from. Experienced voice actors will often provide two different reads, especially if the description allows for multiple interpretations. For example, asking for a read that’s conversational, like your best friend who’s talking frankly with you, may provide you with auditions that sound friendly and helpful, or serious and a bit sarcastic, or even motherly and protective. The voice actor may even give you one read that is as close to your specifications as possible and another “wild card” read that he or she thinks would work, too. 4. Spell out the job’s usage, payment details, and revision/retake requirements Usage – is it for broadcast (radio, TV, streaming, etc.), non-broadcast (internal usage)? If it’s broadcast, how long will the voice over spot run and in which size markets? Payment – how much does the job pay? Is it one in a series, for which the voice actor will be paid the same amount per job? Revision/Retake requirements – the voice actor will probably have their own revision/retake policy, but state your expectations or requirements upfront. 5. If the recording will take place in a directed session, list the connectivity tool(s) you expect the talent to have available Options include Source Connect , ipDTL , Zoom , Skype , or any other connectivity tools that your audio engineers use. ISDN , once the industry standard, has been eclipsed by these other software-based options that do not require a significant hardware investment, though it is occasionally still used. 6. Specify what you need to receive from the talent after recording has taken place There are several options here: Nothing ! - In a directed session, especially if the voice over is recorded by your audio engineer through Source Connect (as an example), the talent may not need to do anything but voice the script. Most voice actors, however, also record the session on their end as a backup. If the original recorded by your engineers becomes corrupted, misplaced, or is interrupted (an unexpected break in an internet connection), then the backup avoids needing to schedule another recording session. The backup would be sent as a raw (.wav) audio file. Raw (.wav) audio file –If you are connecting for a directed session via Zoom, for example, then you’ll probably want the voice actor to record at his or her end and send the raw file (.wav) to you afterwards. A .wav file is high quality, uncompressed audio and provides the best sounds quality. It’s also the format that is needed to be incorporated in the project’s final mixdown. Processed (.mp3) audio file – Auditions are sent in as .mp3 audio files, and you may prefer to receive a processed and compressed .mp3 audio file from your voice actor if it will posted “as is” without further mixing. File Splits – If your project has many components to be voiced, such as with multiple modules within a single eLearning course, be sure to tell your voice actor how you want the file split and labeled. Sample rate and bit rate – Most voice actors default to recording with a sample rate of 44.1 kHz and a bit rate of 16 or 24. Tell them ahead of time if you want anything different. 7. Send the script ahead of the session Help the voice actor prepare by sending the script ahead of a directed recording session, so that any questions can be addressed before the appointed time. Even when the voice actor is self-directing and recording alone, offer to answer any questions regarding pronunciation of names, places, or even numbers. For example, is the number 100 to be voiced as “one-zero-zero” or “one hundred” or “one-oh-oh?” And for words like “either,” provide notes with the script if you wish it to be pronounced “I-ther” or “E-ther.” The same goes for tomato (“toe-may-toe” vs. “tah-mah-toe”), potato, and other regionalisms. It’s also helpful to have descriptions of emotions or changes in tone or pace in the script where you think they’re essential. Most voice actors will intuit what’s needed, take the clues from the punctuation, and incorporate them without direction, but if you want a particular emphasis somewhere, note it either before the script begins or imbedded in parenthesis within it. Just don’t overdo the performance notes; it’s counterproductive to try to direct the voice actor sentence by sentence. All too often, the actor’s attention becomes more focused on honoring your direction, rather than on interpreting your script and effectively communicating its message. A little direction is good, too much can interrupt the natural flow of the performance and cause it to come across as stilted. 8. Ask for a short sample read Especially for long-form projects like eLearning, it can be helpful for the voice actor to send you a short 30-60 recording to ensure that the pacing, tone, and quality of the recording is on track with what you are expecting. This way, you can redirect or correct the talent early in the project, which will make everyone much happier than if the correction came after farther into the process. 9. Share other components of the project, if possible Are you using a music bed? Visuals to highlight the narration? Either of these things can provide clues to the voice actor as to what the finished project will look and sound like, and help him or her adjust the performance to match the music or visuals. 10. Don’t rewrite the script after the voice files are submitted Save yourself time, money, and aggravation by providing the voice actor with the final version of your script. Yes, small changes like a phrase here and there may be necessary or an extra sentence may need to be added, but professional, experienced voice actors will not re-record an entire long script without additional session fees. This ties back to my fourth point above; spell out in advance your expectations and understand what the voice actor’s retake/revision policy is . Most actors will not charge for very small changes, especially if they’re due to mispronunciations. Whether they do or not really depends on the scope of the requested changes relative to the length of the finished product. But you’ll save money – and certainly time – by presenting your voice actor with a script in its final form. 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 Next Best Thing to Being There In Person Thanks to the pandemic, home voiceover studios are “in.” In-person recording sessions at outside studios are largely “out.” True, the industry trend had been slowly moving in that direction anyways, prior to Covid-19 paralyzing the world business community. But no one can dispute that the movement has been vastly accelerated within the past year. Nor that it’s unlikely to completely reverse itself once the pandemic is over. Professional home studios are here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future, for so many reasons: convenience for the voice actor, cost savings for the production company, a greater availability of talent without the restrictions of physical geography, to name just a few. With the home studio comes the ability to remotely record and direct voice actors in live sessions, thanks to so many available – and affordable! - options. Here are a dozen of those terrific options available to voice actors and their clients. I’ve divided them into three categories: Professional high quality remote audio recording, video conferencing, and audio conferencing. Professional remote audio recording These high quality, or professional, remote audio recording options rival those available in professional outside recording studios. In no particular order, they are: 1. ISDN or Integrated Services Digital Network ISDN was the unchallenged communications standard for many years. It works over the telephone network to transmit top quality audio between recording studios. The voice actor from a home studio and the director at a recording studio each have an ISDN box that “talks” to the other. They can hear each other in real-time, with the director listening and directing the voice actor during a live session. It’s an expensive option requiring extra hardware that today’s newer digital solutions don’t need. It’s mostly fallen by the wayside, though a few older studios that haven’t upgraded to one of the digital options below may still regularly use it. 2. Source Connect Source Connect has recently become the industry-standard standard replacing ISDN. Instead of channeling audio through telephone lines, Source Connect uses the Internet to connect studios remotely. No hardware is required, though each studio needs the software installed and configured on their computers. The technology is solid and secure, with excellent sound quality. Source Connect offers monthly subscription services or a one-time purchase option, with several tiers of capability. Voice actors will find the Standard version perfectly suitable for their needs, while production company studios will invest in the Pro or Pro X solutions. (Talent, please note that the free Source Connect Now version is no longer accepted by many production studios.) 3. ipDTL ipDTL , so named for “IP down the line” (IP being Internet Protocol), remotely connects studios. Like Source Connect, it’s a software platform that works through the Internet with no hardware acting as the middleman, and it provides excellent audio quality. Sessions are initiated and managed through the company’s website, which also features a recording capability. ipDTL is available via a software subscription, though day passes can also be purchased. 4. BodalgoCall Offered through the voice casting site Bodalgo, BodalgoCall is an ultra-high quality audio chat for groups of up to five people. BodalgoCall resides on the user’s browser, it’s free, and does not require a subscription to Bodalgo. As they say, “such a deal!” 5. SessionLinkPro SessionLinkPro is a Chrome browser-based solution that provides yet another alternative to ISDN. It’s used more in Europe than in the United States, and has remote recording, video, and conferencing capabilities. Audio recording and video, however, require two browser tabs to be opened for them to work together. SessionLinkPro is a subscription-based service. 6. ConnectionOpen ConnectionOpen is a non-browser based standalone application that provides high quality audio between multiple users. It works through an easy to set up computer-based app that features a built-in digital recorder. Usage is via subscription or day pass. Video Conferencing Only If the voice actor will be recording the directed session within his or her home studio, then several other free options may work just fine. In this case, the talent will be responsible for recording, managing, and delivering the raw audio file to you afterwards. I highly suggest a “dry run” check a day or two before the scheduled session to ensure that the recording levels and quality meet your expectations. Ask for a sample recording from the “dry run” to be emailed to you so that you can hear the quality for yourself, and then make any adjustments before the live session takes place. 7. Zoom The current standard for video conferencing, Zoom works well for the director and voice actor to see and talk with one another. The talent can even screenshare the DAW recording, if the audio engineer wants to see the setting and levels for him/herself. 8. Skype An alternative to Zoom, Skype is another way for the director and voice actor to see and talk with one another. Although Skype offers recording ability for Skype to Skype calls, the talent should be recording the session with his/her own DAW (the recording/editing software) for highest quality. 9. Google Meet Google users may opt for Google Meet , which (as the name implies) provides virtual real-time meetings. 10. Microsoft Teams Microsoft Teams offers unlimited chats, audio and video calls, and is another option for clients or directors wishing to see and hear the voice actor record the live session. The voice actor will have to be made a part of the “team” to be able to participate, so companies with closed, secured employee team networks may want to choose another option for the recording session . 11. FaceTime Available on Apple platform products, FaceTime offers group calls and yet another way for clients and directors to lead the recording session. Audio Conferencing Only Sometimes the simplest option is all you need: 12. Phone The old phone patch has evolved to needing no other equipment than – wait for it – a phone on each end of the recording session. The drawbacks? No video. And the client or director will have a devil of a time hearing the recording played back at a proper quality level (translation: they can’t). They CAN, however, listen and direct the voice actor as needed. On the voice actor’s end, the phone can either be on speaker mode or, most likely, he or she will just wear either a one-ear headset or a single earbud. This way, the talent can listen to the client while listening to the playback on his/her computer’s DAW. But not at the same time. While we have two ears, we only have one brain, and processing two people talking at the same time rarely works out well. But, hey! This method is free and if the client or director has worked with the voice actor before and trusts that he/she’ll deliver a top quality recording, then this method should work out just fine. So who determines which connectivity option to use? That would be you, the client or the director. Most production companies state the technology requirements up-front to the voice actor or agent. Many auditions coming through my agents ask the talent to identify their home studio capability in the name of the audition itself, usually requesting Source Connect or ipDTL. Others that come through casting sites are non-specific or simply don’t need to engage the talent in a directed session. Whichever the case, decide what you want or need, communicate that to the talents before they audition, and then verify the technological capabilities before hiring a voice actor. After all, he (or she) who offers the job makes the rules. 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

Do Yourself a Favor - Save Time and Money in Your Search You have a project that needs narration or perhaps an interesting character voice. You’re looking for a voice actor. A good one who is also professional and experienced – and available at a reasonable rate. So how do you go about finding one? If you’ve never hired voice talent before, chances are that you’ll turn to your friendly search tool on your browser. And that friendly search tool will most likely bring up page after page of overly friendly and eager options – mostly ads for casting sites and other companies that will help you find talent … for a price. You’ll have to dig pretty deep before you get past all them to see results that actually represent individual voice actors themselves. Now this is one way to find talent. And it might be your default method, especially if you like to find and work with them directly. But there are a few others we can talk about, so let’s just review them all: Direct Search Certainly one of the least expensive, but more time-consuming, ways to find talent. You’ll want to develop search criteria to hone in on the types of talent that best fit your project. For example, are you creating a branding video for your website or looking to create a company overview? You’ll want to search for “corporate narration” and perhaps specify a male or female voice. No doubt you’ll still see some ads, but you’ll begin to see individual names whose websites have been optimized for the search engines. These are just the top of the iceberg, so narrowing your search with additional criteria may help you find many more good options. If you know that you want to work with local voice over talent, only middle-aged female voices, and those with home studios equipped with Source Connect so that you can conduct a remote recorded and directed session…well, now you’ll have a smaller pool of candidates. Once you have a good handful of options, narrow your list again by listening to each person’s demos. What type of voice best matches what you have in mind? Is there a voice that sparks your interest and therefore should catch the ears of your intended audience? This is all subjective. Whatever sounds good to you is worth exploring. Finish up by contacting each person on this short list and ask for an audition sample – a few lines to a paragraph of copy – and a quote. You certainly want to make sure that the person today sounds the same as the voice on the demo! And that the talent can easily replicate the quality of his or her demo. Be careful of hiring someone with too little training or experience. An excellent quality demo track may have taken one or fifty reads from the talent to get it “right.” It may have been cobbled together from multiple reads and enhanced with effects to make it sound better than what the talent is currently capable of providing. Do your due diligence by asking for an audition! Most talents will ask you about your project, too: the length of the intended recording, usage, etc. before they can quote you a rate. The more information you provide, the more accurate the quote. Be sure to define what you want from the voiceover service, such as deadlines, a retake policy, etc. The more detail you provide, the easier it will be to find the right talent who understands your requirements, as well as the business side of voice over. The right professional is also the one who values your business and delivers great customer service. Casting Sites Casting sites are pretty easy to find. Hey, they’re the ones usually paying for the ads that you saw from your Google search for talent. They can be a quick way to receive hundreds of auditions for your project, but they can also cost you a lot of time sifting through them to find the professional, well-trained voice actors, especially if you are looking for a “deal” and offering lower than a standard rate for your project. Casting sites are not all the same. Some operate like boutique agencies that vet their talent and accept only those with professional demos and broadcast-quality studio capabilities. In turn, they expect listed projects to offer professional pay. Others focus on quantity over quality of talent and jobs, making their commissions on a high volume of bookings. As a client, you may want to save money by offering a low rate, but just realize that the job will not likely attract strong, professional talent. As with anything, you’ll you’ll probably get what you pay for. Within the industry, Casting sites are referred to as “pay to play,” so-called because they make their money from voice actors who pay to receive auditions for jobs like yours. As the client, there’s usually no cost to you; the casting site or P2P profits from their member subscriptions and, depending on the P2P, sometimes a commission from off the talent’s pay from a booked job. Some of them may help you price jobs. If you want to familiarize yourself with the standard rates that most professional voice actors reference, look at the rate guides provided by the Global Voice Acting Academy at www.globalvoiceactingacademy.com or (direct link ) https://globalvoiceacademy.com/gvaa-rate-guide-2/ . Gravy For The Brain at www.gravyforthebrain.com has a smaller, less comprehensive, but very useful rate guide at: https://rates.gravyforthebrain.com/?view=1&country=en_US . So who are some of these casting sites? There are literally dozens in the U.S. and overseas, but here are some of the better known ones: VOplanet and Bodalgo focus on quality of jobs and voice actors (talents’ demos have to be vetted before joining their rosters). Voice123 has talent and jobs at all levels, with an extensive list of membership tiers and subscription costs to the actors. Fiverr, VoiceBunny, and others promote inexpensive voiceover services. Voices.com was one of the very first casting sites and has undergone many changes since then. They’re known to the voice actor community for taking extremely high commissions off the projects that their members book. There are many others, too; check them out carefully to see which best fits your needs, should you decide to look for talent through casting sites. Agents and Casting Directors Agents are the gold standard for finding top talent, especially for commercials, promos, animation, and video games, but also in other areas. You can’t go wrong with an agent, if you’re looking for strong voice actors. You will pay an industry standard rate to the talent, as well as a commission to the booking agent, which is a percentage based on the pay of the job itself. If you contract with an outside casting director, that individual will work with you to detail the job specifications, manage the agency submissions, and present you with a curated list of who he or she considers the top contenders. An additional and separate fee will be payable to the casting director. Referrals Just as it’s easier to keep clients then to have to go out and replace them with new ones, it’s often much much easier to work with talents with whom you’ve worked before. It’s also easier to meet new voice actors that come highly recommended by those same proven, reliable talents. The voice acting community is well networked, with people who genuinely like to help others. If you’re looking for a specific skill set that your regular talents don’t have, ask them for referrals. Oftentimes, they’ll know someone who has the particular accent you need, a skill that’s hard to find, or a personal background that matches your client’s specifications. Or even another voice actor who’s immediately available for a last minute, rush call. Direct Marketing from other Voice Talent Do you receive emails from voice actors introducing themselves and their services? Don’t just trash them. There may be some real gems in there. Take a quick moment to listen to their demos and if you hear something you like and think there’s a possibility of using them in the future, keep their information handy in a file folder or flash drive. You can save yourself a lot of time and money if you keep your own list of available voice actors that you can pull out at a moment’s notice. Keep a simple database or spreadsheet of their names, contact information, and skills, so that when you need auditions to share with your client, you already have a short list of reliable and responsive voice actors to call on. You’re in a stronger position with your clients when you can respond quickly with samples of good, qualified voices for their projects. It’s a great feeling to search for something specific … and find it. It’s even better when it comes looking for you! 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

Want to learn the secrets behind on-camera excellence? You don't have to be a professional actor if you want to know how to use the camera or microphone to your best advantage. Knowing something about them, though, can help you relax and feel more confident when you are asked to participate in a video. Perhaps you'll be... Webinar or Podcast Guest Presenter Company Spokesperson Discussion Panelist Online Instructor Featured Speaker in a Zoom meeting Public Speaker Download my Top 10 Tips for Becoming More Comfortable & Effective on Camera This handy guide will help you relax while showing you how to add engaging, dynamic delivery to your videos! 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

Showcase your creativity in bite-sized video shorts Looking to expand your social media network? Pack a punch in 10 seconds or less with a quick message. Bonus points if you're providing a useful tip or a bit of good-natured humor. Attention spans are SHORT ... so give 'em content to match. It's more likely that way that they'll watch all the way through, especially if the video is less than 15 seconds. Yes, 15 seconds! While short videos are defined as anything less than a minute, it has become a race to extreme brevity. Want to be remembered? Do it upfront in the first few seconds. Want more eyeballs on your content? Engage the senses ... and be entertaining. Take a tip from the comedians Comedians know how to get to the point ... and how long their audiences will stick with them until they do. They also know that the punch line is what everyone's waiting for, even if it's just a sight gag. Know precisely what you want to offer and then serve it up to your audience on a platter. Serious content or purely for fun ... deliver it upfront in unconventional or unexpected style. More bonus points if you can make it entertaining. Video takes front and center Know those image posts with wise, popular, or humorous sayings? They've been all over Facebook, Instagram, and even LinkedIn for years. Even earlier, you've probably seen them as "quote of the day" desktop calendars. You may have even had one or two at some point. They were one of the first things that early content providers wrangled into posts to boost engagement and visibility. But everything is digital nowadays and video is king. And short videos are trending. Big-time. Furthermore, videos, especially short videos, are promoted by YouTube and searchable by Google. So ... if you have something to say – and want to be memorable – create these video shorts that are attention-getting and entertaining. And use keywords so that they can be more easily found! "I'm discovering that they (short videos) attract many, many more viewers than any other type of video I'm posting." 50 shades of mom This is what my YouTube short video series MOMisms is all about. Instead of adapting quotes of the day, I'm bringing to life those humorous, pithy quips and snarky observations that adorn countless cocktail napkins, kitchen towels, and greeting cards that you find in all sorts of gift shops. I’ve been collecting these little gems for a few years now (usually while on vacation), and in the past few months, have begun producing fun super-short videos and rolling them out on a weekly basis. Each video is only about 5-10 seconds long and showcases one of the many faces of mom: loving, wry, skeptical, concerned, annoyed … the list goes on and on, just like in real life. 50 shades of mom ... and counting. And guess what? I'm discovering that they attract many, many more viewers than any other type of video I'm posting. Here’s a sample: Want to see some more? They’re all on YouTube, along with my other long and short video series. If they put a smile on your face, consider subscribing . You'll be notified as each new one becomes available. And it'll literally only take seconds to watch! Laura's Quick Tips Create short videos (60 seconds or less) to extend your marketing reach Have fun with them! Make them entertaining ... and your audience will grow more quickly House them on YouTube and be sure to tag them with keywords for Google Search Find them all under the MOMisms 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

Making Video Work for You I recently launched a new video series on YouTube, On Camera Tips for Busy Execs . It’s designed to share acting tips, tricks, and techniques with business people who will be speaking on camera, perhaps for the first time. Corporate websites. Training videos. Testimonials. Interviews. Video is incredibly popular and it’s exploded all over the internet, dominating social media. Even Instagram , with its origins as a photo sharing site, has segued into prioritizing video posts over photos. If businesses don’t already have at least one video on their websites, they’re probably heading in that direction. And hey! Somebody has to make them. Sometimes that takes place in-house, usually within the marketing department. Other times, the project is outsourced to a production house or advertising agency. And while these projects may use professional actors and/or voice talent like me, there are many instances in which an actual employee or corporate executive is featured on camera. If that’s you, then this video series can help you literally put your best face forward on camera. What's your video's purpose? Video is not video is not video. It takes a different form and vibe depending on what it’s used for. Is the video intended to promote the company within its industry, showing how it’s different from its competition? Or instead, to demonstrate how to use a new product? We’ve all seen tutorials on how to assemble your whatzit, whoozit, or other gadget. Maybe the video is purely educational, such as training new employees on the ins and outs of approved corporate behaviors. Totally different purposes. What's your video's form? Its form will take on several shapes, depending on what you’re creating: commercial, industrial, tutorial, or virtual tour. Let’s throw in an “other” category – there’s always exceptions to the rule. My point, though, is that form follows function, to borrow an architectural principle. A commercial, for example, is constructed and produced differently than an industrial film because the message, audience, and intention are different. The commercial embodies a sell cycle, with a problem, solution, supportive points, and a call to action - all within 15-60 seconds. Oh, and it has to be memorable, too. Humor works great in this area! Its intent is to grab the viewers’ attention, impress them with a pain point they may not even realize they’re aware of, tell them why it has to be addressed, and ta-da! present a solution that just happens to be what the commercial is promoting. In contrast, an industrial video is used within the company and intended to inform or educate the employees. It may resemble a commercial in structure - even in length - if it sits on the internal corporate website, but it more often looks like a presentation, lecture, short film or instructional video. The best-received industrials are often a bit humorous, but by and large, most industrials are straightforward, literally “getting down to business” to communicate what they need employees to understand. What's the tone of your video? Another consideration is the tone of the video. Is it intended to be serious or light-hearted? To entertain or impress? Short in length and punchy? Or much longer, perhaps in a series, leading the viewer down a path to reveal answers to the questions the video poses? I’ve been in one industrial that was created as an interactive video game, with employees choosing a character to play as that character navigates their way through a typical day at work, making mistakes along the way and sidestepping pitfalls if they’ve mastered the video’s lessons. The company even made a board game of the video, with each character a physical standup representation of the real person playing the role. I would have loved to have seen the final result! On Camera Tips for Busy Execs: Outward vs. Inward-Facing Another aspect that plays into the shape of the video is whether it’s outward-facing (customer-focused) or inward-facing (for internal use). Examples of outward or customer-focused videos include: Commercials (60 seconds or less) Infomercials (longer commercials that demonstrate the product) Explainer videos (animated, whiteboard, or live action 1-3 minute videos that are often humorous and serve as a commercial/infomercial hybrid) Training videos, also called eLearning, for the users of your products Interviews Panel discussions Examples of inward or internal use videos include: Presentations for internal meetings Kick-off videos for corporate events On-boarding welcome messages for new employees or guests to the company Training videos, also called eLearning Regularly scheduled messaging, such as “A Word From Our CEO” weekly update emailed to employees or hosted on the internal website Irregularly posted or emailed messages from Human Resources (HR) or the company administrators to announce policy changes or holiday operations Formal vs. Casual While true formality long ago took a back seat to a more casual work environment, both in dress and in presentation styles, it’s still around in spirit. Who hasn’t sat through a lecture disguised as a presentation? Especially if it’s delivered by the top brass. More casual videos use entertainment as a means to persuade, inform, and educate. A much higher probability of retention and perhaps even repeat viewing. So what is a formal approach? Content delivered directly to the viewer in a concise manner. To paraphrase Sergeant Joe Friday from the 1950s TV show Dragnet: "The facts, ma'am, just the facts..." This includes cost/benefit analyses, detailed technical or medical information, or the serious learning style of some training videos: “press the arrow key to go to the next slide.” More casual videos are designed to elicit responses from the viewers or, in the world of social media, promote engagement with comments and shares within the hosting platform. The subject matter may be treated in a light-hearted manner, even poking fun at itself or its competition. Examples of casual video styles include many commercials or infomercials introducing new products, inspiring or motivational videos advertising travel destinations, or interactive training programs designed to teach viewers by showing them the results of their choices. My experience with the industrial described earlier is one example. Boost Your Effectiveness on Camera! Understand the Video You may or may not be involved in actually creating the video from the first steps, but it helps to understand the basic process. As someone delivering the message on camera, it’s important to keep these points in mind: Purpose or message of the video Intended audience Tone and style of the piece You will want to know the answers to the above, so that you look like the embodiment of the message and in sync with your viewers. That means a video showing the amazing benefits of the latest sports shoe will feature someone who looks like someone who plays or at least REALLY enjoys that sport. If the sports shoe is geared towards a young demographic, then the spokesperson will most likely look, act, and dress like the expected audience, so that viewers identify with the person on screen and trust what they say and recommend. Sometimes, the person shown on camera is the polar opposite of what you’d expect to see. That commands interest, stirs curiosity, and can be the source of some great humor. Remember the Snickers commercials and their hook, “you’re playing like Betty White out there?” Featuring Betty White, of course! Put Your Best Face Forward On Camera Sure, you want to look good on camera, but there’s a lot more to it than just presenting a pretty face. You need to show up as your own best self: genuine, interesting, trustworthy, and likeable. If you’re appearing on behalf of your company or products, being interviewed as an expert, or even participating in a panel discussion of experts, you’ll want to know how to make the camera your friend. There are plenty of tips from the actor’s world that apply here, things that you can also use to come across as a pro on camera. Even if you’re naturally relaxed and engaging on camera, there are still a few technical know-hows that would come in handy, such as knowing where to place your eyelines and how to move so that you’re compelling on camera and not just twitchy. That’s where my series comes in. One subject a week, just a few minutes each, plus subtitles if you need to keep the sound down. Click this YouTube link to watch and let me know what you think! 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

People want a conversational, authentic approach. Not a hard sell. I was quite excited to speak with Val Low on her podcast recently.As a MAP IT Master & Brand Strategist, Val works with entrepreneurs through visual business mapping to take their dreams and business ideas out of their head and bring them to life. The result? Strategies for creating a message and brand that stand out - and that people love to talk about. What did we talk about? The importance of video in social media content marketing. A conversational and authentic approach to marketing. Outsourcing voiceover and finding the right voice actor. Tips for recording high-quality audio from home. The power of mistakes and bloopers in making you more relatable and engaging to audiences. Here's a quick 30 second preview: Want to hear the full 30 minute podcast? 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

Techniques to Go from Amateur to Pro on Video Nervous or unsure about appearing in a video to promote your business? It can be downright scary, especially if it’s all new to you. So let’s make it a bit easier. Join me on Deanna Russo’s LinkedIn Mastery on LinkedIn Audio event this Thursday, August 17 at 2 pm EST. We’ll be covering a lot of ground with practical ideas and tips to help you rock your own videos. What to do and especially what to avoid. Have any particular questions you’d like to ask? Put them in the comments below and I’ll be sure to address them in the live event. See you there! Thursday, August 17, 2023 2-3 pm EST LinkedIn Live 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 the Special Sauce That Makes Your Project Stand Out? “Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun.” Who else out there has that old McDonald’s jingle burned into their brain? It’s OK, you’re among friends here. We couldn’t get it out of our heads, we could recite it perfectly with our friends, and it gave the McDonald’s hamburger a certain je ne sais quoi. It didn’t hurt McDonald’s sales either. Everyone for decades wanted to know what that special sauce was. Pre-internet, no one seemed to really know, and no one was talking. McDonald’s convinced us that it was the special sauce that made their burgers far superior than those served by any other restaurant chain. Actually, I think it was their marketing that did it. Plus Ronald McDonald the clown, free toys, and Happy Meals. (Later, it was also the store playgrounds, but this is not an article on McDonald’s marketing techniques, so I’ll leave it there.) In the computer industry, when I was selling IBM’s hardware, software, and services, the special sauce had a much fancier name: the Value Add Proposition . In other words, the extra something that customers benefitted from that they may not be able to get anywhere else. It could be incredibly high and responsive customer service, an in-house systems engineer at your beck and call, or a very attractive long-term financing deal. Sometimes, the Value Add Proposition was what the supplier company built its reputation on and was known for to its loyal customer base. Other times, it changed over the years as products and services evolved with the industry and reflected what the company thought its customers needed most. There’s a special sauce in the voiceover industry, too. Something that can elevate your copy with the right actor voicing the spot. I’m not talking about the basics, which any professional voice actor should possess: training, experience, or, if a home studio is required, recording and editing equipment and the editing skills to use them. The voiceover special sauce is what enables a voice actor to really connect to the copy and bring it to life, so that we really believe the message and the sincerity of the speaker. Unlike McDonald’s special sauce, it’s not just one thing that an actor does that makes the connection. There are plenty of methods that talented and experienced voice actors use to understand and clearly and authentically communicate the client’s message to its audience. And the client often uses the auditioning process, plus the voice actor’s demo reels, to discover which of the voices they like best truly connect with their script. When all else is equal, however – when the client just can’t decide between so many great voice options - there may be one additional factor that should be considered. And this special sauce is the real-life situation, background, or work experience of the voice actor. Oftentimes, voice actors naturally gravitate to a genre that is familiar from other experience. Current or former business men and women, like myself, can be quite comfortable with the message and tone of corporate narration or explainer videos. Teachers discover that their in-classroom skills give them an extra authoritative boost in virtual classrooms, a.k.a. eLearning projects. Healthcare professionals, especially doctors, have a much easier time wrapping their tongues around medical terminology that could cross another voice talent’s eyes. This does not mean that others without this direct experience couldn’t do as terrific a job, but it may lend an edge in the auditions submitted by those that do. A greater understanding, fluidity, or conviction may come through that the client recognizes and believes that their audience would, too. When given the opportunity, voice actors can note this relevant background information with their audition or on their website. There have been numerous times when I’ve auditioned for a project that just seems to scream my name. It ties in with my experience as a mom, my love of a particular store or brand, a place that I’ve actually spent time in, or is full of complex IT terminology and concepts that my background helps me to understand and relate to. So what should you consider when trying to pick the right voice for a particular job? Narrowing down the selection often follows these steps: 1. Has the voice actor followed directions? If they haven’t followed the audio file naming conventions, slated (or not) as instructed, provided the proper number of takes (if requested), or even met the deadline, they may not prove reliable in a recording session. 2. Is the audio portion of the audition itself of professional quality? Thanks to the pandemic, voice actors are expected, more than ever, to have home studios. The audition should be clear, voiced at a reasonable volume, without background noise or extraneous audio intrusions. 3. Did the voice actor follow the specs and deliver the type of read requested? Or at least provide one read that did, while allowing a second to demonstrate range? This shows that the actor understands the purpose of the spot, as well as the willingness to follow directions, either on their own or in a client-directed session. And the ability to show range is a pretty good indication that they can deliver plenty of great options for you during the recording session. 4. Does the voice match what you envision for this spot? Or perhaps gives you a different or better idea of how the script can sound? This is what most clients are listening for and is the most important. It takes a while to get through what could be hundreds of auditions, but you’ll recognize those that seem to hit the mark. 5. What "special sauce" can they bring to the job? Now comes the tough part. You may have eliminated 90% or more auditions and the remaining 10% all sound great and could easily do the job. So, here are a few more considerations, including that voiceover special sauce: Check out their websites, demos, and other work . Is there something else in their voice that you really like or that could lend an extra boost to the finished piece? Perhaps there is something in their personality that comes through from their audition, website, and demos that really seems to resonate with your project. Have you had prior experience with the voice actor, either from prior bookings or auditions? Sometimes, it’s easier to turn to someone you already know and trust can get the job done for you. But if you’re looking for a new voice or one that’s less used, read on: What’s their brand or persona ? Does it fit with your company and this particular message? If a project stands to gain national exposure or if the actor will be the voice of the company, clients will scour social media to make sure that actor aligns more or less with their values, or at the least will not be an embarrassment to them. Does the voice actor appear to be ethical, reliable, easy to work with and direct, and interested in pleasing YOU, their client, with their performance? With all else being equal, is there something in the actor’s background or life story that resonates with you? A real police officer talking about public safety. An engineer describing the mechanics of an autotrain system. The real-life grandpa talking about the good ol’ days when he had to walk 10 miles to school, in the snow, uphill both ways … you get the picture.  Real experience may be enough to tilt the scales in an actor’s favor. Realistically, at this point, if you’ve been specific about describing the type of voice you are looking for and have priced the job fairly, you’re left with some pretty amazing choices. In the end, go with your gut. Or collective gut, if you’re voting by committee. There are so many wonderful people who have worked and trained hard in voice over, and can do a bang-up job for you. But keep a file of those who were not selected in the final analysis. Chances are that they could be perfect for a future job. Next time, you may decide to reach out to them directly to ask them to audition, knowing you’ve already vetted them once. 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

Dynamic delivery: keeping your viewers awake and interested in what you have to say It doesn't matter how dry or detailed your message may be. It's a STORY and stories told well captivate their audiences through a variety of techniques. The trick is to think of your story as a rollercoaster ride. There are ups and downs to its flow. Twists and turns that it takes. Surprises that pop up after what seems to be a lull in activity. A story told well is unpredictable, exciting, and even breathtaking. That's a lot to ask for. While it doesn't have to be a wild rollercoaster ride, it does have to be interesting and enjoyable. That's where dynamic delivery comes in - the art of storytelling. What are these twists and turns? Changes in your facial expressions, movements, and vocalizations as you share your message. Changes in your pace and volume, emphasis of certain words and phrases, and a good dramatic pause once in a while. Curious? Watch this video for these and other storytelling tips, and how they can help you transform your message into a story. "Think of your story as a rollercoaster ride. There are ups and downs to its flow. Twists and turns that it takes. Surprises that pop up after what seems to be a lull in activity. A story told well is unpredictable, exciting, and even breathtaking." Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Storytelling is humanity's oldest form of entertainment. The best received videos are a form of "edu-tainment." Before you launch into your message, know exactly what you're going to talk about and to whom. Tailor your story to your audience. Keep audiences engaged with dynamic changes in pace, volume, word emphasis, and pauses. Oh, and here's one more thing. Imagine that the camera is a real person. A good friend, someone who is sincerely interested in your message. Talk to that person as you would if you were there in person, just chatting away. When your voice has the natural inflections of a real conversation, you'll come across as trustworthy and believable. And you'll find that some dynamic delivery comes naturally, too. There's more where this came from! If you enjoyed this video, check out these other 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

On camera or public speaking - the best way to shake nervousness is to get your whole body into it An important part of on camera preparation is managing nervous energy. After all, speaking on camera can be a nerve-wracking experience! It shows physically: Shaking hands Rapid blinking Clenched teeth or a tight jaw Stiffness Jerky movements Broken or halted speech But it doesn't have to! Calm those nerves with a few simple exercises and relaxation techniques that take only a few minutes of your time. Here are some of my faves. Nervousness isn’t something that we can easily hide from other people. It’s in our body language, which studies point out is the first thing we pick up when meeting someone. . Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Your hands hold a lot of nervous energy. Shake them out! Stretch! Shoulders, legs, and torso. A little bit of cardio goes a long way to banishing the jitters. Run through some of these quick exercises after watching the video. If you have physically limitations that prevent you from doing most of them, just try the easier ones that require less movement like the hand and shoulders stress relievers. Chances are you'll feel better and ready to take on the world. Are you finding these tips useful and want to check out a few more? They're all on YouTube under 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

Are you a hand talker? Or do you stiffen up when you're on camera? Speaking to camera, like any other form of public speaking, can be a scary business. In everyday life, we don't think about what we look like when we're talking. Most of don't worry too much if our hand gestures are too big. Unless, of course, we're knocking something off a table or windmilling our arms when excited. We focus on our message, whatever it is we're trying to communicate, and getting it across to whoever may be listening. It's a different story when we're the subject of a video and we find ourselves staring down the lens of the camera. We become self-conscious. Uncertain of how to move. Worried about sounding genuine, convincing, and believable. And what the heck are we supposed to do with our hands? We know the camera amplifies every gesture. Are we going to look clownish if we gesture like we normally do? Let's get you feeling comfortable and natural on camera, so that you feel free to focus 100% on your message. Which is what the video is all about anyways. Here's what to do with your hands when you're on camera for three different types of framed shots: Head and shoulders From the waist up Full body Knowing how to use your hands will help you relax and become a much more comfortable, natural, and engaging speaker - on camera or in-person before a live audience. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Find out how much of your body will be shown on screen so you know how much of your hands and arms will be seen Gesture naturally - but remember that small movements can appear much larger on screen Movement that's not seen on screen still helps you appear comfortable and approachable The video has specific pointers on how to use your hands for each type of framed shot, as well as those things you'll want to avoid. You'll find them useful for public speaking in general, too. With a little practice, you'll feel more relaxed and confident next time you're in front of the camera. And don't be surprised if your performance is improved. Knowing what to do with our hands releases stress from both our mind and body, freeing us to truly focus on sharing our message. Love this 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