Search Results

Talks on mindset and business growth with networking and gifts for all conference attendees - all FREE I love speaking at conferences, but the Grand Giving Conference hosted by the Grand Connection is a bit special: More than 25 speakers, each presenting their best ideas and practical advice within 5 minutes. Thousands of $$$ in giveaways - just download and enjoy! Opportunities to actively network with other attendees throughout the two day event. Please be my guest - no charge! I'll be sharing my top tips in my talk, "On Camera Confidence: Conquer Your Fears!" It's geared for anyone who's uncomfortable about speaking to the camera in a video, Zoom presentation, or any type of online appearance. It's also helpful if you're just not sure if you're "doing it right.” In 5 minutes, you'll come away with: Techniques to become more comfortable in front of the camera. Tips for speaking on camera like a pro. A sure-fire way to look confident on camera, even when you’re not! You can even apply them right away when you meet other businesses from around the globe in the breakout rooms, where you'll be able to connect, create, and perhaps even collaborate on new opportunities. Come for as much or as little of the conference as you'd like! No obligation. No cost. And plenty of downloadable gifts designed to help you succeed in 2024. Get Your Free Access to the Grand Giving Conference December 7 & 8, 2023 (Thursday & Friday) 1 pm - 5:30 pm EST 10 am - 2:30 pm PST 6 pm – 10:30 pm GMT (UK) Here's the full schedule: Grand Talks DAY 1: MINDSET and INSPIRATION “Tune In & Turn On Your "It" Factor” by Devin Bisanz “Loving Yourself Forward” by Maggie Judge “The Pursuit Of Happiness” by Chu Tang “Finding Inner Peace in the Midst of Chaos” by Radavie Riom “You Need That Vacation!” by Lynn Lee “Mindfulness as the Route to Genuine Motivation” by Tippy Missick “Unleash Your Voice-path to Discovery” by Maria Belanic “Living Life From Inside Your Body” by Monty Ritchings “The Business Benefits of Showing Appreciation” by Mike Facherty “How to Monetise Your Knowledge” by Jennifer Branig “How Finding Your Grand Mission Can Make All the Difference” by Suzy Dickstein “HO’OPONOPONO Releasing The Past With Love And Acceptance” by James Kawainui “Women Are Revolutionizing Homeownership” by Bobbie Wasserman Grand Talks DAY 2: MARKETING, SALES & BUSINESS GROWTH Michelle Lee Myrter “The "S" Word - Sales, The Lifeblood of Your Business” by Rob Bedell “The Ripple Effect: Elevating Your Brand through Grand Giving and Word of Mouth Magic” by Gaetano Caruana “Host and Star in Your Own TV Show: Your Audience is Waiting for You!” by Diane Forster "On Camera Confidence: Conquer Your Fears!" by Laura Doman “The 5 Baby Steps to Monetize Your Virtual Talks” by Steve Eriksen “7 Keys to Running a World-Class Business (and one thing NOT to do)” by Dr. Steven Kirch “Profitable, Powerful Publicity“ by Dr. Richard Kaye “AI is Here: Now What?” by Barbara Ingrassia “Solve the Challenge of Finding New Clients by Creating Your Own Trusted Referral Team” by Thomas Gay “Customized Client Care” by Laura Morrison “The Non-Icky Marketing Funnel” by James Hipkin “Refine, Define, Shine: Simplifying Your Business Niche Selection” by Terra Bohlmann Plus everyone attending will receive a complimentary Interactive Conference Digital Magazine With Short Grand Talks + Thousands of $$$ in FREE Gifts from fellow Members. The Grand Connection is a global supportive community that offers business education, visibility, and connections through collaboration and Grand Giving to achieve impact, influence, and cash flow. You can find out more about Grand Connection and upcoming virtual events here . Learn how become more effective on camera! I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

On Camera Confidence is such a great topic, it needs its very own episode! It's always so nice when you've made a good impression that you're invited back for another visit. This applies to dinner guests, job interviews ... and webinars! A big thank you to Peter Wright and Kathleen Beauvais of The Yakking Show for having me as a second-time guest this year. Originally, I was on a panel of co-authors of "The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever" and talked about my chapter, "Leveraging Videos and YouTube." This time, we dived into some of the best and easiest tips that anyone can use right away: how to relax in front of the camera and use it to your best advantage. After all, who doesn't want to come off as a seasoned pro? You know your material; now you just have to hone your delivery. And learn how to play to the camera so that it works for YOU. We even talked about improvisation in the business world. I love being a performer in an improv company, and many of these same principles work well in sales, marketing, human resources ... honestly, just about everywhere you are dealing with other people. Even difficult teammates. If you want to learn more about how to find and develop your own On Camera Confidence or use the power of improv, click here. In the meantime, enjoy the webinar! 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

Learn to become more comfortable and charismatic on camera for videos, Zoom presentations, and online appearances. What's the best way to promote your business, product, or service? Videos across social media. It may sound daunting. And expensive. But it doesn't have to be either. Anyone with a mobile phone can shoot a high quality video, if you don't want (or can't afford) to hire a professional video production company. You can quickly and easily learn the basics of lighting, proper sound treatment, and editing. You can also quickly and easily learn how to get over any anxiety about being on camera yourself. And how to make the camera work for you, so that you come across as professional and confident. That's where my new LinkedIn newsletter, " On Camera Confidence for Business ," comes in. Each monthly edition focuses on practical tips, tricks, and techniques in a particular area. This first newsletter explores my #1 tip: how to let each of your viewers feel like you're talking directly to them. You'll find useful ideas in the article itself, with the main points highlighted in colorful graphics and in embedded videos from my two YouTube series, " On Camera Confidence " - short videos (under one minute) " On Camera Tips for Busy Execs " - longer form videos (2-6 minutes each) Subscribe, and you'll be notified as soon as a new edition becomes available. Interested in having a speaker or trainer for your group about On Camera Confidence? Let's talk about it. If you'd like 1:1 training, coaching, or consulting regarding your current video projects, we can work together either in person or over Zoom. Use either the link above for a 15 minute exploration call or the button below to schedule 50 minutes to hit the ground running. 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

Dealing with anxiety? Tackle your fears. Chances are pretty good they're not going to kill you. Talking into a camera for a video can be downright scary if you haven't done it before. Where does all this anxiety come from? And how can you deal with it, so that you can shine like the pro you are? Knowing WHY you're having trouble doing something can go a long way in beginning to resolve it. Then you can start tackling it head-on. Here are my 6 favorite tips for overcoming anxiety, whether you're talking to the camera, speaking in public for the first time, or just trying something new. "The main reason that you’re nervous or anxious about speaking on camera is fear. Fear of embarrassment, fear of failure, fear of making mistakes." Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Understand your fear and decide to take control over it Put your fears in perspective – chances are they’re not going to kill you Be patient with yourself – learning to do anything new takes time Relax! – breathe & stretch before going on camera Practice on your phone to become more experienced on camera Worst comes to worst, know that you can always edit out your mistakes in post-production. In the meantime, find the fun in what you’re doing. Even if it’s treating yourself to something special when it’s all over! Format this area with Heading 4 - Love this and want more? Check out On Camera Tips for Success . Want help developing your on-camera confidence? I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

How to get started working in video games Just how big is the video gaming industry? Globally, the market size is estimated at over $200 billion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.4% from 2023 to 2030. In other words, it's HUGE. And it's one voiceover genre that's unlikely to be taken over by AI voices any time soon. Did I say it's also a fun industry to work in? So I've heard, and that's why I'm spending 16 hours this weekend in a workshop training on the ins and outs of voicing characters for video games. It's not as easy as you might imagine, but my instructor Dave Fennoy is an absolute master at it. He should be - he's an award-winning, internationally recognized voice actor and considered one of the very best in his field. This is what I'm learning in this virtual workshop. Every character is a world unto themselves. Working the ol' acting chops Acting ability, training, and experience is a must. The process is not much different from preparing a character for film or TV roles. You have to understand the situation and truly visualize the situation. What's the character doing before the action? What's the character feeling, thinking, and doing in the scene - and why? What's the relationship between the character and the others in the scene or storyline? And how does that relationship affect the character's actions? Most importantly, the voice actor has to connect with the character and make the scene come alive for the video game player. Real, believable characters Even in fantasy worlds, the characters have to come across as utterly plausible. Real people reacting in believable ways, even though their situations may be magical, apocalyptical, or set in space or the distant past or future. Human beings acting as people always have, no matter the setting or circumstance. Oftentimes, actors are asked to use their real voices and natural ways of speaking. It can make the situation even funnier, if an everyday human voice emanates from a giant hedgehog or an alien robot, especially if there is humor or a personality quirk involved. It's all part of the storytelling process ... it's just that the players are not passive audience members; they're actually deciding with their choices the next actions for many of these characters. The character needs to be fully fleshed out in the mind of the voice actor, complete with a backstory, likes and dislikes, preferences and biases, personal strengths and flaws, etc. Then, and only then, does the character's personality shine through in what they have to say. The character comes first, not an interesting voice. "Every character has a voice, but not every voice has a character." -- Dave Fennoy Laura's Quick Tips Video gaming is a huge industry for developers, gamers ... and voice actors. Want to play a character? Take plenty of acting classes first. It's actually quite challenging to play a normal, everyday, conversational type of character. Voice acting is a marvelously creative field. Depending on your personality, strengths, and interests, you can voice commercials, narrate documentaries, play animated characters, teach in instructional videos, and so much more. Want to know more about how to get started? 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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