Working vacations - addiction, health hazard ... or source of happiness? Do you work while you're away on vacation? I confess: I have to keep a hand in things. Sometimes it's because I don't want to lose momentum, especially when it comes to maintaining a consistent presence on social media. For other instances, it's because I don't want to lose out on a great opportunity when it presents itself.   Mostly though (and here's the true confession), it's because I love what I do. After all, I started up this career of mine later in life. After the "serious" corporate career that padded my 401K nicely. During the final years as a stay-at-home mom when I had put my own ambitions on hold while I tended to my family. At a time when I could finally invest in lifelong dreams. And because I've always been a bit of an overachiever, I pursue three lines of related work: 🎬 on camera acting (film, TV, commercials, corporate industrials) 🗣️ voice overs ★ coaching business people how to become better on camera themselves The Vacation My husband gifted me with a combination early big birthday, big anniversary surprise: a cruise to Southeast Asia. It was fantastic, memorable, and quite educational. During our visit in Saigon, we learned about what they call "The American War" from the perspective of the North Vietnamese. The highlight was visiting the Cu Chi tunnels to see (and crawl through!) their extensive underground system used during World War II against the French and during the Vietnam War against the South Vietnamese and their American allies. We also marveled at exquisite Buddhist temples in Thailand and at Angkor Wat in Cambodia, explored the vast and recently discovered Underground Caves in the Philippines, and hiked a portion of the rain forest in Borneo, home of the infamous headhunter tribes. (No headhunters or shrunken heads appeared or were harmed during our visit.) The Work I discovered a few things, especially on board the ship at sea, that determined exactly what type of work and how much of it I could actually do. Most critically, there was no decent internet access! It was difficult to retrieve email, many sites including YouTube and TikTok were completely unavailable, and files regardless of size could not be uploaded. Even the satellite servie Starlink wasn't a possibility. It sounded like this vacation was going to be a completely work-free vacation, but I was able to do a few things: 🎬 I could self-tape on camera auditions for projects sent by my agents for anything filming after I got back. The biggest challenge? Convincing my husband to be my reader and to do it conversationally and willingly. (sigh) The second biggest challenge was finding time to memorize these scripts without taking precious time away from the vacation itself. Since quite a few excu rsions involved 1 hour or longer bus rides to get us to where we were going and back, that's when I did my thing. Uploading the audition tapes was accomplished in one of two ways: waiting to get to port and using my cell phone's international calling plan to do the uploads ... and (at port) emailing the audition files to my daughter, who's very familiar with the on camera casting sites and could upload them for me. 🗣️ Voice over? Forget about it! Why? B ecause voice over auditions have extremely fast turnarounds. Audition one day, record the next. Besides the inability to upload files at a moment's notice, the noise floor was atrociously LOUD (-27db for those in the know) and I didn't have the space or the materials to significantly improve it. No professional voice actor worth their salt is going to knowingly submit an audition with bad audio. ★ Thank you, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube (OK, also to TikTok for being able to schedule up to 10 days out) for giving us the opportunity to schedule posts! Between fairly reliable email service and automatic postings, I didn't have to totally disappear from view with regard to my consulting/coaching business. I may not have been able to engage via commenting as often as I'd prefer, but at least I maintained a consistent presence. All in all, I was able to keep my hand in it from time to time. Nothing that prevented me from doing anything else and, more importantly, nothing to get my husband ticked off at me about it. Your Choice How about you? What's your philosophy about working while you're supposed to be playing? 😆 There've been more than a few polls on this subject, with most people choosing to engage on social media once in a while and answering critical emails when they thought it urgent. Otherwise, except for a few workaholics, it was time for the rest of the polled sample to just forget about business for a while and enjoy the time off. Disengaging from work for a vacation is truly beneficial in all respects: personal health, prevention against burnout, and the opportunity to gain a new perspective on life, especially through travel. As an actor, new activities and experiences (like riding on an elephant or hugging a tiger - and emerging unscathed!) add to the repertoire of what we bring to the table. Learning about different cultures does so, too - it's invaluable to us as human beings, to appreciate the wider world around us and develop respect for varying viewpoints. One of the things we learned about at Thailand's Royal Elephant Preserve was the plight of both the Asian and African elephants. The full-time volunteers at the preserve do wonderful work, lovingly caring for elephants of all ages, especially the old and retired working elephants. We learned a great deal about their recent histories (poachers!) and how their populations are protected and boosted through humanitarian efforts. You can read about the work they and their international volunteers do at www.elephantstay.com   - including how to book your working vacation with them and live, work, and play with these elephants. Whatever you choose to do ... happy travels! Want more? Get exclusive access to fresh ideas, tips, and content... The key to stopping the video scroll is with original, HUMAN content that engages the mind and intrigues the heart. Here you'll find an actor's inside scoop on how to make the camera work for YOU when you're speaking or presenting on camera. All from the grounded, practical perspective of a former IT sales exec who knows the business world and what works in the room, too. Plus, for those curious about the entertainment world and the transition from corporate to creative ... well, you'll find that here, too! Get access >> I'm Laura Doman, Actress & Voice Artist, Improv Performer, Hands-on Mom, and former tech industry Sales Executive. I help people chase their later-in-life dreams through better communication, using performance skills I've honed through years of corporate experience and on-camera appearances... More about me >> ACTING •  VOICE OVER • CONSULTING •  COACHING

In Person and Online Options to Learn Voice Acting We are all in luck! Once upon a time, not so many years ago, it was difficult to find qualified voiceover training from experienced pros. Nowadays, options abound, especially from online resources like dedicated voiceover websites, podcasts, and videos that are hosted from around the world. Personal coaching, too, is easily available with connectivity tools like Source Connect, ipDTL, and even Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime. In person classes are offered in many major cities by recording studios or acting academies. I received my first training from the Atlanta Voiceover Studio, and appreciate the opportunity to discover early on what it's like to work in a professional recording space with a coach and audio engineer to guide those early efforts. Others have gone in person to the homes or studios of individual coaches for one-on-one coaching and demo production. Both are great choices, especially if you prefer dealing with a human being face-to-face, at least at the beginning of your training. But for many aspiring voice actors in more remote areas or in towns without those options, and even for experienced professionals who want to learn from VO stars from around the world, the internet is the place to go. I have compiled - and will continue to add to - a list of training resources for those wishing to learn online. I'm also including some studios I'm familiar with that also offer in-person training. I'm not, however, listing individual coaches who only work one-on-one or voice actors who offer regular communications via newsletters. In-person training studios offering online instruction, too Atlanta Voiceover Studio, atlantavoiceoverstudio.com in Atlanta Edge Studio, edgestudio.com with locations in New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and Atlanta The Actors Studio, thevoiceactorstudio.com in Las Vegas Online resources Gravy for the Brain, gravyforthebrain.com VoiceOverXtra, voiceoverxtra.co m Global Voice Academy, globalvoiceacademy.com The VO Dojo, thevodojo.com Introduction to Voiceover by Rhonda Phillips, introductiontovoiceover.com Work from Home Doing Voiceovers by Julie Eickhoff, workfromhomedoingvoiceovers.com The Voiceover Collective, thevoiceovercollective.com Home Voice Over Studio with Dan Lenard, homevoiceoverstudio.com Free weekly videos and podcasts VO Boss podcast with Anne Ganguzza, voboss.com The Everyday Entrepreneur with Marc Scott, vopreneur.com VO Buzz Weekly videos with Chuck Duran & Stacey Aswad, vobuzzweekly.com VO Body Shop with Dan Lenard & George Whittam, vobs.tv Stories From the VO Booth, soundcloud.com/vobooth George the Tech, georgethe.tech Voice Over Conferences VO Atlanta, huge conference held in the spring in Atlanta, voatlanta.me WoVoCon, hosted by World-Voices organization in the fall in Las Vegas, world-voices.org MAVO, Mid-Atlantic conference held in the fall in Herndon, Virginia, midatlanticvo.com SOVAS, Society of Voice Arts & Sciences held in the fall in Los Angeles, thatsvoiceover.com VO Mastery, held in the fall in California, vomastery.com One Voice, held in the spring in the UK and in the summer in Dallas, TX, onevoiceconference.com I also recommend Marc Cashman's book " V-Oh! Tips, Tricks, Tools and Techniques to Start and Sustain Your Voiceover Career ," an easy-to-read guide that will help you get started on the right foot and avoid many common missteps along the way. Now that you know where to find some great training options, have you considered the other aspects for managing a successful voiceover career? Check out this list of questions to see what you can expect.

Professional women's associations: out of the Zoom box and back into the real world   How much of your daily activity is still done remotely? Probably quite a bit. How about professional business networking? I bet you're discovering, like I am, that it's much more fun and effective to talk with people in person instead of just by Zoom. Like so many others after the imposed isolation of the pandemic, I just want to be around other people. It’s not that I don’t love working remotely. I’ve been doing so for years, but it needs to be balanced with human interaction. Professional networking groups hit that sweet spot. And it’s so nice when we can continue a conversation later over coffee or, locally, on a walk around Atlanta’s Beltline. Networking for fun and profit Yeah, it really IS all about building authentic relationships. Competition to Collaboration ... Finally My networking for years included both men and women. I've always liked running with the boys, and in my early tech years, that's pretty much what it was. There just weren't as many women in my branch of IT, and frankly, I found too many women regarding each other as competitors than as collaborators. Much of that changed when our collective professional lives shifted to include parenting responsibilities. There's common ground when women are trying to balance careers with motherhood, not to mention all the time behind the wheel as "mom taxis." Now as an empty-nester, there's been another shift. So many friends and associates at the same stage of life have moved on: into retirement, with different interests, or off to different parts of the country. And sadly, some are preoccupied with health issues or have passed on. It's time to widen the social and professional circles and meet other like-minded women. Local professional women’s groups hold a special appeal. You Get More When You Give To that end, I recently joined two local professional women’s networking organizations. One’s focused on women-owned small businesses. The other is the local chapter of a national association that actually fought – and won – the right for women to have credit cards in their own names. Think that’s a story from the 1950s? I thought so, too, but it actually dates back to 1974. Before Covid and the explosion of Zoom-based networking options, there were more professional associations than one could possibly join. Only the stronger ones made it through, and now the ones that did are working hard to rebuild their memberships to pre-pandemic levels.     PROWIN is one of the survivors. It’s been around for over 20 years and serves women-owned, women-run small businesses in the Atlanta area. Ironically, I was introduced to it via a virtual networking platform. The Grand Connection hosts small breakout groups for just about every type of event, and that’s where I met Lori Lyons, who (as it turned out) was the PROWIN president. Lori and I were delighted to find that we live near one another, and so we made plans to meet in person. To make a long story short, she invited me to one PROWIN luncheon, I ended up attending all of the scheduled speaker luncheons in 2023, and before I knew it, found myself on the board for 2024. Yup. Lori is an excellent recruiter.   It’s true what they say: the best way to meet and network with as many people as possible is to get involved. My new role is finding great speakers and planning pinnacle events, both of which give me plenty of visible opportunities in front of our members and guests. As an actor, I rather like that. (No surprise there.) I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many interesting, talented entrepreneurs. Many came from the corporate world like me to start their own businesses, while others have been creative freelancers throughout their careers. We run the gamut from finance, real estate, and law to … well, me! … as an actor and on-camera coach. I’m a bit of an anomaly, so my work is a natural ice-breaker. Bonus: there’s a lot of interest in seeing my performances, especially timely now when my latest film is playing on Amazon Prime. A nice bit of marketing of myself for corporate events, both live and recorded, as a host, voice over artist, and coach to help business folks getting better on camera themselves.   The secret of successful networking lies in how you can help someone else. A Healthy Balance to Networking No argument here – I think most of us know that it's healthy to have balance in our lives between work and family and to take care of all aspects of ourselves. I’ve found that in person networking has done much to nurture my soul. I’m inherently an introvert – I cherish and NEED my alone time – but only to a point. That social side needs attention, too! I also value a balance between my business and creative activities. PROWIN and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the second women’s group I joined, provide a professional balance with the artistic circles I move around in. Totally different types of people, but all thoroughly enjoyed. On one hand, I have my networking opportunities through corporate and professional connections. On the other, I share creative ideas with other film, TV, and voice actors, as well as those who power the industry: producers, directors, casting directors, agents, and everyone in the crew who staffs a production. Add in personal friends and family and it makes for a nice balance.   As a mom, I’ve been advising my young adult children – as much as they’re actually listening! – that the secret of successful networking lies in how you can help someone else, not in a “what’s in it for me” mentality. We intrinsically feel good when we help other people. I find it very rewarding to introduce people with common backgrounds, interests, work situations, etc., whether for personal or professional reasons. Many of them appreciate the introductions and like to reciprocate in kind. Quite a few friendships have begun this way, too. And as a side benefit, we develop invaluable reputations as kind, thoughtful, helpful people ourselves – and, hey, who wouldn’t want to do business with someone like that? A win-win.   One last word: in person networking goes beyond just “friending” or connecting with someone on social media. While we often connect online, too, and some online friends have become real friends in person (like when we meet at conferences), there’s another dimension when we go 3D and get to know and do things face to face. So welcome back, in person networking! I’ve missed ya. Laura's Quick Tips Each new stage of life can shift our networks - and our priorities - but bring new people into our lives. Be an active contributor. Greater involvement often means greater visibility and influence. Figure out the balance you need to stay happy, healthy ... and sane. We can only do so much! Looking to do a bit more networking yourself? Sometimes working with a good business coach is the right starting point to figuring out which types of organizations are best for you. If you'd like to know what to look for in a business coach, check out this article > 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

Behind the scenes and fun facts of my most recent TV movie Ever wonder what it's like to work on a movie set? Or what goes into making a film? Last winter, I had the pleasure of playing a strong supporting role in the recently released TV movie, "Falling for the Competition," now showing on Amazon Prime. It's a typical love story and I play the lead's mom and owner of the local coffee shop hangout. A bit of a hippie-dippie artistic mom with plenty of unsolicited advice and attitude. In other words, a fun role. It was also a fun shoot! Director Brittany Goodwin oversaw a terrific cast and crew, and every day on set was a pleasure. People came from all over the country to work on it, but I was lucky enough to be able to commute to set each day, as the locations were only 30-40 minutes from home. Sometimes the behind the scenes stories are just as interesting as the movie plot! How do movies decide where to shoot? Many movies have their stories set in one geographic location, but film in a totally different place. Factors like great weather, a variety of locations, transportation options, strong local talent, and a large crew base attract productions ... but money, budget. and a pro-business local focus top them all. For years, Georgia has been offering lucrative tax incentives for productions to film statewide - and it works. Atlanta has become a leading film destination with new production studios calling Georgia home every year. Likewise, the busy TV and film industry is seeing more and more top acting and production talent relocating from Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and around the country and calling the Southeast home. Friendly locals can be a big draw, too, especially when it comes to renting buildings or storefronts or temporarily closing down streets to film a big outdoors scene. Or hiring them as extras! We had some of the nicest people participate in our crowd scenes. In one scene, they were running in a race or cheering on the competitors. In another, they were enjoying an art auction. Because the story takes place in a small town, many people had a chance to appear in more than one scene as their local characters. What do extras do? They provide the ambiance of a scene and are often featured talking (silently!) in the background, walking near or around the principal actors, or going about their characters' business. They have no speaking lines and need no preparation before showing up on set, except for knowing how to dress for the scene(s) they're in. Once they're called to set, they're assigned places to stand or sit and given simple actions to perform. It's easy work and sociable, too. There are even groups of friends who "make the rounds" of film productions and are known for being good and reliable background actors. Extra work doesn't pay much (usually around $88 for up to 12 hours), but it can be fun for the participants. Just know that it does involve waiting around a lot, just like it does for principal (speaking) actors! Pretending it's a hot summer day when it's actually FREEZING "Falling for the Competition" takes place in hot, sunny Florida. Would you believe that it was filmed during one of the coldest winters on record in north Atlanta? Yup, the story of the people in this little Florida seaside town was actually shot alongside Lake Allatoona and Lake Lanier in north Georgia. Our imaginations were in full gear when we were standing outside in summer sundresses while the wind whipped along in 30 degree temperatures. That's 30 degrees Fahrenheit, not Celsius, and yes, it was COLD. "Jackets on!" "Jackets off!" accompanied every call of "Action!" and "Cut!" It was almost comical how quickly we launched into our coats when we could and how we waited until the absolute last second when we had to take them off again. Fortunately, craft services often had hot chocolate, coffee, and hot water for tea ready for us back in the main cabin that served as our holding, hair, and makeup area. An actor is happy when the production is professional, pleasant, and well-run from start to finish. Divas - in front of or behind the camera - need not apply! Switching channels: Hallmark to Amazon Prime Actors seldom know exactly when a project moves from post production to airtime ... or even where it will show up. Sometimes the name of the movie changes, too, from the time it was filmed to just before it's aired. That was the case here. The movie was originally called "Love Games," but I think the new name "Falling for the Competition" does the plot justice. Produced by One Reel Entertainment , we also expected that it would air on the Hallmark channel. Maybe the SAG-AFTRA strike affected the plans, perhaps it also played a role in why the movie debuted on Amazon Prime almost immediately after the strike ended ... but we're just glad that the movie is out. And that it turned out so well! Not every production that's begun or even completed sees the light of day. There are plenty of stories where money ran out or deals fell through and the project simply died. My favorite part about the movie You know what I liked most? That I played one of the three central women in the movie and that we all shared a wonderful dynamic. I've noticed a pattern in a number of movies with three female characters. There's the lovable lead. That's not me, at least not anymore. Unless the movie is about women "of a certain age" (ha! not likely!), I'm honestly just too old for it. Then there's the gorgeous or glamorous best friend. Hmmm, well, I'm not that type either, and never was. This role was played in our movie by Layla Hoffman, a truly beautiful model/actress from - surprise, surprise! - around Cleveland, Ohio, my hometown. (I knew there was a reason we got along so well!). But then there's the role I am made for! The short, funny one. And I love it! I think I got some of the best lines, too. An actor is happy when the production is professional, pleasant, and well-run from start to finish. That's exactly what I experienced here! One of the best projects I've worked on recently. And I hope to have the pleasure of working with many of the same people again. Looking for some good old-fashioned, feel-good, family-friendly entertainment? Then check out "Falling for the Competition" on Amazon Prime. And if you like it, please let me know! If this behind the scenes look inspires you to want to join in, too, then read this article about how you can get started acting professionally ... the smart way. Know that, unfortunately, there are way too many scammers and con artists out there who prey on unsuspecting aspiring actors. Learn to spot them and stay away! This is a marathon, not a sprint ... don't believe anyone who tells you that you're guaranteed to be an overnight 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

The right coach can direct you to the best opportunities Remember that old commercial with the woman peering over her reading glasses and solemnly suggesting that "Everyone needs a little help now and then?" I can't for the life of me remember what the commercial was for, but I certainly haven't forgotten her advice. 'Cause it's TRUE. Especially when it comes to our business. I love turning to coaches to help me through a rough spot or to give me an objective, straightforward, no BS opinion when I need it. You can't argue with direct, practical advice! Sometimes we're so mired in the minutia that we have trouble seeing the big picture. This is especially useful at the start of a new year. I've hired coaches to help me at different times with all facets of my business. As an on-camera and voice actor, training is on-going via workshops and classes. Coaching, though, is much more personal and takes one of two forms: elevating my performance as an actor or focusing on the marketing and development end of my business. As a coach myself, I've hired experts in areas such as marketing, website design, and social media to help me clarify my direction and service offerings. There's no way we can know or do everything ourselves! Some are hired on a one-time one hour consulting basis and others are contracted to work with me over a fixed number of sessions (especially when there's a particular goal I need their help to achieve). My amazing marketing/website guru guides me in a monthly session on an on-going basis. Thank you, Sara! Just last week, I met with Heidi Rew to evaluate my voiceover business strategy for 2024. Heidi, with her husband Mike Stoudt, are co-owners of the Atlanta Voiceover Studio . Not only are they two of the nicest people you'll ever meet, they were also my very first VO instructors way back in 2017. I figure they know me pretty well by now! I usually see one or both of them weekly when I stop by their offices, which they share with Get Taped , an on camera audition taping service that I use regularly. So, when I was looking for guidance in my VO career, I knew where to turn. And I wasn't disappointed! Working with coaches makes me a better coach, too. I know from my own experience that clients deserve a coach with demonstrated expertise, a sincere desire to be of service to them, and the ability to deliver what's been promised. It's up to the client to do the work and see the results of those services, of course, but a good coach can show the way. I'm most satisfied when the requirements (needs, goals, whatever!) are stated clearly upfront and understood by both parties. Once we both know where we need to go, it's much easier to chart the path and lay out the milestones I need to achieve. On Camera Confidence: Video Mastery Work with me 1-on-1 to improve your performance and gain confidence! Steps to Get Your Money's Worth Out of a Single Coaching Session When I hire someone to help me with a specific area of my business, I like to dive right in and get to the heart of the matter as quickly as possible. Time IS money, and the faster my coach knows what I need, the more time we can spend developing a workable solution. I was very happy that Heidi had me do a little homework before we met, just to shorten the discovery process and avoid spending too much of our time together talking about the problem. Much more efficient for me to gather my thoughts first, know what I want to achieve, and then help her prepare by sending her this information via email ahead of time. More succinctly, I'd suggest the following to anyone planning a coaching session.... Checklist for an effective coaching session Your goal(s), simply stated A brief history to give the coach perspective The immediate problem or obstacle - what's holding you back? What you hope to achieve as a result of this session Your measurement of success Everyone needs a little help now and then, so don't be afraid to ask for it! That may seem like a lot to achieve in a session of one or less, but you'd be surprised how much you can accomplish with some pre-planning! So how do you get the most out of a series of coaching sessions? Much the same way, except that the process is more detailed, with each session focused on a different step of the process. Progress is made when the client applies what's been learned afterwards and in preparation for the next step of the process. This is how I like to go about my coaching with clients, too. I also want to know how a new client likes to work with a coach. Some prefer just a direct exchange of information and feedback. Others do better with gentle encouragement and hand-holding along the way. A good coach can adapt to the personality and needs of the client, but the best work happens when there's a match between coach and client. Some people click, while others are just on different wavelengths. My coaching is building on camera confidence for anyone preparing to speak in a video, give a Zoom presentation, or appear as a guest in an upcoming webinar, podcast, or interview. As someone with years of experience in both the business and entertainment worlds, I can help you become (and look!) completely comfortable and charismatic on camera. Interested? I invite you to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to see how we can quickly get you there. Looking to improve? Work with me here: Want more? Get exclusive access to fresh ideas, tips, and content... Lots of information and free resources, including a story or two. Some funny stuff, too. Get access >> I'm Laura Doman, Actress & Voice Artist, Improv Performer, Hands-on Mom, and former tech industry Sales Executive. I help people chase their later-in-life dreams through better communication, using performance skills I've honed through years of corporate experience and on-camera appearances... More about me >> ACTING •  VOICE OVER • CONSULTING •  COACHING

Want to be a more effective online speaker? Here's a tip or 10 to keep your viewers hooked to your presentation. It's hard enough as an in-person public speaker or presenter. You have to channel your enthusiasm for your subject into energizing the room, read your audience, and keep them engaged and interested in learning what you have to offer. Now take away the physical space and all the people you'd see face to face and replace it with a camera lens and a harsh red "recording" light. A bit daunting, isn't it? Even the best public speakers can have trouble adapting to talking into a void. It doesn't have to be like that. I've pulled some top tips from my dual experience as a professional screen actor and former corporate sales exec. Here's what you need to do to create a dynamic online presence and keep your audience glued to their screens. You’re going to be most effective on camera when you come across as genuine, relaxed, and easy to watch. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Forget about being perfect! You're not going to be. Perfection is boring, anyways. Humanity is far more interesting. Practice makes perfect, but see tip #1 above. Go for comfort with your material, but don't let it or your performance become stale. Have fun and let your personality shine through. Relevant personal stories, humor, and images and short videos to introduce each new point add interest and variety to your material. A positive mindset, preparation, and familiarity with your material and audience go a long way to helping you become a dynamic online speaker. Add in a few on-camera tricks ... and you're all set! 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

Pros and Cons of AI on Linkedin Live on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 1pm EST And … the match is on! AI vs. Human. AI's been the talk of 2023, especially for voice and on camera actors who wonder if they’ll soon be out of a job. Or seriously taken advantage of. (Cue the SAG-AFTRA actors strike.)   The question on the other end for creatives, buyers, and their customers is … which is better? More cost effective? Easier to work with? And better quality overall? The results are what counts. Right? Please join me as   Gillian Whitney   and I cover a lot of ground on AI vs. human talent in her LinkedIn Live broadcast. Anything in particular you want to ask? Let me know in the comments below! See you … or your AI avatar 😆 … soon. 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

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