The Mic Guy: Adventures in Voiceover

Now that I’ve had a night to sleep on it, here’s a summary of the lessons learned in yesterday’s coaching session.

• I have a tendency to cut my projection too much when reading at low-to-medium volume. I’m not sure whether I’m subconsciously being protective of the microphone (afraid of overamping it) or simply feel awkward about the sound of my voice. I need to feel free to project with full voice and plenty of forward resonance, even when I’m performing an intimate read.
• By the same token, I need to stay tighter physically on the mic. (Note to self: Review notes from last fall’s mic technique class.)
• It was interesting to hear that I have a unique sound. I’ve always thought of my voice as nondescript in a good way — I can make my voice sound a variety of different ways. But I’ve never considered my “natural” sound especially unique.
• Also interesting to know that my “money voice” may be the deeper, chestier, “superheroic” end of my range. To my ear, my lower range sounds manufactured. Apparently, it doesn’t sound that way to other people. The director: “It’s bassy, but not too bassy. A lot of nice texture. That’s where I’m going to want to hear you.” Gravitas is good.
• Along that thread of different ears hearing different qualities: On my one narrative read, last night’s director thought I sounded as cool, laid-back, and conversational as the copy called for. I’m certain that other directors I’ve had would have found the same read too bright or dramatic. (Note to self: It’s selection, not rejection.)
• My greatest vocal asset — warmth and brightness — is also one of my greatest challenges. I first learned that in narration class, and the lesson was reinforced last night. How often that happens in life: Our blessings and burdens coincide.
• Appreciating my gifts, part one: I do an effective job of sustaining a character — not only in vocal placement, but also in attitude and style — throughout a read, even through changes in range and emotion. Consistency, thou art a jewel.
• Appreciating my gifts, part two: I take direction well. That’s a reputation I’d like to maintain.
• The less I think, the better my acting. I really need to trust my instincts. They’re good. I’ve been told that frequently since my very first VO class. It’s time to start believing it.

This entry was posted on February 24, 2009 at 2:29 PM and is filed under Reflection, Strategy, Voice acting, Voiceover. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.