My place is firmly behind the camera, or a desk, and I'm happy there, but a recent project has me requisitioned for a making of type of documentary. My task is to read notes and sound as though I am not reading them but making it up on the spot.
I set up a microphone and gave it a try, and no matter what, I sound like I'm reading, and then when I try to sound like I'm not, I sound like I'm overacting. Which obviously I am. Are there any quick bits of advice for a total non-actor who is suddenly on the spot to do some audio VO and make it sound natural and on the spot.
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Hi, Morgan Aitken. Stage 32 has a webinar called "Voice Acting 101: What You Need to Know to Get Started" (www.stage32.com/education/products/voice-acting-101-what-you-need-to-kno...). One of the things Van Gunter covers is "Preparing Your Voice."
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Try spacing your speech into uneven rhythms, pauses, some faster, some slower, and find the key word to hit. Sentences follow a melodic pattern that arcs high pitch 2/3 of the way through and drops to the end.
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Hey Morgan Aitken . I suggest you don't try to perform it straight away. Just explain it to an imaginary colleague as if you’re updating someone on set. This helps your voice find its natural rhythm. Then pick up the script and record immediately — the body keeps the conversational flow.
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Yes, I would suggest voice warm up exercises, and there are some good webinars on beginning acting, and audio book recording. Also, what Alexandra Stevens said. Just read it like you are explaining it to someone. Put a stuffed animal or a someone's picture to look at and talk to them.
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Visualize! When you say a word your mind is also going on a journey. That's what transforms speech into performance. Feel it, imagine it and embody it and your audience will be taken on a very special journey.
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That's a brill idea David Linski ! I love the idea of visualization and words taking the listener on a journey. I listen to a lot of audiobooks, and realize now, the good narrators are indeed taking me on a journey. Aye, that's acting, and I'm in awe of those that can do it well.
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That's it Morgan. A great actor is in the driving seat, the audience are the passengers. :) Drive the story and it comes to life and takes them on the journey. :)