Disc Jockeys Can t Become Voiceover Artists
r, can they? The answer is boxed into this narrow niche
quite simple. Of course which often doesn't allow your
they can. I did. And, I'm true talent to shine through.
also still working in radio and
have been for 30 years. However, After much practice at executing
there are some caveats to this delivery that's mandated to
consider. you and attempting to find and
infuse your own personality
If you've been working in radio within these parameters, you
for, say, more than 2 years develop what I call a "single
you've been trained to deliver style". It's bound to spill over
your voice in a very narrow range into your daily production. And,
of both style and interpretation this makes matters even worse.
by the powers that be. Many of You become a "one-trick pony".
those "powers" you never even So, if you decide to branch out
see. I'm speaking of consultants. into the related field of voice
They provide station composite acting, you'll need to step
and daypart critiques to general outside that comfort zone because
managers and program directors agents, producers, casting
and, in today's radio world, directors and clients use hired
these G.M.'s and P.D.'s direct voices specifically to avoid
you according to those hearing another "stock"
parameters. I have plenty of commercial.
opinions about consultants, but
that's for another article. The So, you ask, how do I break the
point is, there is a method to D. J. delivery habit? For some,
their madness. Reasons do exist this will be simple. For others,
that render radio broadcast it can be very difficult indeed.
stations to sound "cookie-cutter"
throughout the land. So, you're The answer depends upon how you
perceive yourself and your
abilities and how willing you are Maybe you'll need or want to take
to work hard (at least at first) acting lessons. Yes, you will
to stretch your performing have to pay for this service.
muscles. While I'm about to make But, if you find the right
a few suggestions in answer to instructor it will be money
that question, these are, by NO well-spent. Research this heavily
means, the entire list. However, before plopping down your
what follows should at least hard-earned cash. Many resources
point you in the right direction. are available to you. And, many
I know you have the ability. of these instructors offer
You're already a broadcaster. distance-learning. However, the
What I don't know is if you have best way to learn this in my
the drive. Only YOU know! humble opinion is to be there. To
actually act out scenes with
You may begin by choosing a others, etc. Ask any actors you
voiceover artist you admire, then know to recommend someone and ask
emulate them. CAUTION: Do not them why they recommend them. You
attempt to imitate them or their also have access to the internet.
personality. Discover, by Use it! There are bulletin
listening closely, what boards, newsgroups and forums
characteristics you admire about where you can find all kinds of
them. Then, find those voiceover information.
characteristics in yourself that
will help you stand out from the Stretch - stretch - stretch. Make
crowd. The traits within you that yourself interpret copy in
define YOUR personality. You various personnae. Own it and
cannot BE your mentor voiceover make it your own!
artist. I assure you the best way
is simply be yourself! So, are you a disc jockey or a
voiceover artist? How about both!
About the Author:
Doc Phillips has been providing voice work in one way or another for 30 years. He is also an internet entrepreneur who hosts and manages several sites. He built, maintains and "markets" his website, http://www.docphillips.com and is a Gold member on Commericals Voices-dot-com.
Read more articles by: Doc Phillips
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