The Voiceover Multiverse

The voiceover world is diverse. It is made up of many different and talented people and a lot of them disagree on how things should be done and how voiceover artists should present themselves. This is normal in any mix of creatives whether it's the entertainment business of business in general.

I have viewed this as a multiverse that is horizontal in nature. One universe is not better than another but different in it's views on whats most important. Because of this structure it's important to decide what is best for yourself. There will always be people who will tell you your approach is wrong. You can spend your life changing everything all the time and never make everyone happy or get anywhere. The question is not does everyone like what you're doing, the question is do you like what you';re doing in the universe that resonates with your own taste and talent. And of course you must develop your skills to the highest level possible

An old mentor told me when I was starting out:

 "All you need to know kiddo is find someone who likes your work and stay there. Them find another person who likes your work and continue that process and don't waste any time on people who don't want you. They aren't your people ya big dope!"

Bless his soul. It was his way of saying it's just a numbers game. You have to keep moving and keep auditioning and to de personalize the process. Sales people understand this very well.

I read a meme that came in on twitter. It said,

"You cannot make everyone happy. You are NOT a Taco"

Follow your own intuition...Keep laughing and have fun out there:)

- Be Nice and Don't Talk too Much:)

I hear from engineers and booth directors periodically that voiceover actors sometimes simply talk too much during a session or seem annoyed when given multiple directions. It's important to remember that clients are spending a lot of money to create their advertising media. We really must be good, socially adept voiceover artists to help them maximize their efforts. Don't start "babbling" on their time. Give them your best effort with positive energy to help the get what they want:)

- On Learning to Not Be a Hostage

Sometimes when we are doing a job there are people who try and manage situations by being mean or rude, or condescending. What to do. What to do. There is little any of us can do to control other people, we can only control our own behavior. The old Bumper Sticker advice is pretty simple " If you wrestle with an idiot, you deserve and idiot" Detached engagement can help us navigate these situations. We become observers, figure out what is driving the other person and then only respond to getting the job done while being pleasant even she others are not. Don't take the bait, don't argue, adjust as best you can and finish the job. Go some place after and keep laughing,