Over my voiceover career I’ve run across variations of pronunciations that are sometimes unique to areas of the country. As an example, I have pronounced the word, “ROOFING” as “Ruffing”. I’m sure you’d say, “No, no, no…it’s “ROO (long O) FING”. A word like that, I get. Or “ROUTE 66” is said two ways, “ROOT 66” or “ROUT 66” (Like “about”). Or “DATA” as DAY-TA or DAD-DUH.

However, there are several words I hear over and over again that I feel are just voiced improperly. Like OFTEN. The “T” is silent. You wouldn’t say SOFTEN. (pronounce the “T”) It’s properly spoken, “OFF-EN” Or how about, INTERESTED. It should be spoken as a 3-syllable word. IN-TRESS-TED. Not, IN-TER-EST-ED. Granted it may be subjective to you, but how many times have you heard the state Illinois voiced as, ILL-IN-OYE’s, instead of ILL-IN-OYE? There are so many of these words that I, as a voice actor, must say properly for not only the area, but the industry.

What words have you run into like these?

Actually, I’m not mad. Maybe a little sore about the lingering winter weather. But today, Mother Nature has redeemed herself with blue skies and 71 degrees. (OPEN THE FRIGGIN’ WINDOWS!) There, that’s nice, but I may have to record soon, so don’t get too comfortable yet.

Since I last wrote at the end of February, I’ve picked up six new clients. So someone is shinning down on me. Thank you! So is March going to be a great month as we move into Spring? Or are you panicking and getting ready to discount everything to stimulate your biz?

Sure, the economy is still a bit fragile, but you can still be strategic. Here are a few insights I’ve learned over the years when lean months seemed to dominate my worries…

• Heavy discounting can be the classic mistake. If you lower your rates, in order to attract business, be aware you are going to have a harder time raising them when we come out of this mess. Today’s frugality is NOT a passing fad. People are getting used to it. You’re not considered to be a cheapskate if you go shopping at Walmart any more, are you? Your loyal clients will not forget and will challenge your credibility when you feel it’s time to raise your voiceover rates back up in the future.
• Instead of lowering your rates, which also affects your competitors, offer extra value. Add something to your deal that will make them feel they are getting a better deal with you than someone else. Perhaps, a limited 2 for 1 sale. Offer a simple premium with their next order. Offer free updates for timely commercials that need this month /next week / this week / tomorrow / tonight versions.
• You can also offer a MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE. Just be sure to be able to back it up if you do offer this service.
• If you do cut your rates on your voice jobs, do it only on low-margin items so you can retain rates & integrity on high-value voiceover items.

Of course, you should promote your length of service to the media at large, list some of your high-profile clients and show the value in your work. One way has always been to find a nitch in the market you can own. Find it, market it and specialize in it. Examples such as, Podcasts, Messages On-Hold, PA Announcements for chains, etc.. You get the idea. Now…get started!

…and I feel bad about that. Really.

I really meant to discipline myself and write at least one entry into my blog each week. Haven’t been such a good soldier, huh?

Since I last wrote, I’ve been pretty busy. Another 80+ more spots for Sylvan Learning… JD Byrider spots and another fun spot for my clients in Trinidad/Tobago. Add in voicing a half dozen cars commercials in Philly, Chicago and Little Rock, plus several hospitals that I voice semi-regularly. It’s been a good couple of months and I’m not complaining. Not to forget, Intel, John Deere, CloudSwitch & Samsung 3D. The narratives continue to keep me busy too. Not so much Marketing On-Hold this quarter.

Auditioned for quite a few of my agencies with the likes of: Sparq, Sam Ford, Easy St. Toyota, Unity Hospital, Direct Buy, Bismark, Shoney’s, Huntington Bank, Senaca Casino, Elanco, Milwaukee Journal, Bright House, Naturemade, Albert Sales & Liquidators, WEG, GW Hospital, Billy Graham Foundation, ScoopAway, Congressman Smith, Bailey’s Irish Coffee, Value City, Sears, NASA, AAA Motor Club and Canadian Natural Gas. Many thanks to these folks who keep my studio humming and trying a lot.

You must always remember that these auditions are the keys to building and practicing our voicing trade. I may not get a huge amount of them, but I do OK and truth be told, my ROI is well worth it regarding my paid online investment with Voices.com, which is the only one I am paying for presently and my other agents who regularly send me auditions. Hey they need their 10% ya know.

I’d love to hear what you do with your day. Feel free to add your comments below so we can all learn from each other. And I promise to blog more often so I don’t have to ramble on & on and sound like I’m tooting my horn. Only letting you peek behind the curtain of my DigiStudio.

Blog ya later…

It’s always interesting to see what auditions are coming through during this economy and this season. Here are just some of the latest over the past several weeks:

• A & W
• Comcast On-Demand
• Monsanto
• Zedia
• Transition Lens
• Dog Product video
• Divorce DVD
• Star Wars Giveaway TV spot
• Midstate Medical
• Oklahoma Tourism
• Forex Tool Shop
• Video Game
• Viridian Systems
• Kraft Foods
• NASCAR World Truck Series
• iRacing.com
• YouTube Rentals
• Green Products
• Oklahoma Commerce
• Falcone Automotive
• CIGNA
• NCH
• IndyCar
• IT Security
• Direct TV
• Gibson Law Firm
• Star Trek Online
• Alcon

Auditions listed are from current agencies, my talent agents and online membership-based online sites.