Podcast Lessons

Taking Professional Podcast Lessons

Coming up with a fantastic idea for a podcast is the first step you need to do to achieve success. Once you have an idea of what you want to talk about you can start to take the steps toward success. Many podcastors just start podcasting right away without any training or thought about what they sound like. This can be their downfall were they not careful in their creation process.

The content you produce is the first step, but in order for the content to be good you have to understand all the little trinkets going into the making of a successful podcast. The little details needed to make a podcast successful isn’t something you can typically pick up on the go. Joining a professional voice over acting school will help you learn all the factors going into making an infamous podcast.

Why Should I Take Classes for Podcasting?

Podcasting isn’t just about talking about your favorite topic. There are various little details going into a successful podcast. One of the first ones being how you speak. Being too loud or too soft can drive people away from your podcast. Remember, a good amount of people use their phones or tablets to listen to podcasts. Their headphones or earphones go directly into their ear, so yelling can cause them a headache.

Speaking clearly is another attribute you need to be aware of. Speaking at the perfect level of sound may be an important factor, but you still need to be able to vocalize your words and enunciate each syllable. No one wants to listen to someone who can’t read or speak clearly. They’ll end up spending the whole time trying to decipher what you are saying, instead, of listening to what you are saying. Voice over classes will even teach you how to be a better “cold reader”.

A cold read is when your client offers you a script during the recording session or before. You will then be asked to read this script, which you most likely are seeing for the first. You will then read the script—then and there—as if you have memorized it a thousand times and emote the proper emotions. Thankfully, classes are available to heighten your cold reading skills.

Professional Voice Over Acting

Understanding all the little specifications can seem like a mind-numbing process. However, once you start to see how they all work together you will become a professional podcaster in no time. The Voice Shop in New York offers a variety of classes for you to choose from. Working with various celebrities and powerhouse companies has allowed them to train their students in ways no other school can.

The BBC, Nielsen, Gucci and Mercedes-Benz are just some of the vast organizations The Voice Shop has had their students work with. Your career will soar because of these new connections. You will be able to use your new skills in an applicable environment with various important companies paying for your work. Your notoriety will slowly start to rise and you will become a more household name. Furthermore, it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an expert, there is always room to hone your skills even further.

Voice Over Coaching

Voice Over Coaching: What Does It Entail?

As opposed to singing lessons, voice over coaching involves finding your voice, perfecting it, and utilizing it in a way that stands out and is fit for the voice over industry. Of course, there are plenty of voice over coaches who work with aspiring singers, though a voice over coach most often works on speech and communication with voice talent. Regardless of what’s covered within classes, voice coaching is often necessary for those who’d like a career in voice overs.

If you are the aforementioned aspiring voice talent, The Voice Shop is one of the premier voice over schools in New York City. Our classes can help you start your path to landing a gig in the entertainment industry. While this always involves hard work, skill, proper technique and more, starting out with voice over coaching will surely be beneficial. Whether you’re just getting started in voice acting or would like to brush up on your technique, voice over coaching can help. Plus, the Voice Shop offers a range of voice over courses for every level. Now, take a closer look at voice over coaching and how a voice acting coach can help you start your path to a working voice over talent. 

What’s Involved in Voice Over Coaching?

Within singing, voice coaching essentially applies to the output of an individual's voice. That is: execution, vocal arrangements, phrasing, pitch, volume, etc. Within the voice over industry, voice coaching is quite similar, yet more specific techniques like pauses, emphases, and articulation are also covered. Moreover, coaching may focus on a certain discipline within voice over, such as commercial VO or narration. 

Given that most voice over coaches are experienced professionals, they can give you much-needed insight to the industry. This could include where your voice would be the best fit, how to approach agencies, what to include on your demo, and more. Plus, at the Voice Shop, our coaches can guide you in building your own recording studio and even help you develop the skills to market your own brand through voice over. In short, working with a voice acting coach could present numerous advantages to your and your path to starting a career in voice over.

Options for Voice Over Coaching

While your options will depend on where you receive coaching from, you can find voice over coaching for a range of specific topics and disciplines. As we alluded to above, you can focus on a particular subject like narration or animation voice over, among many others. However, topics don't have to be so specific. If you're just getting started in voice over, you can coaching and lessons for establishing your voice, perfecting certain techniques, and even in creating your own voice over demo. Here at the Voice Shop, we offer all of this and more. In short, we offer a range of voice over classes, all led by industry professionals. We've provided some of our voice over classes below to help you get an idea of your options:

• Fundamentals of Voice Over: As part of our Technique classes, Fundamentals of Voice Over covers an overview of the industry, finding your authentic voice, and touches upon a range of voice over techniques.

• Private Lessons: Of course, private voice over lessons can cover whatever topic you choose. Here, you can connect with our voice over coaches via Skype for guidance, critiques, and anything else you'd like to learn about voice over.

• Workshops (Webinars): From preparing for an audition to building a home studio and recording your demo, our webinar workshops are a great follow up to the classes. These topics are key in finding work and maintaining a career as a voice over talent.

How Voice Over Coaching Benefits You

Regardless of your current skill set, voice over coaching really offers something for everybody. It’s beneficial in finding your voice, perfecting your technique, and landing jobs as a voice talent. Take a look at the list of benefits below for more:

• Improve your delivery, speaking with color and emotion.

• Learn techniques such as increasing volume without shouting.

• Perfect the speed of your speaking

• A coach will serve as an extra set of ears, observing your speech and vocal range.

• A coach will point out strengths and help you improve other areas.

• They’ll also help you create the perfect demo.

Overall, voice over coaching can help in nearly every aspect of voice overs. No matter where you need improvement, the right coach will help you find the right voice, apply it to a certain industry, and help you land gigs. In addition to taking classes with our coaches, you can find plenty of helpful information on the pages below:

• Creating a Demo

• Tips For Voice Acting

• Common Voice Over Terms (Glossary)

Benefit from Coaching with the Voice Shop

No matter your skill set, anyone can take advantage of voice over coaching. Experienced professionals can assist you in every discipline, from finding your voice to setting up your very own studio. More importantly, voice coaching will help you develop the skills necessary in making it as a voice talent and marketing yourself for such.

If you’re interested in benefitting from our voice over coaching, be sure to contact the Voice Shop, the best voice over school in New York City today. You can give us a call at 212.213.9487 to learn more and sign up. 

Types of Voice Over

Types Of Voice Overs

When looking to get your foot in the door of the voice over industry, you will need to do some research into which type of voice over work you would like to focus on. Voice overs are immensely important to brand reputation and awareness, but not every voice over serves the same purpose. 

In short, there are many different types of voice overs, and each requires a specialized form of training. With the Voice Shop, we aim to provide newcomers to the industry with information and classes to help them get started in this excited industry. Let us fill you in on the different types of voice overs and how our classes can help you get a step ahead of the competition.

Types of Voice Over Work

Within the industry, there are many different types of voice overs and each requires research and practice to perfect. Some of the most common types of voice overs are:

• Commercials: One of the most common forms of voice overs are seen on television commercials. Nearly every commercial has a voice over to help carry along the story the commercial is trying to tell. Often times, commercial gigs are difficult to land and you will likely need to gain experience in other types of voice overs.

• Radio Ads & Segments: Much like television commercials, radio ads and segments typically require a fair amount of voice over experience. Radio is still the most consumed form of media and these ads and segments have the potential to reach millions of listeners, depending on the station and market. 

• Narration: Whether for a documentary, or company used training material, narration voice overs can be both large or small projects. Local narration voice overs, for example, can be a great way to break through into the voice over industry and build you voice acting resume. 

Voice Over Acting Classes from The Voice Shop

Regardless of the type of voice over you want to focus on, voice over classes from the Voice Shop in New York City are essential. In fact, even experienced voice over talents continue to take classes and look for ways to improve their skills and expand to other types of voice overs. 

Sign Up for Voice Over Classes Today!

If you are interested in getting your foot in the voice over industry or simply are looking for ways to improve your current skill set, the Voice Shop is here to help. Contact us today by calling 212.213.9487 and sign up for one of our classes! 

Best Vocal Warm-Ups for Voiceover and Singing

By Nate Myers

Whether you are a singer or involved in voice-over work, warming up your voice is essential to ensure optimal performance, prevent strain, and maintain vocal health. A proper warm-up routine prepares your vocal cords and surrounding muscles for the demands of singing or speaking, enhancing your vocal range, clarity, and flexibility. In this article, we will explore some of the best ways to warm up your voice, providing techniques and exercises to benefit both singers and voice-over artists.

Breathing Exercises:

A crucial aspect of voice warm-up is establishing proper breathing techniques. Deep diaphragmatic breathing helps to support your voice and control airflow. Start by standing or sitting in a relaxed position. Inhale deeply through your nose, expand your abdomen, and then exhale slowly through slightly pursed lips. Focus on controlled, even breaths, ensuring your chest and shoulders remain relaxed.

Vocal Exercises:

Incorporate vocal exercises into your routine to warm up your vocal cords and improve vocal agility. These exercises help to loosen up the muscles and enhance vocal resonance. Here are a few effective vocal warm-up exercises:

1.    Lip Trills: Gently press your lips together and exhale, creating a buzzing sound. Gradually move up and down your vocal range while maintaining the trilling sensation. This exercise helps to relax your vocal cords and promotes smooth airflow.

2.    Humming: Humming through various pitches and scales helps to activate the resonating chambers in your face, promoting clear and focused sound production.

3.    Tongue Twisters: Engaging in tongue twisters not only improves diction and articulation but also helps to warm up the muscles involved in speech production. Start with simple tongue twisters and gradually increase the complexity as your warm-up progresses.

Vocal Range Expansion:

Expanding your vocal range is a goal for many singers and voice-over artists. Incorporating exercises that focus on gradually extending your range can be beneficial. Begin with comfortable pitches and gradually ascend or descend through scales or arpeggios, pushing yourself slightly to expand your range over time. Remember to maintain good breath support and avoid straining your voice.

Articulation and Pronunciation:

Clarity and proper articulation are vital for effective communication. Incorporate exercises that target specific sounds, syllables, or words to improve articulation and pronunciation. Practice enunciating consonants and vowels crisply and distinctly, ensuring each sound is produced precisely and clearly.

Voice-over coach Mike George (left) focuses on voice articulation with a student voice actor at the Voice Shop in New York City.

Physical Warm-up:

In addition to vocal exercises, warming up your body can positively impact your voice. Engage in light physical activities, such as stretching, neck and shoulder rolls, and gentle body movements, to release tension and promote overall relaxation. Good posture is crucial for optimal breath support and vocal production, so pay attention to your posture throughout your warm-up routine.

Hydration:

Maintaining proper hydration is essential for vocal health. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and especially before vocal activities. Hydrated vocal cords are more pliable and less prone to strain. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate the body and negatively affect vocal performance.

In conclusion, warming up your voice is vital for both singers and voice-over artists to ensure optimal performance and maintain vocal health. Incorporating a well-rounded warm-up routine with some or all of the above techniques can help you achieve your best vocal capabilities.

Listen to your body, take breaks when needed, and consult a vocal coach or speech therapist for personalized guidance.

The Voice Shop offers extensive coaching on Voice Over and vocal training. To learn more, check out our home page or upcoming classes!

Upcoming Class Schedule: http://www.voiceshopcoaching.com/class-schedule

Genres Of Voice Over

By Nate Myers

Voice over (VO) is a talent and career path where a Voice Artist records a spoken narrative for a professional project, such as a film, television program, commercial, or video game. VO Artists are skilled professionals who use their voices to bring life to characters, provide narration, or present information. Voiceover is integral to modern media, entertainment, and our relationships with companies and products.

 Voice acting students practice different types of voice-overs
with a voice acting coach at The Voice Shop. 

Several genres of voice-over have emerged over time. In this article, we will discuss the different genres of voice-over, their characteristics, and the skills required to excel in each:

1.   Commercial Voice Over: Commercial voice over refers to voice work done for commercials that promote a particular product or service. These voiceovers can be found on radio and television ads and online advertisements. Commercial voiceovers are designed to sell a product or service, and the voice artist must be able to convey the desired emotion and tone of the commercial. This genre of voice-over requires the artist to be energetic and persuasive and to deliver a compelling message that will make the audience take action.

2.   Narration Voice Over: Narration voice over involves the utilization of a voice artist to narrate a documentary, a film, or a video presentation. The artist's voice guides the audience through the content, providing context, background information, and explanations. This genre of voice over requires the artist to have a clear and articulate voice, the ability to project authority and credibility, and the skill to match the tone of the content.

3.   Character Voice Over: Character voice over is a genre that uses voice to bring animated characters to life in television shows, movies, and video games. Voice artists create unique voices for characters, ranging from humans to animals or even inanimate objects. This genre of voice over requires the artist to have a broad range of vocal abilities, be able to create unique and memorable characters, and bring a level of authenticity and emotion to their performances. Animation voice-over is highly competitive, and voice artists must be able to create a wide range of voices and characters to stand out in this industry.

4.   IVR Voice Over: Interactive Voice Response (IVR) enables businesses to automate customer support through pre-recorded voice prompts. IVR voice over involves using a voice actor to record the prompts that guide customers through the system. This genre of voice over requires the artist to have a clear and friendly voice, be able to articulate complex information clearly and concisely, and have the ability to engage with customers effectively.

5.   E-Learning Voice Over: E-learning voice over involves using a voice artist to record audio content for educational and training materials. This genre of voice over requires the voice actor to have a clear and articulate voice, the ability to explain complex information clearly and concisely, and a detailed script (or, even better), a deep understanding of the subject matter itself. E-learning voice over artists must be able to engage with learners, deliver information in an engaging and memorable way, and convey a sense of authority and credibility.

Each category can get more granular, leading to infinite opportunities to specialize or diversify as a Voice Over Artist. For example, there are niches in Cartoons, Video Games within Character Voice Over. These smaller niches can be a specialization or career direction if desired!

If any of the above categories interest you as a possible career, The Voice Shop is here to help! We offer courses from Industry Experts in Voice Over, Animation, Narration, and more. Take classes from veterans of the voice-over industry like Mike George, Steve Tardio, and Piper Goodeve. Explore our classes HERE. Or contact info@voiceshopcoaching.com for a free consultation on which voice acting class would be best for you and the direction of your voice acting career. 

ChatGPT, Can It Write My Voiceover Ad Script?

By: Nate Myers

In November 2022, OpenAI’s ChatGPT (https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/) was launched to the public. This caused a huge stir in the online community and made some writers nervous. Will ChatGPT replace copywriters? Marketers? Journalists? For those (like us) in the Voice Over industry, what implications does this incredible new technology hold for us?

 ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by
OpenAI launched in November 2022.

The most common use of written copy in the Voice Over industry is creating scripts for commercials, ads, and such. A few of us also write articles to help our subscribers stay up-to-date and learn more about our industry. Could ChatGPT replace people like me? Selfishly I would say “no,” but of course, we can dig a bit deeper than that.

Let’s put it to the test!

Writing prompt:

How can a new microphone increase the quality of my voice overs and get me more gigs?

Me:

Microphones are all unique, and there are many different kinds. Whether one is better or not for voice-over depends greatly on your recording environment, other equipment in your signal chain (audio interface, sample rate, hardware), and your ability to edit post-recording. In most cases, I would argue that if you have invested in a decent microphone for around $100 or more, you will get diminishing returns and can instead improve the quality of your voice overs by practicing, receiving training, and learning more about the editing capabilities in your DAW.

Getting gigs will happen because of your control over your voice and how you respond to director feedback. Larger gigs will take place in person, at a professional studio, rendering investments in your at-home rig useless in many cases.

ChatGPT:

Investing in a new microphone can significantly improve the quality of your voiceovers and help you attract more clients. Here are some reasons why:

1. Improved Sound Quality: A high-quality microphone will capture your voice more accurately and produce a clearer, crisper sound. This can make a big difference in the overall quality of your voice overs.

2. Reduced Noise: A good microphone will also have better noise-canceling features, which can help reduce unwanted background noise in your recordings.

3. Greater Versatility: Different microphones are designed to capture different sounds. Investing in a versatile microphone that can handle a range of frequencies and sound sources can help you expand your repertoire and appeal to a wider range of clients.

4. Professionalism: Using professional-grade equipment, such as a high-quality microphone, shows that you take your work seriously and are willing to invest in your craft. This can help you establish yourself as a professional voice actor and attract more clients willing to pay for your services.

5. Stand Out from the Crowd: By having better sound quality than your competitors, you can stand out in a crowded marketplace and increase your chances of getting hired for gigs.

Investing in a new microphone can be worthwhile for voice actors looking to improve their sound quality, expand their capabilities, and attract more clients.

So! What do you think? There are valid points from ChatGPT, to be sure. And what’s more, I feel that it is true, useful information. The limits of ChatGPT have more to do with a lack of context about the person you’re speaking to, a lack of industry knowledge on subtle differences and standard practices, and a lack of the ability to infer what would be best for the person reading.

In this situation, neither ChatGPT nor myself know what kind of microphone the reader might have. But by reading my answer, a reader can use that $100 benchmark to determine whether their microphone is good enough or needs to be upgraded. ChatGPT will always assume you should spend more to get a better-quality microphone. That is a dangerous path to follow, however. Your equipment is good enough at a certain point, and spending money will often be a waste.

Neither of us is absolutely correct, but I’ll let you judge which of us is more helpful!

Practice Voice Over With Sample Scripts

By Nate Myers

If you're looking for voice-over practice material, The Voice Shop has compiled a bunch of different voice over sample clips, speeches, and monologues here for you from various flavors of media. As you're giving them a read, remember these things:

1.    Always, always, always record yourself!

2.    Consider the brand and the voice the brand wants as a representation. Do your best to represent the brand in an authentic way

3.    Vary your pitch, pace, and breathing pattern

4.    Repeat the take several times and listen back to identify your best voice over take. Learn how to emulate your best VO takes to improve consistently!

Voice over sample scripts are often used in voice-over training classes like The Voice Shop offers with VO industry experts. Our Voice Coaches have spent countless years honing their craft. In a live or remote setting, they can listen to your take and provide instant feedback to help you improve. This guidance will (no exaggeration) save you hours of time and set you on the right path to continue improving.

Voice over coach Mike George, guiding a voice acting student at The Voice Shop.

Nike: Greatness. It's just something we made up. Somehow, we've come to believe that greatness is a gift. Reserved for only a chosen few. For prodigies and superstars. And the rest of us can only stand by watching. Well, you can forget that. Greatness is not some rare DNA strand. It's not some precious thing. Greatness is no more unique to us than breathing. We're all capable of it. All of us. Greatness is nothing more than a belief system. Do you believe?

Nike: Find Your Greatness - YouTube 

QMEXA: Do not use QMEXA if you have certain medical conditions. QMEXA may cause new or worsening urinary retention, problems with controlling your body temperature, and blurred vision. Call your doctor to find out if QMEXA is right for you.

Kay Jewelers: For all the moments. For love. Forever. Find the perfect piece for whoever you've fallen for. Only at KAY.

Planet Fitness: Right now, join Planet Fitness for just $1 down, $10 a month, no commitment. So, you don't have to try and squeeze a gym into your apartment. Planet Fitness. Leave the gym to us!

Bai: 5 calories, antioxidants, and tastes amazing? None of this makes sense.

DirectTV: When your cable company keeps you on hold, you get angry. When you get angry, you go blow off steam. When you go blow off steam, accidents happen. When accidents happen, you get an eye patch. When you get an eye patch, people think you're tough. When people think you're tough, people want to see how tough. And when people want to see how tough you wake up in a roadside ditch. Don't wake up in a roadside ditch. Get rid of cable and upgrade to DirectTV. Call 1-800 DirectTV.

Funny DirecTV Commercial "Get RID of Cable" 

AT&T: It's not complicated. Bigger is better. And AT&T has the nation's largest 4G network.

Cars.com: Get the right car without the drama. Cars.com All Drive. No Drama.

Fantasy Script (Demigod): Why would I bargain with a mortal? I don't think you grasp the meaning of immortality. Even in captivity, I will outlive you. I will outlive your children, your children's children, and so on for as many generations as it takes. And if I am not freed, then I will simply wait for the stone of my prison to crumble, the metal of its bars to corrode. Even if it takes one hundred millennia, I will be free. So, by all means, keep me captive for as long as you wish. No amount of time you can fathom compares to the eternity I have and will live.

Carl's Jr: Introducing the all-natural burger. The first ever in fast food. With no antibiotics, no added hormones, and no steroids. Only at Carl's Jr.

The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Film): Sons of Gondor! Of Rohan! My brothers. I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of Men fails when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. An hour of wolves and shattered shields when the Age of Men comes crashing down, but it is not this day! This day we fight! By all the you hold dear on this good earth, I bid you stand, Men of the West!

Sons of Gondor, of Rohan, my brothers

The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Book): "Arise, arise, riders of Rohan! Fell deeds awake, fire and slaughter! Spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered! A sword day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now, ride to Gondor!"

And because it is our favorite show at the time of publishing (and because the writing is incredible). Here are four incredible monologues from the TV series: Andor:

Andor (Nemik): The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that. And know this: the day will come when all these skirmishes and battles, these moments of defiance, will flood the banks of the Empire's authority, and then there will be so many. One single thing will break the siege. Remember this.

Andor (Kino): Right now, the building is ours. You need to run, climb, kill! You need to help each other. You see someone who's confused, someone who is lost, you get them moving, and you keep them moving until we put this place behind us. There are 5,000 of us. If we can fight half as hard as we've been working, we will be home in no time. One way out! One way out! One way out!

Andor (Maarva): But we were sleeping. I've been sleeping. And I've been turning away from the truth I wanted not to face. There is a wound that won't heal at the center of the galaxy. There is darkness reaching like rust into everything around us. We let it grow, and now it's here. It's here, and it's not visiting anymore. It wants to stay. The Empire is a disease that thrives in darkness. it is never more alive than when we sleep. It's easy for the dead to tell you to fight, and maybe it's true, maybe fighting is useless. Perhaps it's too late. But I'll tell you this: if I could do it again, I'd wake up early and be fighting these bastards from the start. Fight the Empire!

Andor (Luthen): Calm. Kindness. Kinship. Love. I've given up all chance at inner peace. I've made my mind a sunless space. I share my dreams with ghosts...What is my sacrifice? I'm condemned to use the tools of the enemy to defeat them. I burn my decency for someone else's future. I burn my life to make a sunrise that I'll never see. And the ego that started this fight will never have a mirror of an audience or the light of gratitude. So, what do I sacrifice? Everything!

Hopefully, these voice over sample scripts gets you off to a great start. You could practice voice over in dozens of categories. The most important criteria are that they stretch your abilities and inspire you to practice and improve your craft. Monologues and speeches are great practice if you struggle to "get out of yourself" and put on the skin of another personality. This skill will suit you well in a voice over career in narration, animation, or other genres where character-building depends entirely on that ability!

So, give it a go! If you have other voice-over scripts you'd like to include here, feel free to send them to us at info@voiceshopcoaching.com, and we can add them to the library!