The “pandemic” is basically over. (until we hear otherwise) We’re now entering Summer. And out here in Arizona, that has a whole different meaning. Are you getting as many voice requests, auditions, etc?

Our industry is going through phases, just like any other corner of the business world. I’ve had several days of absolutely no work or auditions. But I’m not freaking out. That doesn’t mean no one want’s my voice. Doesn’t mean I’ve fallen off all Talent Rosters. Just be aware, my voice services are just not exactly what someone needs specifically right now.

I like to take advantage of these days and utilize these slower days to work on all those studio needs I never seem to find time to do.

• Practice scripts,
• Clean up studio
• Organize all those studio cables & stuff on the floor
• Have you sent out Thank You cards for your latest projects?
• Do you Cold Call? If so, try about 5 each day.
• Since everyone else is emailing, texting, etc. make a personal phone call to your clients to keep in touch.
• Are you keeping up with your Blog? (Like this one)
• Do you have time & money for Coaching? Now’s a good time.
• Do you have a Mobile setup? If not, organize a solution and test it so you’re ready.
• Take a vacation!
• Spend more time with family.

Everyone will have different reasons for downtime. But these slow days create opportunities for you that you didn’t realize you had. Take advantage of this time.

By the way…if you are slow, just put out a notice that you are going to be “out of the studio” for a vacation and all of a sudden, work starts flowing in. Must be a trigger to clients, eh?

Didn’t I just write a blog article on entering 2021? I do believe last year had so little and yet so much happening, that it simply flew by, and I didn’t offer many new avenues of my thoughts.

Believe it or not, in just a few years, (2025) I’ll hit another milestone. 50 years in the voice biz since I left college. Sure, glad I’ve taken care of myself and look through my eyes with the outlook of a 28-year-old.

With Phase Two of my life in gear, I’ve moved to the southwest to “The Valley of the Sun”, re-married and re-evaluated what I want to do, in order to check a few things off my Bucket List, I’ve hit a point of not generating as much VO marketing, but super-serving my core clients with the best and immediate voiceover service I can muster. Now, don’t get me wrong. I LOVE what I have been doing for years. Voicing it is My Thang. I just want to do it on MY schedule now and include more ME and US time. We still have a lot to see and do ya know…..

We will be welcoming grand baby Cooper into our family in a few weeks. So a trip to visit is in order and we’ll change a few diapers. We also will be finally taking that honeymoon this year to The Islands for some “us” time. But in-between, there will be plenty of time to record a variety of voice work for my prime clients. Several have been with me for over decades and I value them immensely. Never turn your back on “those that brung ya,” they say.

Living out here in Arizona for the past 7 years has re-energized me. Working out regularly, socializing as much as possible and spending quality time with family & friends is a good, balanced way to enjoy life. Since I’m pretty much set in my ways, I always remember to continue to learn as that “sponge” I’ve called myself, even more so today, than yesterday.

Yup, 2021 is here and it just seems like life is flashing by at such speed as you get further into your years.  Granted, I’m no spring chicken, but it just seems like when you roll out of bed on Monday morning and take a good stretch – it’s Friday when you look around.  Where did the week go?

This year, I’m focusing more on e-Learning projects, narrative jobs and Explainer videos.  I like the long form stuff that isn’t an audio book.  That’s just not my thang.  The incredible GVAA Rate Guide had helped us all so much in order to set rates without the clients saying, HOW MUCH??  Sorry, that’s what the market will bear these days.  Get with it.  And I have.  And many of my clients have too.  I’m always sure to mention I am negotiable.  And that seems to please a majority of them.  But some go away with a, “I’m not paying that much for just a bunch of words!  That’s ridiculous!”  Ok, go find someone with a Close ‘n Play recording kit and use them.  I’d rather work with clients who respect what we do and we in turn respect them too.

Over the years, I’ve received copy from radio salespeople, clients, copywriters and others trying to convey their inner most, poetic salesmanship. The authors wrote on radio, 18-line templates, many times in the wrong sized font, trying to squeeze in more info into a 30 or 60 second spot that was waaaay outside the law of ridiculousness.

I’ve been tossed legal pad versions with crossed-out lines. I’ve had some try and send me emails that were formatted improperly, which turned into gobblety-gook. I’ve even received scripts written on napkins from the corner bar. Who hasn’t?

My point here today is to share some facts that by now we all show know, but some effective new info has come to pass, I wanted to share, to make your copy stand out from the rest and show you know how to write for a VO.

* Forget the 18 line radio template. Align your text to the left margin and each sentence (one thought) is one line, then start a fresh next line.

* Use 14 -20 point fonts. 14 is the most utilized to enable the VO to read copy more effectively.

* Ever since we first started reading books, newspapers, magazines, etc., guess what was the most used font style? Times New Roman. So, our brains learned to comprehend that style all through our lives. And it only makes sense to use TNR as your basic font style, since our brains already understand it and are conditioned to read it more effectively.

* Finally, use Word Count to get the proper amount of words into your script. For 60 seconds, here are the standard word counts to consider: 120 wc for slow, methodical, biblical reads, 150 wc for standard conversational reads. 160-165 wc for nicely paced informational reads. 170-200 wc for fast-paced car spots.

Remember: the less wordage you use, allows the script to breathe. Give your voiceover a chance to emphasize words, show attitude/personality for each specific problem/solution your copy may try to solve. And don’t forget, a pause, is the most effective way to get attention. Bringing your voice to a stop and then follow-thru, garners the attention of the listener. It’s a real secret trick for good writers. (check out the 2nd spot on my Commercial Demo – see if you don’t agree)

What are some of your ideas that have helped you to make your scripts more effective? Love to hear your input. Till then –30–