Demo of The Day Thread 07/02 to 07/08

Hail Wilson · **Voice Talent** Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 78

Last time I recorded this spot, and uploaded it to another forum for feedback The general consensus was that it sounded good, but too much like a READ. I re-recorded, trying not to sound like I'm reading, but talking to someone.
What do you think of this one?
Hail

Robert Jadah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 2627

Love that tenacity, Hail.
It may have been a trifle better, but you may have become so mired down in chatting, that you forgot to put a little life into it.
It was kind'a monotonal; I mean the "Now you're talking", at least, cried for a little special treatment, but you sort of rushed breathlessly through it.
When it is suggested that you be conversational, that's not to say it's a "How's the weather" chat; more a "Didja hear about this...?" explanation.

So: casual...but still with some life.

I'll post mine; not because it's any kind of a benchmark (far from it: I tried for something between sales-y and folksy), but just to give us something to debate about.

Voice On!

Ronald T Robinson · **Voice Talent** Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Posts: 1008

Robert is another "pro" who can project any nuance or attitude required.

And while this may not be the thread to do so, one response could be:

A so-called "natural" presentation is a wolf in stockings and garters. It's a great idea, but it only works in certain, extraordinarily rare contexts.

I don't remember the last time before I saw a piece of copy that would qualify for a "natural" read, the latest exception - from V-123 - being the copy that spoke of a mother's passing and the father's reaction - spoken from the perspective of an adult son. That one was, truly, a V/O actor's playground.

Challenges arise when producers demand the "natural" approach where the copy could be, just as easily, hammered out as a chunk of hard-sell drivel.

Indeed, for V/O artists, the territory marked as "Natural" is where.... there be Dragons! Smile

Colin Campbell · Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007, 13:51 (GMT) Post subject:

As long as we are sparring.... here's my GT&T....

Robert Jadah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 2627

Erik Sheppard · **Voice Talent** Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2005 Posts: 1317

Alright, I'll play too.

Lee Gordon · **Voice Talent** Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 1549

I wasn't going to post this because, frankly, I didn't think it (the copy or my read) was anything special. But since everyone else is playing, I guess I will too.

Robert Jadah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 2627

Hail's turn....he asked, and he received.

There are some suggestions and various examples of different takes on your piece, Hail.
Listen objectively and critically...and then step boldly forward with what you think is right.

Voice On!

Craig Koepke · **Voice Talent** Joined: 31 Dec 2006 Posts: 422

Well whup ti do. I got a 5 star rating on this submission from the client. Never got a TBYS so it doesn't mean nuttin then.

Only 3 other of my auditions were even listened too. I quess the verdict will be out for me as to whether I will see there raise and stay in the game. Still getting better hits from TOS. I don't know, I don't want to pre-judge this outfit yet. Guess I will wait it out since I got about 5 months left on the ole premium subscription.

Craigy boy Smile

Marilyn Taylor · **Voice Talent** Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 400

Hi everyone, I am so happy to be writing, I've missed being part of this forum. Life is 'caotic' right now but under control. I hope to stay connected for a while anyway. I've read and listened to several of the demos and comments over the past couple of weeks...I've missed alot. I responded to this one recently and although it's old, I'd love a critique of my work. Thanks and good luck everyone....Marilyn

Colin Campbell · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007, 00:54 (GMT) Post subject:

Marilyn... I am feeling a bit "frisky" tonight so here goes....

One of the things I notice about a lot of female talents is that they get a free pass on sounding "yukey" or "pukey." Male talents don't have that luxury any more. What does that mean?

Too much of a "smile" in your voice. Stop smiling, look at the copy, be serious. Look at the words. Emote. Act.

Hail Wilson · **Voice Talent** Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 78

That's it!!! I give up!!!!!! Either I can't read a spot like GT&T without it sounding like a read, no matter how I try, or I can't seem to put life into it!! SOOOOO! I guess I'll stick to the kind of spot below, that I was told years ago I do best........

Hail

Colin Campbell · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007, 00:58 (GMT) Post subject:

The big old dead roll has to go.

Marilyn Taylor · **Voice Talent** Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 400

thanks colin...i like frisky...and an honest critique...gives me something to work on... Very Happy

Robert Jadah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 2627