What do they mean when they say 'conversational'

Luke Roberts

Hey guys,

I am reading several articles, webinars etc on my journey to learn more about voice over.

One common theme seems to be that you should try to be conversational - so that when listening to the ad or whatever it is, it feels like the VO is talking to you personally - and not to a whole group of people.

Thats fair enough - but the thing that gets me is when the advice is 'pretending you are talking to a friend' - well I mean despite what adverts I have heard, be they amazing or dreadful - I'd never ever sound like that talking to a friend! And to be honest I don't think anyone would.

If someone has a good example of an advert that fits this kind of themee conversational, personal - like talking to a friend - I'd love it if you could post me a link, or jst explain it to me a bit more so I get the gist

Thanks guys Wink

Luke

Scott Pollak · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007, 21:58 (GMT) Post subject:

Luke,

At the risk of exposing myself to ridicule, I'm going to go WAAAAAY out on a limb and attach my demo here because I pride myself on being conversational. Now not EVERY spot on here is like that. Probably the best examples will be the opening bank bit, the 'addiction' spot, and especially the closing one with the guy talking about the wedding ring.

I think what we're going for is not LITERALLY a conversational mode, which would entail a bunch of pauses and 'uhs' and 'ahs' and stutters, but something that sounds like the person really believes and means what they're telling you; that it's from their heart and not off a page of script.

Give this a listen and see if it helps. (BTW, I don't consider the Ferrari or Goldencrest spot to be 'conversational').

Cheers

Phyllis K. Day · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007, 05:06 (GMT) Post subject: Conversational...?

Hi Luke, this audition on V123 was way different than my usual style - but I think it may pass as "conversational." Talents - feel free to disagree! I don't think I have anything else as close as this. Scott's examples are great. Especially the last one....pass me a tissue, please....

Amy Snively · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007, 05:15 (GMT) Post subject:

Nice, Phyllis! I was just going to post my drinking audition here, too! The client asked for "conversational" if I'm not mistaken, which is what made me think of it I suppose.

So, for added fun, here's dueling alcohol intervention with Phyllis and Amy!

Robert Jadah · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007, 06:45 (GMT) Post subject: conversational

I love it!
First I get to hear Scott Pollack - who is of course #84 on my list of heroes - putting the VERSE into conversational...and then I'm treated to duelling divas from what must be one of our best distaff pairs.
Thanks all, for showing the way.
And...never shy to jump into the pool, I'll toss in a recent conversational of my own....
Thanks all,
Robert Jadah

Amy Snively · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007, 06:58 (GMT) Post subject:

Wow Scott and Robert-- you guys sound like a couple of full-on dreamboats!

Hey Robert-- did you book that gig? I've got my audition for it around here somewhere...

Scott Pollak · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007, 12:45 (GMT) Post subject:

Phyllis and Amy.... you both sound really, really great on your demos! Let me buy you BOTH a drink! Hoooooooooterrrrrrrrrrs! LOL (Kidding! I'm kidding!!!)

Robert, if I ever make it up above #50 will you start spelling my last name right, then? Wink

Luke Roberts · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007, 17:47 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi guys!

Wow thank you SO much for your help. I definately have a much better idea of conversational - I just think I take some of the advice and info given a little TOO seriously!

But yeah thats cool! Now I just need to get some means of actually recording my self to practise more! lol

Cheers again guys!

Luke

Scott Pollak · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007, 20:36 (GMT) Post subject:

And ya know what, Luke...? You hit the nail on the head: practice, practice, practice! And then when you think you're ready, practice some more!

Allen Scofield · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007, 05:38 (GMT) Post subject: My turn...

Maybe a little late, but here's a "conversational" spot in my best true Southern Smile

Enjoy!
Allen

Scott Pollak · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007, 05:45 (GMT) Post subject:

Most excellent, Allen! Great job!

Allen Scofield · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007, 05:51 (GMT) Post subject: