As newcomers how have you gotten over the jitters and gained confidence.

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Permalink Reply by Barry Trussell on October 9, 2008 at 6:35pm

Rule # 1: Believe in yourself. Very much like the character of Stuart Smalley from SNL, as corny as it sounds. If you don't believe in yourself, nobody else will (pause for deep thought). Once you can establish a foundation of belief, you will grow from there. Your talent will grow, but it needs a strong basis for growth, first and foremost. I'm not a casting director or even famous, but this much I know.

So to really answer your question this is what I do (a little too often but it's so fun): Go to a fast food drive thru. Become your favorite character. So from the second you drive in, to the second you leave the driveway, your voice, mannerisms, belief system, everything is the character. ORDER in character, thank them in character. Count you change out loud in character.
This is a really cool way to get more comfortable and build confidence.

Self confidence is a huge factor in anything you do. If you worry about how others judge you or what they'll think, or they won't give me the answer I think is right - then get to the point of excellence and people will make those comments, they'll mean them, and you'll believe them because it will be true.

Do you voice in the car? In the shower? Does it sound good there but not in public? Confidence my friend, confidence.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Zinkel on November 26, 2008 at 9:42pm

Once you do enough of them, you become more relaxed. At least that's what I've found, so keep on at it and don't let anything discourage.

Also, stay in practice. If you take a break for a while you'll find a layer of rust that you'll have to work through. If you keep at it, I think you'll quickly gain confidence and be able to to blast your way through the jitters. Eventually, your clients will start making complimenting comments to you and there isn't a better feeling than that.

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Permalink Reply by Mutt on December 4, 2008 at 4:51pm

Marcus-

All that means is that you love what you do! When you love something, no matter what it is you always look at it that much closer and you want everything to be perfect. There is nothing wrong with that man. I can tell you that I have been doing commercials for almost 20 years now throughout my radio and VO career and Im still not happy with even my current demos.

You are constantly growing and becoming better day by day. I like to compare demo's to technology, like a new HD LCD TV or new computer. The second you buy it it becomes out dated. Do you get what Im saying? The second you render that file it becomes history. You are still in the present which means it won't get any better. But you will.

So keep making demo after demo. Keep scrutinizing yourself. Keep being a perfectionist. It's what seperates the greats in this business from the not so greats.

Channel you're nervous, anxious energy and push through it.

All the best!

Mutt:))

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Permalink Reply by Dean Marks on December 23, 2008 at 9:16pm

Hello, Marcus --
First, you can't ever think about giving up. You and your voice are too important to the success of all of us who haven't been in the biz that long. Some day, my voice may be just as important to you because we may work together. Who knows?

I spent a lot of quality time in commercial broadcasting a number of years ago, and I find that there's not a lot I can use from my broadcast training in VO work. Who cares? We need to adapt ourselves to the VO market places. Training, training, training. Get as much as your time permits, then get more. See if you can hook up with a local acting school. You want to be an actor by way of VO, right? So, why not?

Hey, I've nearly given up as a result of similar experiences/disappointments several times, too. But, if you had the opportunity to sit down with the top money producers and ask each one how they started, you'll get a lot of similarities in their stories..... lots of work NOT going their way. It's all part of the show.

Remember, you are an actor. Actors get rejected. A lot. So do authors or anyone trying to show an artistic side to the rest of the world and expect to get paid for it. Here's the thing - "Baby steps" will get you going in the right direction. Figure out what sound or style you like by listening to as many commercials, narrations, podcasts, etc., etc. as you possibly can. You'll hear things you like, and other times you'll scratch you head and wonder why the VO artist got the gig. Trust your own judgement when you do this. It's OK to copy styles while you're practicing. A lot of us do it. If you've paid proper attention, you may find a way to mold a 'style' you like into your own natural delivery. Just don't try to 'sound' like someone else. Then it's not you. VO is about being you. Sounding like you, but with an actors flair.

You listen to your own demos and you don't like them. Don't worry about your demos. They are a necessary tool of your craft. You have to have them, and nobody will hear them the same way you do, anyway. Continue to pay attention to them and solicit feedback about them only from those you know have a lot of time in VO. Friends and family will encourage you. They just won't hire you (in most cases!).

You'll gain the perspective you need by attending VO classes, VO Master Classes, and actors basic training. These are all important tools for all of us, especially in the context of the 'baby steps' I mentioned earlier. I search the net every day for training opportunities, read newspapers, etc., etc., etc. I work full time in a totally unrelated field, so my VO 'growth' is slowed somewhat, but at 59, I know eventually you'll be hearing me. Think that way about yourself!!

Lots to think about, but just know you're not alone with your experiences.

Best of luck to you!!

Dean Marks
deanmarks.voice123.com

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Permalink Reply by John Fowler on May 16, 2009 at 3:14pm

I dont know if I ever had the jitters lol! I've been a natural born center of attention my whole life. Wether acting in plays, Playing in bands, MCing open mic nights at the comedy club or just being the clown at a party. I've always tried to interject myself into the situation. Not for my benefit but to entertain others...thats the crux after all isnt it? To entertain, educate or enlighten.

Bottom line is, as Barry said, believe in yourself first and foremost!

MADcHATTER

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