Within seconds, we usually spot a rookie. Does it concern us? Yes. Why? Because many are not trained properly... and when they're not, we don't know if they'll appear professional in front of our clients. (For this reason, we generally hire talent that we, Edge Studio, have trained when possible.)
Granted, every voice over artist has to begin somewhere.... but it CAN be done so that producers don't realize you're a beginner.
So with that said, following is a list of “don'ts” that scream “rookie.”
1.) “Sorry - I'm just getting over a cold... I may sound a little hoarse.”
While professional talent get sick just as much as rookies, they either cancel their session prior to the recording (if their voice really is unusable), or they know how to “cover up” the sound of a sore throat. Therefore, they rarely say that.
Rookies, perhaps 90% of the time, apologize BEFORE even reading their first word into the microphone! Besides being tired of hearing this, Casting Agents may hear this as a lack of confidence.
So, every time you're sick, try different remedies to learn what works best for your voice. For example, cough drops may soothe a sore throat, but may also make your mouth clammy, resulting in ‘slurpy’ sounds (not good). Hot tea with lemon, cold medicine, extra sleep, no sleep... experiment and learn what works best for you.
2.) “Should I start now?”
This statement clearly signals a neophyte. When told to “set levels,” or “give me a read,” you should start reading. Hesitating and/or being unsure when to read is like waiving a flag in the air that says, “I have never done a voice over before.”
Here's an analogy: You tell a painter to begin painting your house, yet even though you're paying them by the hour, they don't begin, and instead ask, “When should I begin?” Got it?
3.) “Testing 1, 2, 3. Testing testing 1, 2, 3...”
When the engineer is setting recording levels, read the actual script (take the opportunity to practice), and use the same vocal delivery you will when recording. If you don't, your recording levels will likely be incorrect, and the engineer will need to start again. This does not make for a happy engineer.
4.) “Is that enough?”
When setting levels, keep reading until the engineer tells you that levels are set! If you have a short script, read it over and over again.
5.) “That wasn't good, let me try again.”
Let the producer do their job. You do yours. Enough said?
6.) “Oh Jeeez, I'm so sorry... I'll try harder!”
Trust us. Even the best professionals out there make mistakes... sometimes many mistakes repeatedly. It happens to everyone. But while rookies begin to sweat and apologize profusely, professionals make self-deprecating jokes, such as, “You'd think I'd know how to do this by now.” Always remain cool, collective, confident, comfortable, and credible.
7.) “_____.”
That's right. Don't say nothing. Instead, thank everyone involved with the project, such as the casting agent, producer, engineer, studio manager.
8.) “Oh sorry, I don't have one on me... can I send it to you later?”
Could you imagine a clown without his/her nose? Likewise, you should never be without your demo.
9.) “_____.”
That's right. Don't ask nothing. Instead, ask questions. Every professional does... why shouldn't you?
Why wait until you're in the midst of the recording to say, “Oh yeah, I meant to ask you how you want this word pronounced.”
Don't begin your read without asking a) to whom you are reading and b) what the intent of the script is.
And don't accept a job without asking how much the pay is.
You will NOT appear unprofessional if you ask questions. Asking appropriate questions will help you appear experienced.
10.) “Blublulbulbu!”
Do not make weird mouth noises after making a mistake. Not sure what this means? Well if you're a rookie, there's a 90% chance you do this (albeit probably subconsciously.) The odd mouth noise referred to generally consists of the tongue slapping around the mouth while saying “bluh.” It is done, perhaps, to “clear out the mouth” and get ready for take two.
When professionals make mistakes repeatedly, they don't do this. Instead, they say, “Yikes... I've got to stop drinking before sessions.”
11.) “You mean the paragraph that starts with, ‘For an amazing deal on a superb car, visit Shoreline Honda.’?”
When a producer asks you to read a certain section of the script, for example, “Please re-read the fourth sentence.” There is probably no reason to question which section they mean. However, if you are unsure and want clarification, tell them the first word or two of the sentence you believe they mean... instead of reading the entire sentence to them.
12.) (Whispered to yourself) “Holy Crap!... they're going to fire me!”
After recording a script, yet before you leave the sound-proofed booth, the production team will often discuss your read. Sometimes these discussions become intense. For example, while the engineer prefers take three, the client prefers take two, and so on.
During this time, many beginners become nervous, thinking they are about to be fired - while in actuality, the production team could like all your reads, and are debating which their favorite is.
Professionals know this, and do not become concerned.
13.) (Whispered to yourself) “Holy Crap!... they hate my instincts!”
Home decorators often paint swatches of colors on multiple walls, to determine which looks the best. Likewise, producer often request numerous different ways to read the same script. Don't assume that the producer didn't like how they read the script the first time.
Professionals know this, and do not become concerned.
14.) “It's hot in here.”
The sound-proofed booth should NOT double as your sauna. With that said, there are a few reasons you may be hot while recording in one. One is simply that the booth doesn't have circulation and/or cooling. That is not fun, nor your fault. However, in many instances, talent boil-over because they either work too hard and/or are nervous.
Producers do not like sweat dripping onto their engineers.
Stay calm. And, VERY important, when not recording, always keep the door to the sound-booth open.
15.) “Wow, you can hear that?”
Yes, microphones pick up everything. Professionals remove loud jewelry, watches, and coins from pockets before recording. They don't wear heavily starched shirts that make noise. And they don't slide their script up and down the music-stand while recording.
Be quiet.
