I would like to share the g-rated moments that I gleaned from Nancy Wolfson’s VOICE 2010 session on Friday, June 4. Her session was definitely pushing my comfort zone at first, but, hey, if Bob Souer can do it, then by gosh, I can try it too!
First of all some basic f*!#g tips.
- Active hush – I may need someone to post a response explaning what this actually means, but I think it relates to the next bullet…
- Avoid Volume and Cheerfulness – instead to add energy use vocal tension
- Watch the smile (the Joanie Gerber “psychotic” smile may be old-school?)
- Keep the copy higher than your eyes
- Keep your body loose – ready to pounce
The x-rated portion of the session was all about using your natural instincts and doing three takes.
- The Admit take – this is the gut take – no extra words
- Then “throw down the “f” word” before the key words in the copy. Don’t worry, you’ll find them.
- Now take out the “f” word and underline the vowels in the word that followed the “f” word.
Try it – it seems to work.
Or you could actually learn how to act. And as far as Joannie’s advice about smiling ear to ear, it’s still quite relevant. We can hear a smile. But I do beleive Joannie also talks about acting. A sucky read with a smile is still a sucky read.
I prefer to use the trick of turning monologues into dialogues and also, er, um, oh yeah, acting. But in the world of selling the sizzle and not the steak, it would appear that the shock value of a session of f-bombing may be perfect for landing a bunch of new voice-over students. It certainly has created some buzz.
Yes indeedy J.S. – that acting thing is something to consider! You insight is valuable as always.
What I meant by “it seems to work” – is that it appeared to get the people who participated to suddenly hear the dialogue – which in turn led to a better connection with the copy and a better delivery.
Eight days ago arguably the greatest coach of all-time in ANY sport died. That would be John Wooden. He had three simple rules for his players, which I believe are important as well:
– Be on time
– Don’t use profanity
– Never criticize a teammate
Based on the second one, I am glad I was NOT able to attend Nancy’s session:)
What do those rules have in common? Respect. That is something I would like to see more of in this world – including the “voiceover” world.
Having said that, I certainly respect:
– Nancy Wolfson
– Connie Terwilliger
– J.S. Gilbert
I’ve been thinking about this session a lot now and, while I understand the concept (from both a business shock side and a connect with the copy side), I am reminded of one reason I stopped dating a man recently…he swore too much!
Mr. Hass,
Thank you for that. While I have no issues with “swearing”, I will agree that behind the glad handing and air kissing of our industry there are people trying to build upon the rubble of broken dreams. This lack of respect shows up in many manifestations.
I suppose the purpose of this excercise that Connie took part in was primarily to shake people up and get them out of their comfort zones. There are many ways to go about it, but none that I can truly think of that would create the contrversy and buzz that this did.
This is an industry where 99% of those who grab for the brass ring will eventually call it quits and leave with tail tucked between legs.
With an admitted average annual income of less than $5,000 for 95% of the members of SAG and AFTRA, the teachers, gurus and coaches often must revert to the dog and pony show.