I've been asked to do Telecom work for someone else...what do I do?

I know from time to time you may be approached by someone else to do a telephony application. If you've signed a contract with us, you've agreed that all of your telecom work must come through Walsh Media.

If you tell the party something like, “For Telecom work, I’m represented by Walsh Media. Please call them at 1-800-454-6453 and explain that you’re developing an application and are interested in using my voice. Tell them I referred you, and they’ll gladly provide the info you’re looking for.”

If we get the signed contract, we'll make sure you're the talent. If they simply aren't biting, or perhaps don't have the budget, we'll let you know that you are free to do that project without our involvement. All we ask is for the agreed upon opportunity.

Thanks for taking a moment to fill them in and for upholding your end of the contract. We really appreciate it!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call me!

Blacklisted?! Me???

Hey guys, I've noticed emails bouncing from a number of you lately. It could be that you need to update your email software. Might be worth it to try. It worked for Krista when she tried it.

Another thing would be to check and see if me (or Tim and Robert for that matter) appear as blacklisted or greylisted. You would then need to add us to your whitelist in order for mail to come through.

Thanks!

Sunny weather and Hittin' the Road

As the weather gets nicer, I know you're all eager to make travel plans. And some of you lucky devils leave town for a month or more at a time.

It's a lot easier on us in the office if we know as far in advance a s possible if you'll be unavailable. That way, while the Project Managers are coordinating the efforts (which sometimes starts months before you ever see a script) they can bear those dates in mind and steer the client around them. Most are happy to expedite the project to get it in before you go, or to schedule it for your return.

So, just shoot me an email at Barb@WalshMedia.com and let me know when you're off having fun or traveling for work, and have a good time!!

More Warm-up Options

There's plenty out there on the net about vocal warm-ups. Some are free, some you pay for. It seems most of the ones that you pay for (in the $15-20 range) are directed at singers, so I haven't picked any of those up.

One I found at:
http://www.ljlseminars.com/vocal_warm_up.htm
is an article by Susan Berkley that stresses the need to do the exercises slowly and push for proper articulation, as does Jacobi's. It does feel funny, but bear in mind that you're pushing for accuracy and you need to get your mouth use to making those sounds. Also, she briefly stats the need to drink a glass of warm water. I've heard this before and understand from singers that neutral-warm water is better for your vocal cords than cold. So, stay out of the `fridge.

Here's one that will make my ear, nose and throat specialist proud:
http://www.entnet.org/news/voiceday_warmup.cfm
It's the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery site. They offer audio samples of how to perform the exercises on line with descriptions of how to perform the exercises. Some of their exercises are different than Jacobi's and Berkley's, and some overlap. They do go so far as to include a "cool down".

Again, there are lots of resources out there, just spend some time surfing around. Vocal warmups are beneficial no matter what you do. If you talk, you should take care of your voice. And, when it is something you can do while you get ready for your day, there's no reason you can't squeeze one in, once you're familiar with the exercises. The added benefit, of course, is that if you're someone who talks to yourself, when you get caught warming up, you'll be able to tell those people giving you funny looks what you're doing, and they won't think you're just being a space-cadet!

Jeffrey Jacobi's warm-ups seem effective

So, I've been performing some of the warm-up exercises I wrote about just before my voice sessions, and I have to say I do think they've had an impact. I've never felt that my voice was particularly resonant, but have been surprised and pleased to feel it happening during my recent sessions. I haven't dabbled to much in the speech-corrective exercises but usually am watching and trying to practice articulation on my own any way.

I know there's debate about the "value" of warm-exercises, and at this time I'd have to say "yes" to the whole idea. One note though, do them on your way to a session. You want to walk in prepared, not to prepare. So, if you're going to do them, give your radio and/or iPod a break and use your drive time to your advantage.

Happy Spring!

Best Laid Plans...

Well, I thought that you'd be able to get update alerts from here, but it does not seem to be working.

Instead, I located a service called Blogarithm.com that will alert you to updates on as many blogs as you care to read. I'm clearly new to this so it's not an endorsement because I've not tried it yet, but it seems they'd do the trick. You can check them out at: www.blogarithm.com.

I'm sure there are other such services out there as well. In the mean time, if I find a simpler way, I'll share it here.

Thanks!

How to Say It with Your Voice- Jeffrey Jacobi

I just finished reading "How to Say It with Your Voice" by Jeffrey Jacobi. It's not exactly a "voice over" book. It's mostly directed to public speaking, and presenting yourself well to others. But, it does play into voice over work.

I look at it the same way I do dog training: you'll never find one resource with all the answers. Most people take one tip from that person, another tip from someone else, and on and on. Depending upon what you're personally hoping to accomplish, this book might have something to offer you too.

When I first picked it up, I was looking for some good vocal warm-ups I could do in the car on my way into work, and since it comes with a CD, I decided to give it a try. He covers exercises for articulation, phrasing and controlling different accents. The tips were easy to follow and he gives plenty of exercises to practice. Only after reading the book, do you start warming up with the CD.

One of the things I like, that I think he could stress more, is that if you decide to use his recommendations to improve a skill and not just for warm-up, you should be trying to carry that skill through your day -- not just during the exercise. The more you do it the more ingrained it will become.

Also, I see a lot of people pushing themselves to blast through long scripts. Jacobi's notes about phrasing and adding commas to text if necessary will not only help prevent you from gasping for air, they also really do help you convey the meaning of copy more clearly. If you're not marking your copy, you really should try to because if you're not getting the meaning across, what are you doing?

Oh, and I do like the fact that it is not geared specifically toward singers. Lots of times these types of warm-up exercises are directed toward vocalists. For those of us who swear they can't carry a note in a bucket, a more realisitc approach is a relief.

I will say that particularly on the CD it becomes clear that his phrasing addresses a large group or auditorium. Sometimes it seems I'm hearing the thought break too many times--but then again, I'm approaching the issue from a different direction.

I'm going to continue using Jacobi's warm-ups for a bit and see how they go. If I find some others I like, I'll share them as well.

Welcome to Pipes Page

Those of you who know me well, know that I'm not comfortable with claims of exaggerated expertise. You know it's my way -- or some other highway...do whatever works for you. Techniques, skills and preferences vary, so find yours and work with them.

Years ago I created a newsletter for Walsh Media (http://www.walshmedia.com/) talent called "Pipes Page." We used it to spread good news, remind people about processes, and share industry insight. After letting it lie on our highway like a bloated squirrel, I've applied the electricity and "it's alive" in the form of this blog.

Can't really say how often I'll update this, or if it will provide anything at all that you'll find useful. But, we'll give it a shot. If you check back weekly, you might find something helpful or amusing.