"I'm stunned I'm not grabbing more work from this service. I know there's a ton of competition but is there a sure fire way to stand out from the crowd? I know my work is good and my turn around time is good. I'm kinda surprised." - Anonymous

Hi,

I listened to your online demos at Voices.com, and I'll be honest with you:

The reason you're probably not booking as much as you'd like to is because you have the dreaded "Radio voice"-- the voice that thousands of other DJs across the country have.

It's that smooth, resonant sound that cuts through so well (that's why the stations hired you), but sounds the same on everything you do.

If you listen objectively, all your demos sound alike! There's no variation. No sincerity. No emotion. And therefore, no believability.

I don't know if you've ever taken voice acting classes before, but if not, you're a good candidate.

I've worked with Radio guys a lot over the years, and believe it or not, with all the mic technique and cold reading skills they have, they are the hardest to turn into true voice actors.

If you decide to try to jettison your Radio voice and take some classes, I strongly suggest that when you enter the booth to perform, that you don't put on your headphones. Don't listen to your voice (like you had to do all those years at the stations). That's a surefire way to sink back into the habit that got you into this situation in the first place!
Thanks again for your questions, and please let me know if I've been helpful with my answers!

Sincerely,

Marc

If you have any questions, please write to me and I’ll get back to you on the blog with my answers.

MARC CASHMAN creates and produces copy and music advertising for radio and television. Winner of over 150 advertising awards, he also instructs voice acting of all levels through his classes, The Cashman Cache of Voice-Acting Techniques in Los Angeles, CA.

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