If you can imagine it, you can voice it
By Stephanie Ciccarelli
January 9, 2007
Want to make your reads more compelling? Read this post to learn how.
If you can imagine it, you can voice it convincingly!
Even the thought of something can stir up the same feeling or emotional response as actually experiencing it.
John Tesh mentioned on his radio show last week that people who only imagined laughing experienced the same level of happiness released by endorphins as people who actually laughed out loud.
What that means for voice actors is that if you can summon a memory of a particular event or imagine yourself experiencing a feeling, it will trigger a reaction just as real as if it were happening to you.
We could refer to this as ‘method acting’. Method actors draw upon life experiences and personal memories to perform their roles.
So, imaging something happy could make your voice happier sounding; a poignant memory could make your voice sound melancholic; imaging that you’ve just stubbed your toe could even make you feel pain... ouch!
Surely there are days when inspiration is lost before the mic or you've hit the proverbial brick wall and feel that you have nothing left to give.
Calling upon memories, images or thoughts will lift your spirits will make you and your voice react, resulting in a more genuine interpretation of the copy.
Another tip John suggested to boost your mood was to look through old family photo albums. Remembering happy times and seeing images of people you love has an amazing effect on your spirit and outlook.
Why don’t you give it a try and let us know how this theory worked for you by leaving a comment or by sending in some audio feedback to media@voices.com.
Cheers,
Stephanie
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Stephanie,
Thank you for this very encouraging post today.
Interestingly, this subject or something very near it, was also the subject of Roy H. Williams Monday Morning Memo this week.
Be well,
Posted by:Bob
I love this post- thanks Stephanie!
"If you can imagine it- you can voice it" is one of my favorite sayings, and I really believe it!
In voice acting, I've been known to pinch myself when I need to sound strained, I will cry when my character does, and a simple smile makes all the difference in most reads.
What a fun job, all the joy of acting - and no one has to see our goofy faces we make!!
Thanks again!
Posted by:So true Stephanie. We can all use a little boost during the so-called January/February Blues.
Interesting article. Favorite music is also said to release one's endorphins..thus releasing creativity, imagination and energy.
Arise, Go Forth, and Conquer!
Cheers!
Blair Wilson
Posted by:Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for the article and the great reminder that voice over work is really acting. It is so much more that "a great voice".
Thanks again!
Posted by:Thanks for the great article.
"If you can imagine it-you can voice it." We want what we are imagining to be felt by our audience!!! With such great advice we just keep getting better and better.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Sincerely,
Deb
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