Does Talking Get You Hired?
People talk freely all the time but not everyone gets paid for doing it!
Have your pipes ever got you a gig simply by chatting it up?
You know how people are "discovered" in the business for their visage or physique?
Every day, scouts and agents make it their business to find that "somebody" who has the right "look" as well as keep their ears open for the right "sound" when hiring voice actors to record voice overs.
That brings me to my question:
Has your voice ever got you hired for a job by merely talking to someone?
You know, not actively going out for a job... I'm talking about someone who simply noticed how talented, soothing, warm, or awesome they thought your voice was when speaking with you and decided to talk shop and get your voice working for them.
Share your stories here as comments on the blog.
Looking forward to hearing about your experiences!
Best wishes,
Stephanie
©iStockphoto.com/Chris Schmidt
Comments
In answer to your question of "Has your voice ever got you hired for a job by merely talking to someone?", I would have to answer "yes-and-no". Although it was a friend that owns a successful business, and not a total stranger, I was hired to record some voice-overs for him, WITHOUT EVEN SOLICITING HIM FOR THE JOB! I know, that's one of those one-time dream deals. Anyway, my friend knew I had just started podcasting (back in 2005) and he was looking for someone to record some interviews with him to use as training resources for his clients to us. It was a series of great voice-over jobs!
Posted by: Wayne Henderson | February 5, 2008 5:02 PM
That would be really weird. It's typically someone's talent and what they do with their voice that casts them these days!
Posted by: Julie Williams | February 7, 2008 12:14 AM
This piece totally floors me. I have a voice that has stopped people cold. I page employees during the day and have watched visitors come back just to hear me speak. Every one in the office tells me how much they love my voice. All the male employees tease me when I'm away from my desk. I have a cat sound that I made during conversation with one employee (I was thinking of a way to get him an answer) and now he calls me Eartha Kitt.
My family just cannot understand why this is happening, of course my husband feels I bless those around me. Because I speak with sincerity and a pleasing sound I should not try to make a living at it.
To date on 2 sites over 5 years I have received 3 jobs. What a laugh riot. I'm African American, so maybe corporate America is not amenable to my voice selling their products.
I say God is just not ready to unleash my talent/gift on the world, I can wait.
Your site has been wonderful. I have learned a great deal, from all the material you provide through you research. I look forward to reading Vox when I Come home.
Many thanks
Nocturnal Sound
Posted by: Nocturnal Sound | February 8, 2008 9:34 AM