In part one of this post, I outlined 35 ways you can light up your career as a voice over actor. In this part two, I give you 37 more ways to keep your voice over acting career on track. These tips and tricks are just a few of what I teach in my private and group sessions as a voice over coach and speaker. Which one(s) resonate with you?
36. Be patient – With yourself, the director, the client & Facebook posts.
37. Work hard – If there’s another way to get there other than by hard work, I don’t know it.
38. Don’t give up – You will succeed. Maybe just not on your timetable.
39. Learn how to live with rejection – Get over it. It happens a lot.
40. Learn how to take direction – Hear what they say & incorporate it.
41. Be organized – It keeps the Overwhelm Ogre at bay.
42. Be good with your money –There will be rainy days.
43 Find a niche – And make it your own.
44. Voice over related backup plans only – To better support your voice acting habit.
45. Be professional – You’ll be invited back.
46. Be reliable – On time, and ready to work.
47. Stay on top of changes in the industry – Because it changes. All the time.
48. Avoid nose & tongue jewelry, bracelets, necklaces & noisy fabrics. ‘Cause shhhhhhh.
49. Keep your cell out of the studio – Don’t interfere with the job at hand.
50. Create an online presence – It’s where the work is.
51. Use your body (quietly) – Physicality makes your delivery more authentic.
52. Observe others & use what they do – From people on the street to VO Masters
53. Observe yourself & use what you do – So you can call on emotions.
54. Upgrade your equipment, demos, craft – Constantly invest in your business.
55. Learn proper mic technique – So your reads are consistent, clear, and not distorted.
56. Explore character – We’ve all got ‘em. Use ‘em.
57. Build and inventory your actor’s toolbox – Be able to find and anchor your tools.
58. Keep the drama in your work – Not your life.
59. Try stand-up comedy – It helps timing and delivery.
60. Become a toastmaster – It’s great practice & promotion.
61. Compete with yourself – You can truly get better than you.
62. Use non-verbal sounds – They add authenticity to your voice over.
63. Yawn to open your throat – Morgan Freeman says it helps.
64. Watch your posture – Keep your instrument open.
65. Know the difference between chest voice and head voice – & how to access both.
66. Cut dairy – Old VO “wives’ tale” that may or may not work if a cold is coming on.
67. Don’t drink coffee before you work – It dehydrates.
68. Try green apples to avoid mouth clicks – Old VO “wives’ tale” that works.
69 Understand the power of the pause – And use it wisely.
70. Tell it, don’t sell it – Storytellers all of us.
- Blog about your voice over niche. Inbound marketing is worth every moment spent.
71. Give them what they want, then give them what you want – It’s your art, after all.
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