Or, can they? The answer is quite simple. Of course they can. I did. And,
I'm also still working in radio and have been for 30 years. However, there
are some caveats to consider.
If you've been working in radio for, say, more than 2 years you've been
trained to deliver your voice in a very narrow range of both style and
interpretation by the powers that be. Many of those "powers" you never even
see. I'm speaking of consultants. They provide station composite and daypart
critiques to general managers and program directors and, in today's radio
world, these G.M.'s and P.D.'s direct you according to those parameters. I
have plenty of opinions about consultants, but that's for another article.
The point is, there is a method to their madness. Reasons do exist that
render radio broadcast stations to sound "cookie-cutter" throughout the
land. So, you're boxed into this narrow niche which often doesn't allow your
true talent to shine through.
After much practice at executing this delivery that's mandated to you and
attempting to find and infuse your own personality within these parameters,
you develop what I call a "single style". It's bound to spill over into your
daily production. And, this makes matters even worse. You become a
"one-trick pony". So, if you decide to branch out into the related field of
voice acting, you'll need to step outside that comfort zone because agents,
producers, casting directors and clients use hired voices specifically to
avoid hearing another "stock" commercial.
So, you ask, how do I break the D. J. delivery habit? For some, this will be
simple. For others, it can be very difficult indeed.
The answer depends upon how you perceive yourself and your abilities and how
willing you are to work hard (at least at first) to stretch your performing
muscles. While I'm about to make a few suggestions in answer to that
question, these are, by NO means, the entire list. However, what follows
should at least point you in the right direction. I know you have the
ability. You're already a broadcaster. What I don't know is if you have the
drive. Only YOU know!
You may begin by choosing a voiceover artist you admire, then emulate them.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to imitate them or their personality. Discover, by
listening closely, what characteristics you admire about them. Then, find
those characteristics in yourself that will help you stand out from the
crowd. The traits within you that define YOUR personality. You cannot BE
your mentor voiceover artist. I assure you the best way is simply be
yourself!
Maybe you'll need or want to take acting lessons. Yes, you will have to pay
for this service. But, if you find the right instructor it will be money
well-spent. Research this heavily before plopping down your hard-earned
cash. Many resources are available to you. And, many of these instructors
offer distance-learning. However, the best way to learn this in my humble
opinion is to be there. To actually act out scenes with others, etc. Ask any
actors you know to recommend someone and ask them why they recommend them.
You also have access to the internet. Use it! There are bulletin boards,
newsgroups and forums where you can find all kinds of voiceover information.
Stretch - stretch - stretch. Make yourself interpret copy in various
personnae. Own it and make it your own!
So, are you a disc jockey or a voiceover artist? How about both!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Doc Phillips has been providing voice work in one way or another for 30
years. He is also an internet entrepreneur who hosts and manages several
sites. He built, maintains and "markets" his website,
http://www.docphillips.com.
