Study First---Demo Later (Maybe)

It's always amazing when people contact me about making a demo with me and when I speak with them (phone coaching, telecoaching) or in-person, they are not ready to even consider doing a demo. Their speech is not adequate, they have no vocal expression, their voice has problems such as a raspy sound or speaking in squeaky high pitches all the time or other distracting and unpleasant vocal mannerisms. They have had absolutely no training and want me to make a demo on them? No way. There are certain steps that come BEFORE a demo. Duh. One is to have an 'inkling' of what this business is all about! Would a person start to sell insurance or real estate with no knowledge of that industry whatsoever? One would hope NOT. Would a person who could not write a correct sentence begin to write a play or screenplay? Again, one would hope not. Yet, so many believe voice overs are 'easy money,' 'fun,' 'easy to do,' everyone can do them,' 'everyone who talks can do voice work.' NOT SO!

If you are a person who truly believes you want to get into this field, start learning, studying. Enroll in not one, but six or more workshops with professionals teaching them. Never enroll in a class or workshop that promises you a demo FREE with the class or workshop! Never believe any school or person who promises, "It's easy," "You're perfect for this," "You have a wonderful voice. Enroll with me." "I can make you a success." Don't be a sucker!

Legitimate teachers tell the truth. This is a brutal business. It takes start-up capitol. It's not quick. The in-home recording studio and becoming good at recording techniques is a must in our internet world. It takes marketing and self-promotion. It's a SELLING JOB, basically. It takes constant work getting agents, casting director contacts, clients. The work is on-going and must be continual if you experience continual success.

Those are the facts. Give this blog to a newcomer to read. Convince that person not to make a demo until first they've studied and been coached. That may take years. Just depends...

Sincerely...Bettye Zoller
www.voicesvoices.com

Sunday, Sweet Sunday...

Gorgeous fall day in Dallas. Not cool but semi- and invigorating after our intense summer heat. I'm going to buy bulbs for our gardener to plant in anticipation of next spring. Bulbs must be planted about this time of the year and left planted all winter. Tulips, daffodils, crocus are my favs. I love flowers. Have you ever really looked closely at the face of the flower, pansy? No two are the same and they look like a beautiful mosaic. And roses...my yellow roses fill one entire corner of the backyard now, spilling over the neighbor's fence and towering a good thirty feet tall over it. She loves them too. I planted that bush about ten years ago. It was very small. One bush! Flowers are so rewarding. They love you back. Plant a flower or two and even if in pots, that's fine too. A potted garden is fun. I love houseplants too. But when you travel, you must have all of them taken care of by someone. Don't forget. One misstep and they die. They depend on you.

Watching TV today and reading but must start mixing editing audio project for Chicago client. Gotta do it. Work. More later.

Happy Sunday.
Bettye Zoller
www.voicesvoices.com