M. Bruce AbbottM. Bruce Abbott 
It goes against our perfectionist nature. But really…good enough is perfect when auditioning. “But Bruce you don’t understand. There are lots of talent competing for this gig. I have to get it just right” And so it goes. Take 12 Take 19. Take…whatever. “I think I can redo the intro.” “I don’t like how I … Read more
It’s a given. You must be careful on social media if you are an active poster and promote your voiceover services on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, and others. Certain topics are definitely charged topics. For example, this week’s Presidential debate was…well…less than presidential. There is no denying that either side is charged up … Read more
Regarding payment, it pays to be optimistically cautious with voiceover clients. And keep a cool head. What do I mean by this? Assume that everything will go smoothly when it comes to being paid for your voiceover work. Most of the time, that is the case. However, sometimes the path to receiving payment is a … Read more
Have you ever seen copy that has words capitalized or bolded? You are supposed to hammer those words with gusto because the client/agency decided they are important. So, look at this line of copy: “How would YOU like BIG savings; PLUS save over a thousand bucks AND get a car that will make you look … Read more
If you have never heard of the voiceover term “the half-voice”, it goes by other names – active hush, quiet-voice, chest-voice, and others. In the VO world, half voice is a hushed or chest-voice that is softer but retains intent. It is not a whisper, but it is a unique place in our voice dynamics … Read more
Handling rejection is one of the toughest parts of being a voice actor. You can get over an old girlfriend, but can you recover when you are rejected for a commercial, especially when in your mind, the audition was award-winning? Rejection is part of the game You are going to audition for a ton of … Read more
In voiceover performance, taste the words. How does the word hot sound to you? Is it HOT! Or, is it just…meh, hot? You’ve got a script and you gloss over the copy to put punctuation in, create natural breaks, set the tone and energy of each phrase, but have you taken the time to focus … Read more
You most likely will not do everything from your home studio. You will be called to work with a professional recording crew at a professional recording studio. So, are there some rules? You bet. Pro studios do not like talent touching anything in the booth or the control room. Reaching out a grabbing a mic … Read more
Yes, I said it. The lower the rate, the higher the hassle when it comes to voiceover clients. This statement comes from years of painful experience. In my voice over journey, here are a few things I have learned about dealing with cheap clients. You don’t have their respect. There is something about pricing yourself … Read more
Myth DEBUNKED! Today we want to debunk a popular voiceover booth soundproofing myth. You know the challenges. Just looking at the lawnmower picture takes you back to that session. In the room…ready to record…or maybe even in the middle of recording….RRRRRRR..BUZZZZZZZZ….SOMEONE IS CUTTING THE LAWN OUTSIDE!!! Maybe it’s the plane flying over. The loud car … Read more
