Becoming a Voiceover Artist is a new venture for me.   As with everything-else I have done,  I will apply myself wholeheartedly to this project - acquitting myself to my Clients' entire satisfaction.

 

The Object of the Exercise:  to provide a high-quality Voiceover Service to enhance whatever product or service is being offered.

 

I have not been trained as an actor:  my credentials for offering voiceover, technical manuals/tutorials, and e-book-reading services stem from a lifetime’s fascination with, and study of, how people communicate one with another.

 

In my late teenage years I used to think I would enjoy a career with the BBC but, not possessing what I imagined was the necessary accent, abandoned the idea as being quite unrealistic.

My ‘training’ has taken the form mainly of observing and listening to the following:-

 

•  Newsreaders, both radio and television:  how intonation, pauses, pace, and volume all contributed to a sense of compulsive attention.

 

• Public figures such as Prime Ministers:  I have been fascinated with the effectiveness of some when they deliver speeches, and the weaknesses of others;  how persuasive and convincing some are, whilst others are disingenuous and think they are being believed.

 

• Actors:   I have found it quite wonderful to behold top actors  performing.   Convincing to the point that they are hardly acting at all! – they really are the characters they are meant to portray!

 

My own experience:   Many years ago I used to have to make (legitimate, professional) customer appointments by telephone (long before the advent of ‘nuisance’ ‘phone calls).    And it was during these conversations that I learned to be able to tell whether, for example,:-

• a person was busy

• was in bed

•  whether someone-else was also in the room

• Obviously whether the person was eating

• Whether the person was concentrating or looking at a computer screen for example.  

• the other person was in a receptive state of mind to listen to what I had to say - or the very opposite.

 

The telephone is a most sensitive instrument, and I learned to make maximum use of it.  Certainly, this understanding has served to minimize the risk of my upsetting people.

 

All this enables me to realize that, when people hear me on the 'phone, they too may be able to assess the above factors; for example: my frame of mind/attitude.

 

Later, I developed a ‘script’ for colleagues to use when making appointments by telephone.  It did help to give them confidence, but sometimes the limiting factor was their inability or reluctance to learn the nicer points listed above.

 

I learned to appreciate the subtle effects of lowering one’s voice, of allowing the other person to finish his or her sentence, and the technique of listening hard to what the other person is saying in order fully to understand the problem.  Also, to adapt one’s words and intonation carefully to the moment:  for example, to be empathetic when seeking to resolve the other person’s problems

 

My voice Category: Mature, dignified.  Range: relaxed - light - serious, but not frivolous.  Tone: low, but not deep.  Suitable for: purposes requiring :-

 

• an authoritative impression.
• a compassionate manner.
• an empathetic approach.
• an enthusiastic description of your product/service.
• suppressed excitement when appropriate.
• a subtle, persuasive mode.
• a soothing, comforting, reassuring tone  - evident sincerity.
• a tone that inspires confidence in the service/ product being offered.

 

On many occasions I have been asked 'what part of the world do I come from?'  (please see anecdote highlighted below).  My accent is a mixture of English, Welsh, and Jersey (Channel Islands), in all of which countries I have lived and worked.  And people often say that my voice is easily recognizeable.

 

So - my voice seems to have become my hallmark!

 

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My working life - so far...

 

After completing my studies at Agricultural College, I began my professional life pursuing a career in farming. However,I could not see it as a long-term future, so decided to seek opportunities elsewhere.

 

Following my departure from farming, I entered the banking sector. Initially, I found branch banking to be unsatisfying, prompting me to transfer to a different department within the bank. This change proved beneficial; I found myself enjoying the work, thriving both professionally and personally, and soon moved into management positions in various locations.

 

After approximately fifteen years in banking, I left to start my own business dealing with many major companies until my 'official' retirement date.

 

Subsequently, I spent several years working as a Domiciliary Care Assistant, supporting individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease, stroke, heart attack, and various forms of paralysis. This rôle demanded well-developed communication skills, and I found it both challenging and rewarding, offering opportunities to make a positive impact on people's lives.

 

Then - a friend approached me for assistance with his taxi business. This was quite a novel experience ending-up spending many enjoyable years travelling around the country. During this time I formed many new wonderful friendships.

 

#  Of the many anecdotes I could relate, one in particular may be relevant to my voiceover project:   One evening a lady entered the cab and off we went to her home address. She had obviously had a lot to drink - and a lot to say!    Arriving at her destination she refused to leave the cab until I admitted that, with my accent, I was German (I  am not).  Eventually I did 'confess', but she still refused to get out until I told her what part of Germany.  I told her it was near Cologne, but that was not precise enough either. Fortunately, at that ime we had good German friends who lived in a small city not very far from Cologne (Kerpen).  She was satiisfied with that, so at last she paid me and left.  I was lucky she did not ask me about  the Michael Schumachers Kart+Eventcenter!

 

Acting as a volunteer mentor to people newly-released from prison is an important element in my 'retirement'.  Again, this capacity required considerable tact and understanding, and a complete absence of judgementalism.  In addition, I provided coaching in interview  and presentation skills - though this was not confined to candidates who had served prison sentences.

My time is also occupied as a church organist and music director, allowing me to remain active and engaged within my community.   

I often read the Lessons at Church Services.

I am an avid reader, with a particular fondness for biographies, autobiographies, and certain novels - especially historical ones.

Last, I enjoy getting on with the grass-cutting and hedging tasks in the garden.

If you would like to hear examples of my recordings/reels please email me (they are listed on the 'Contact me' page).

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