Here's hoping it doesn't suck

Tammie Griffin

I'm not really sure about the demo I have on my profile and I would love to get the opinion of other people. Thanks. =D

http://voice123.com/tammiegriffin

Tom Pagnotti · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008, 13:20 (GMT) Post subject:

Hello Tammie:

First – it is always easier to get feedback when you make it easy for people to listen to your demo. Rather than making people click through to listen – you should post it here.

I did click through to listen. Yours is not a demo - rather it is one piece. Frankly, it is of poor audio quality and questionable acting skill. I do think however you have a wonderful voice... now you have to learn how to use it!

I think you should hear what some of the pros on this board have posted. Listening (and really "hearing") will give you a better idea of what you need to be competitive.

Listen to the work of September Day Leach, Connie Terwilliger, Melba Sibrel, Cira Larkin (and others too numerous to mention).

Stylistically each is a bit different – but the commonality is the professionalism of their presentation… You’ll have a better idea of how to present a demo. All of these people are working pros that often contribute to the Savvy Forums.

The good news here is that you've got some great examples and some secure pros around you that are always willing to help.

Good luck Tammie.

Best,

Tom Pagnotti
choicevoicepro.com

Scott Pollak · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008, 14:15 (GMT) Post subject:

Tom, you took the words right out of my mouth.

Yeah, Tammie... what he said!
Wink

Tammie Griffin · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008, 19:51 (GMT) Post subject:

September Day Leach · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008, 19:55 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Tammie,

Better microphones, not plugging your mic directly into your soundcard, and a quieter space will all help.

As for the difference between a demo and your piece: a demo is bits and pieces from the best of your work put together to produce the cream of what you do. You've got 1 minute to shine, so you must have great copy, great voice, and seriously great production. Smile

Tammie Griffin · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008, 20:09 (GMT) Post subject:

Scott Pollak · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008, 20:13 (GMT) Post subject:

Tammie, Tammie, Tammie.....

First off, if you haven't already done so, please go read the sticky at the very top of the Newbies thread.

It's obvious you're just dipping your toes in the water and you have a long way to go before you're ready to even think about doing this as a career, whether part time or full time.

Just as you wouldn't sit on a forum and ask how to make an incision if you'd decided you wanted to become a surgeon, it will likewise be impossible to answer the many questions that I suspect you'll have in the profession of voiceovers. Sure, there are certain things that folks can answer here, but when you don't know what to put on your demo, or how to get good sound quality, or even WHAT a demo is (!) then you have WAY more lack of experience or knowledge than you can ever make up on a mere forum. This is not a shortcut to success.

You need to look into taking voice classes and getting some training. Take your time, invest your time (and money) and start at the beginning. Don't worry about doing a demo right now; you're not ready. You need to start at the beginning, not by trying to jump into the middle of the game by taking a forum shortcut.

If you have questions about good classes or coaches or studios in your area, then I suspect you may be able to find some help in that regards on these forums.

All the best!

Tammie Griffin · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008, 20:45 (GMT) Post subject:

*Ventures over to the Newbie Thread*

Thank you. =D

Bob Bergen

Scott Pollak · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008, 21:48 (GMT) Post subject:

Bob, just read your page that you linked to. Man, THAT needs to be a sticky at the top of the Newbies thread.

Thanks, as always, for taking the time to venture here to help out all those who are trying to break into this business. What goes around comes around. You're a prince.

Bob Bergen · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008, 21:56 (GMT) Post subject:

Scott Pollak · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008, 22:42 (GMT) Post subject: