Voice Coaching Via Telephone - Is it Worth It?

Lia Pendarvis · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 25 Sep 2007 Posts: 6

I am a newbie; hence the reason I am in the this forum. I am currently reading everything I can get my hands on regarding VO work. In the past; I read the school lunch on the radio (don't even ask how many years ago) and i was also part of a training video at work (I had 1 whole line). At any rate; I'm gearing up for voice coaching and wanted to know how the pros feel about coaching via Telephone. The book I am currently reading (The Art of voice over Acting by James Alburger) is not against it; but there are a couple of coaches out there who do not recommend it.

My thought is if the person can hear you and you can hear their feedback; then it should work. Then there is also the question of posture, facials expressions and the like that might require personal observation to correct.

What do you all think? I'd like to get as much coaching and instruction as possible before I even dream of making a demo.

Melba Sibrel

My personal feeling is that coaching over the phone is pretty useless.

First, even the best phone you can get isn't going to accomodate all the dynamics coming out of your mouth, eh?

Second, voice over, like singing, uses your entire body, obviously. There are numerous things to do with posture, masking, etc., which affect the sound of the voice -- and it will vary from person to person.

Visual analysis is as crucial to voice coaching as it is for any other form of acting coaching.

Lia Pendarvis · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 25 Sep 2007 Posts: 6

Melba! I didn't think anyone would ever answer me.

Thanks so much...I was thinking the same thing regarding the visual portion. I'm just getting started and researching all of my coaching options before I jump in and spend money just to make somebody else rich.

Lia