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Happy Is What It Takes

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I hear it all the time.  People contact me every day telling me they’ve been told they have a really great voice and should do voice over work.  Others simply inquire if they have what it takes to be a voice over talent.

The truth is that most people have a pleasant voice.  So what does it take?  Becoming a successful voice talent takes being HAPPY!  That’s right, Humility, Attitude, Professionalism, Passion, and You!

Humility – Humility means being willing to take direction and be teachable.  Understand that no one knows everything in the industry, but the top talents are always learning.  The moment you stop learning is the moment you stop growing.

Attitude – Attitude will make you or break you.  It really is that powerful.  Your attitude will affect your ability to engage and attract clients, all of your interactions, and your delivery.  Learn to develop a positive attitude and learn what works best for you to keep your attitude in check.  When your attitude is in the toilet, so is everything else!

Professionalism – Professionalism means getting the appropriate training, finding a mentor, and taking ownership of your voice over business.  You must have perseverance and do what must get done even when you don’t feel like it.  It takes investing in the appropriate equipment and tools to do your job right. As a voice talent, you are in business for yourself.  You must treat your voice over business accordingly.  Ask yourself honestly, “Would you hire you?”

Passion – Passion is what drives you.  As voice talent, our voices are our instruments and we must learn how to harness the power of our passion as we use our instrument to convey the client’s message to its target audience and incite the intended response.  Each of us has our own unique energy, passion, and personality we bring to our delivery.  Learn how to harness yours.

You – Yes, you!  Everything you do is a reflection of you.  Everything you post, how you treat your clients, the quality of your work, all becomes associated with your name.  Your name is your brand.  Be sure to market yourself and gain the brand recognition in which you can take pride.

Regardless of your voice, you must possess these qualities to be successful as a voice talent.  They’re not optional, they’re required.  Do you have what it takes?

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Comments

13 Responses to “Happy Is What It Takes”

  1. February 10,2010
    Ann Richardson @ 4:35 pm

    Happineses cannot be traveled-to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.
    -Denis Waitley
    Great blog, Terry.

    Permalink Reply
  2. February 11,2010
    Randye Kaye @ 8:29 am

    Terry – I always love your articles! They make sense for VoiceOver and for life itself. VO people are also lifelong learners – everything comes in handy sooner or later! well, maybe not tap dancing…though rhythm IS required in VO!
    check out my article, feel free to share:
    http://bit.ly/Randye

    Randye

    Permalink Reply
  3. February 12,2010
    Morgan @ 12:16 pm

    This is SO true! I discovered this when I was starting out. I realized that even with the most monotone reading, it needs to sound ‘happy’ in a sense. People like happy and that’s what lands the jobs. Great article, Terry!

    Permalink Reply
  4. February 23,2010
    Bill Sleeper @ 7:04 pm

    As always, TD, you’re spot on with your perspectives!

    Thanks again for keeping it simple, keeping it real and paying it forward!

    Cheers!

    Permalink Reply
  5. February 25,2010
    Tanya Rich @ 6:40 am

    Hi Terry
    Are you an American based company run by American v/o’s? It’s just that as a British full time v/o with 20 years experience i’ve never heard of anyone on here! hey , you’ve probably never heard of me either….but you may have heard me! Are you interested in involving British talent to do coaching sessions for you? I have a lot of experience coaching one to one or in a group, and i voice every day too.
    Check me out on my website, and please email me, if you would like to discuss this further.
    Thank you
    Tanya Rich

    Permalink Reply
  6. February 26,2010
    DAVID B PARKER @ 9:05 am

    Thanks again, Terry,
    After reading this article, I am convinced more than ever to pursue my passion.

    Best to you from my family and me,
    David

    Permalink Reply
    • February 26,2010
      Terry Daniel @ 9:07 am

      Nice to hear that, David! Let me know how I can help! Have a great weekend!

      Sincerely,

      Terry

      Permalink Reply
  7. May 30,2010
    Perla Barraza @ 12:16 pm

    Terry
    thanks for sharing your HAPPINESS with us.
    and all those 5 qualities.

    asking to myself
    would I hire me?….yes

    this is my passion …HUGS Everybody

    Permalink Reply
  8. January 13,2011
    Ben W. Brown @ 1:52 pm

    Terry,

    I really liked this article. I am looking into become a voice over artist but I don’t know where to start. As you began your article, I too have constantly been told that I have a great voice. I would appreciate any input you have on this matter.

    Sincerely,

    Ben

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  9. January 18,2011
    Peanut @ 9:58 pm

    lol can’t tell ya how many times I’ve had to redo (record in excerpts) some of my own recordings, assuming that I DID “sound happy”. The audio feedback never lies ha ha.

    Keep these voice-over blogs coming! All are a huge help, even for industry pros!

    Permalink Reply
  10. June 22,2011
    Carmen Duron @ 2:25 pm

    HI Terry,

    Thank you a million times over for this g r e a t article. It hits the nail on the head!

    I am proud of being one of your students!

    Thanks again and keep sharing your wisdom!

    Carmen

    Permalink Reply
  11. June 24,2011
    Noel Burndahl @ 5:41 pm

    Hi Terry,

    I truly enjoy all of your great information and willingness to share.

    Yes, I believe all of us who are in the Voice-Over industry have been told we have a unique voice. I personally have always thanked that individual at the time but have never considered my Voice anything special or unique, however that still didn’t stop me from entering the Voice-Over world.

    My attitude coming in was/is actually what you have just shared in this article Happy Is What It Takes.

    I feel, yes I have a voice and one that I would love to offer to those who desire to use it in whatever their talent search requires, but I keep in mind, all others out there, like You and so many more who are recognized and been in the industry for such a long time, that it is going to be a simple slam dunk. Nope, I am happy every opportunity I get to share my voice with a potential end user and if I am fortunate to be selected, Wow, am I a happy camper.

    Thanks again forthis excellent article.

    Noël

    Permalink Reply

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