The "X" factor

[chucktaylor]

Phyllis,

Do you think you could talk about the X what it is and how you find it for those of us unfamilar with it?

Thanks

Chuck

[Phyllis K. Day]

Originally Posted by chucktaylor

Do you think you could talk about the X what it is..? Chuck

There is an old story about a company that had a piece of equipment that would not work. No one knew what was wrong with it, or where the problem was. Finally, they hired a consultant with an excellent reputation for troubleshooting. The consultant looked around, asked some questions then went to one specific part of the equipment and put an “X” on it. “There’s your problem, here’s my bill.”

The company owners were shocked – it was a lot of money for only a few minutes. They said, “Why is it so much?” The consultant said, “Because I knew where to put the X.”

And that’s why I call it your “X.” It’s not an “X factor,” it’s knowing where the X is. I can tell you where your X is, if you have an X.

The “X” is that something or some things that alter(s) your sound or the way you speak. It changes the sound that would be what is most natural to you. I think that if a person doesn’t know where the problem is, they can’t quickly solve the problem. When you know why – you can go directly to the issue and work on it efficiently.

More than once I've gotten mail from a professional VO who isn't getting as much work lately and can't figure out why - but he or she knows something isn't right - so they ask me what it is. I give my opinion and tell them why. It's amazing what shows up on someone's voice.

Phyllis K.

[JoeActor]

Sounds fascinating...

Can I play?

Joe J Thomas
www.JoeActor.com
www.SoundsGoodToYou.com

[Emorgan_Voiceovers]

Very cool. I need to find my "X".

[Phyllis K. Day]

Originally Posted by JoeActor

Can I play?Joe J Thomas

Sure! Based on what you have on your website, you have a peek-a-boo X. It only shows up on your telephony work. Usually I listen to all the work and then ask for an “MP3 Chat” which is a sort of rambling chat about the person, a kind of get to know you thing that helps me see just how the vo’s normal voice would sound. Sometimes it is the same, sometimes it is not. That peek-a-boo X might be on that chat, and it might not.

With or without it, you sound great.

Phyllis K.

[Phyllis K. Day]

Originally Posted by Emorgan_Voiceovers

I need to find my "X".

I know what your X is....

If you want me to post it here, I will but otherwise send me a PM.

Phyllis K.

[JoeActor]

Thanks Phyllis! Much appreciated.

That's an amazing skill you've got...
Like "hearing colors" ;-)

I agree. I'm closest to me on the phone demo. Most days, I'm just not myself. Always room for new skills and polishing.

Adapt, Adopt, and Improve,
Joe

[Phyllis K. Day]

Originally Posted by JoeActor

I agree. I'm closest to me on the phone demo. Most days, I'm just not myself. Always room for new skills and polishing. Joe

Well, maybe the original you is who I hear on the demos. And maybe the “you” on the phone or in your head is your opinion of who you are and not the original you. That might sound bizarre, but if I had an MP3 chat from you, I’d know. Right now I get the most authenticity of your core on your produced work.

I’m in the process of putting together a couple of different themes for podcasts – and one of them concerns this very phenomenon. Send me a PM with the email addy to send the particulars of an MP3 chat if you’d like more info and a short eval. It’s on me. Thanks!

Phyllis K.

[Emorgan_Voiceovers]

Wow, cool Phyllis. PM Sent.

[chucktaylor]

Would love to know what my X is. What would you need (obviously a voice sample, but what type) and what are the costs involved?