Dan Hughes

danhughes · 07-08-2009, 10:19 PM

I've been doing podcasts for a while, and I wonder if I should think about expanding into voiceovers. I'd appreciate your honest evaluation of my voice, style, and technical sound.

Listen to the first minute or two of what I feel is my best podcast. It's Show #022 here:

Dan Hughes Podcasts

Thanks for your opinions.

---Dan

JoeActor · 07-09-2009, 11:14 AM

Hi Dan,

You've got a nice natural delivery style, and a comfortable tone. I do hear a bit of sibilance on your "S" sounds.

I'd say take some VO classes, maybe do some theatre or improv. See how you do.
A coach (in person or via phone) could help you narrow down your options too.

On a side note... I just found some old Silver Dollars (1898 - 1923), and your podcast was definitely interesting. In part, it's because you know the topic and are honestly into telling others about it. Just need to find that passion for every read (that's the tough part).

Adapt, Adopt, and Improve,
Joe J Thomas
Joe J. Thomas Acting Portfolio
SoundsGoodToYou.com - Joe J Thomas - Voice Actor

danhughes · 07-09-2009, 12:56 PM

Thanks for the kind words, Joe.

My sibilant "S" sound comes from two crooked front teeth (shaped like a V) that cause my esses (is that a word?) to whistle. Is there an easy fix for that in post-production (with Audition)? Or other suggestions (besides dental work)?

Thanks again!

Scott Pollak · 07-09-2009, 04:25 PM

Hi, Dan,

I'm listening right now and I think you have potential. Your voice has an interesting tonal quality with just a little gravel to it, but be careful about letting your pitch go up too high; you border on 'squeaking' when you allow your voice to rise too much.

But mainly you have a very relaxed, conversational delivery. That's excellent and something that most ex-radio people can NEVER find or master.

I'd say pursue it with some caveats:
- First, if you haven't read this post, do so, so that you'll understand the realities of the odds against success in this biz:

Random Thoughts for Newbies

... and this one to see what people are honestly earning doing this:

How Much Does a V/O Artist REALLY make?

- Next, absolutely look into some training, whether it's voice coaching (Phyllis K Day is wonderful) and/or some acting lessons. Both will go a long way to help take you from a pleasant voice to someone who can land paying jobs.

Good luck with it and we look forward to hearing more from you!

Will Helton · 07-11-2009, 04:26 AM

Hi, Dan,

I'm a VO noob, so you can take my opinion for what it's worth, but I really enjoyed that podcast piece.

You've got an engaging voice, you tell a good story, and I really wanted to find out how it ended (and still do!).

But as advised by others, really do look at taking some acting classes and improv lessons. Doing pieces you're passionate about is the easy part. Getting the same level of engagement on something you care little about is the very hard part.

Keep going! I like your voice!

Will

07-08-2009, 10:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
danhughes User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 34	Dan Hughes I've been doing podcasts for a while, and I wonder if I should think about expanding into voiceovers. I'd appreciate your honest evaluation of my voice, style, and technical sound. Listen to the first minute or two of what I feel is my best podcast. It's Show #022 here: Dan Hughes Podcasts Thanks for your opinions. ---Dan __________________ ---Dan Hughes, http://danhughes.net Podcasts: http://thetreasurecorner.com http://thesoftballcorner.com

07-09-2009, 12:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
danhughes User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 34	Thanks for the kind words, Joe. My sibilant "S" sound comes from two crooked front teeth (shaped like a V) that cause my esses (is that a word?) to whistle. Is there an easy fix for that in post-production (with Audition)? Or other suggestions (besides dental work)? Thanks again! __________________ ---Dan Hughes, http://danhughes.net Podcasts: http://thetreasurecorner.com http://thesoftballcorner.com

07-09-2009, 04:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
Scott Pollak Warm, Real, Natural Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,888	Hi, Dan, I'm listening right now and I think you have potential. Your voice has an interesting tonal quality with just a little gravel to it, but be careful about letting your pitch go up too high; you border on 'squeaking' when you allow your voice to rise too much. But mainly you have a very relaxed, conversational delivery. That's excellent and something that most ex-radio people can NEVER find or master. I'd say pursue it with some caveats: - First, if you haven't read this post, do so, so that you'll understand the realities of the odds against success in this biz: Random Thoughts for Newbies ... and this one to see what people are honestly earning doing this: How Much Does a V/O Artist REALLY make? - Next, absolutely look into some training, whether it's voice coaching (Phyllis K Day is wonderful) and/or some acting lessons. Both will go a long way to help take you from a pleasant voice to someone who can land paying jobs. Good luck with it and we look forward to hearing more from you! __________________ Scott R. Pollak Warm, Real, Natural... The Voice of NPR Atlanta www.voicebyscott.com

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07-09-2009, 11:14 AM	#2 (permalink)
JoeActor Administrator Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,906	Hi Dan, You've got a nice natural delivery style, and a comfortable tone. I do hear a bit of sibilance on your "S" sounds. I'd say take some VO classes, maybe do some theatre or improv. See how you do. A coach (in person or via phone) could help you narrow down your options too. On a side note... I just found some old Silver Dollars (1898 - 1923), and your podcast was definitely interesting. In part, it's because you know the topic and are honestly into telling others about it. Just need to find that passion for every read (that's the tough part). Adapt, Adopt, and Improve, Joe J Thomas Joe J. Thomas Acting Portfolio SoundsGoodToYou.com - Joe J Thomas - Voice Actor

07-11-2009, 04:26 AM	#5 (permalink)
Will Helton User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Wiltshire, England Posts: 74	Hi, Dan, I'm a VO noob, so you can take my opinion for what it's worth, but I really enjoyed that podcast piece. You've got an engaging voice, you tell a good story, and I really wanted to find out how it ended (and still do!). But as advised by others, really do look at taking some acting classes and improv lessons. Doing pieces you're passionate about is the easy part. Getting the same level of engagement on something you care little about is the very hard part. Keep going! I like your voice! Will