Book Review - Step Up To The Mic - Rodney Saulsberry

[VO Skeptic]

The easiest way to describe Rodney Saulsberry’s book Step up To the Mic is to quote his preface: “As much as you love what you do, there will be times when you do not work steadily and you might question your decision to pursue this career….Step up to The Mic is a feel good book that reminds you of the power of positive thinking…I will teach you how to channel positive thinking into your everyday existence…”

And for the next 100 or so pages, he does just that. Using affirmations, games and mini-pep talks Rodney has put together a “pick me up” for those times when the ugly realities of this business show their faces.

If you’ve read any general self help books you may feel like you've heard alot of this before. But the difference with this book is I felt like I was having a conversation with my best friend in the business. Someone who really understands what it’s like to be called into an audition and mentally wrestle with the egos and the drama in the room AND still give a great audition.

It’s okay to be manically happy, angry, bewildered, nervous and/or frustrated at times…for a second… then put away the pity party and get back to the work of building and maintaining a successful career..

Step up To The Mic, fits well into the current resurgence in Positive Thinking and Attraction Thinking. Best of all, since Rodney’s “one of us” he includes relatable examples from the real world of voice over.

My favorite part of the book is that it also includes “do it yourself” examples for creating a positive approach to your voice-over career. Utilizing visualization, affirmation and journaling techniques, Mr. Saulsberry gives you kick starts to turn your attitude around immediately.

Step up To the Mic gives a refreshing boost to anyone in the business who has struggled with the ups and downs of making a living in VO. It’s a book I plan on coming back to often in the new year.