Review: The PSR Method

[GeneTognacci]

"A Vocal Coaching Method from Voicemaster" Created and Produced by Steve Hudson, more information available at The PSR™ Vocal Coaching Method from Voice Master.

From first look, the PSR Method packaging lets you know this is a first class product. From the embossed padded binder down to the Voicemaster pencil, this is a well thought out “voiceover class in a box”.

Author Steve Hudson has taken the basic principles of good voiceover and whittled them down to their simplest elements. Then using the same few pieces of copy throughout the course, he takes the student through these elements step by step. The net result is that when you finish the course, you are able to compare your first and last recordings of the same script and monitor your improvement. By using the same script, you really get to explore the nuances of the words and interpretation opportunities of the script in an in-depth way that many voice classes and voice books don’t allow time for.

By studying and reviewing the same pieces of copy in-depth, you also develop a confidence and knowledge of the basics that you can take to analyzing any piece of copy.

Steve is not only a world-class voice over artist, but a master trainer and it shows in the arrangement and delivery of his curriculum. Every concept is clearly explained in easy to understand language. The material is delivered logically and thoroughly and was professionally recorded and voiced by Steve, who is the perfect presenter for this type of project.

Priced similar to many “live” beginning voice workshops, the PSR method is a good alternative to those who aren’t near a live workshop and want to take that first step toward a career in voice acting. It is designed to be an ongoing training worked on over several weeks. In fact, Steve recommends a daily practice of 60 minutes a day as you work through the course.

My only initial concern with the package was that it didn’t allow for “teacher feedback” as in a live class. However, at the end of the 2nd cd Steve addresses that concern by soliciting the student to send in the first and last recordings as a kind of “final exam”. He even offers a diploma upon successful completion of this last step. He wraps it up by also offering to answer any final questions the student might have.

This is a well thought out package I will highly recommend for beginning voice actors. And it is a terrific course for any non-voice people (Lawyers, CEO’s,HR trainers etc) that need to improve their vocal presentation skills. I completed the cd course feeling inspired and ready for whatever auditions the email inbox could throw at me.

[chucktaylor]

REVIEW OF STEVE HUDSON’S PSR METHOD HOME STUDY COURSE

Reviewed by Chuck Taylor

My first thought upon receiving the review product was, “Wow! This is nicely put together!” The home study course comes in a leather bound package, (the title of the course is embossed in the leather) 2 course study cds, course study workbook, and a pencil…and then when I looked at the inside pocket, there were two more wire bound books…both titled Talk Your Way to Success, but one for voiceovers & corporate presentations and the other just for corporate presentations….and a third cd. (I’ll get to these later!)

I think it’s important to note that PSR stands for Presentation Skills and Reading and this is exactly what you work on in this course. A caveat before I continue; In order to review this product, I listened to the cds and followed along in the work book, but in the spirit of doing my review in a timely manner, I did not do all the recordings that the course asks you to do. Will I go back and do the recordings? You’ll find out, keep reading!

I’ll start by saying that Steve Hudson has a pleasant voice to listen too and obviously follows his own teachings. The only drawback of the course study cds for me was the amount of time spent on track one listening to commercials, I wanted to get right to the course, and I have a feeling others might feel that way as well. With that being said, once you get to track 2 and actually get into the lessons, my attention was held throughout the course. So let’s give a brief synopsis of what is learned. Steve’s PSR method has seven elements they are in no particular order: 1) Read and speak slowly; 2) Read and speak with energy and enthusiasm; 3) Starting and ending sentences; 4) Creating blocks of information; 5) Read and speak softly; 6) Recognize red flag words; and 7)Putting it all together. He explains in great detail each of these lessons in such a way that you come away from the course feeling that you’ve truly learned something that will help you in your voiceover career. Also provided in the workbook are sample scripts of radio and tv commercials and thoughts on how to go about making your demo.

I’ve been a broadcaster for over 20 years and while I was working on my Master’s, I taught the beginning announcing labs, so I’d be lying if I said that some of this wasn’t already know to me, for instance, recognizing red flag words, starting and ending sentences, and reading and speaking with energy. However, new to me was learning the difference between your number 10 voice and your number 1 voice and how to find your number 5 voice. Heck I didn’t even know that your voice had different numbers. So did I come away from this home study course feeling as if I learned something? Yeah I did, and yeah, I’ll go back and do the lessons because I feel it will make a difference in my radio career and my fledgling voiceover career. Is it worth $495? I think that if you don’t live in an area where there are good voiceover coaches, or you truly want to learn a technique that will give you an edge, then this is an investment that you want to make! The only disadvantage I found was not being able to get immediate feedback like you do with private coaching.
In conclusion, let’s look at the pros and cons of this home study course. Pros: Steve is very detailed. The lessons are simple to understand and Steve holds your attention throughout. You come away learning something new that, if you practice it, will give you an edge in your voiceover career. Cons: Too much time, in my opinion, spent on track one before you get to the lessons, and no immediate feedback (but you’re going to have that with any HOME study course).

If I had had to buy this on my own, (after saving for months on a broadcaster’s salary and much explaining to my wife) I would not feel disappointed with the new knowledge that I came away with. As grandpa used to say; “Boy, the day you stop learning, is the day you dig a six foot hole and crawl in!”

Chuck

Oh yeah, those other 2 books and the third cd? Marketing materials explaining why you should use the PSR method.

*Steve Hudson contacted me after reading my review and added the following information..."I would like to make a couple of points...firstly, people are always welcome to call us (SKYPE)during or after the course. I have taken your comment about the price seriously and although we offer a $100 discount on the $495, I'm going to make it a permanent $395 plus an occasional discount.

Thank you again.
HAve a Hapoy X-mas and a prosperous 2008!

Kind regards,
Steve"

So I stand corrected, you can do get immediate feedback with this home study course! And look at that price change. Thanks Steve!

Chuck

[ScottLarson]

Product Review of the PSR Method
by Scott Larson

As I first opened the package, I was intrigued by the marketing concept of the product,
A very nice faux leather binder with enclosed CD’s and work books. As I started to thumb my way through the introductions it occurred to me that this would be a very nice starter set for someone who is just getting into the business of Voice Over acting. It would also be a very good refresher for those of us who have been doing this for quite some time.

My first impression of the audio CD’s were it’s layout and design, well thought out, and well positioned to coincide with the workbooks (with the exception of a few typos and spelling consistencies) it was well prepared. As we all know it takes literally years of practice to achieve the success we all seek. As I listened intently to the narrator and followed along in the workbooks, it flowed well, the narrator gives you opportunities to practice or “parrot” his audio delivery styles.

I was a little taken aback by the price of the product, but as skeptical as I am about releasing hard earned money for the betterment of my skills; it is within the price range that an individual could possibly afford. I believe it would go well with a one-on-one session with a live teacher (for those of us living in the USA that can’t jump across the pond at a moments notice).

I most certainly would recommend the product to aspiring voice talents, as well as seasoned professionals who might like a refresher on delivering voice narration and character reads.

[CK]

The PSR Method by Steve Hudson
A Review
By Cheryl Kay

This is an impressive looking package of fun! Extremely well prepared and professionally packaged. Classy yet simple.

PSR stands for Presentation Skills and Reading and is designed to make you a more effective communicator. The course goes step by step through each of the 7 elements presented. You follow along stopping the CD when instructed and then you practice, record and practice. These seven elements are the core of the program and each step is clearly explained. At the end of the course you compare your first recording with your last recording and the course price includes sending these to Steve for review and a diploma.

Steve Hudson has a delightful and professional voice and explains his course in a clear and easy to understand manner. The course is to be continued for several weeks with a recommended 60 min a day practice time. Though I am only half way through the course I do feel as my ability to interpret copy has strengthened and I really liked the exercise for finding the right volume when speaking or reading. I found my #1 through #10 voice and understand the differences. I am looking forward to finishing the course and sending along my first and last recordings for Steve to review and “grade”.

All in all a good package, though the price may be a bit high for a home study course and some of the techniques do not align with what others teach I feel it’s a great program for confidence, reading skills and the ability to communicate effectively and that makes it a worthwhile investment.

[GeneTognacci]

I had the chance to exchange email with Steve about his course and he assures me that purchasers (and non-purchasers) are welcome to contact him for clarification or questions about any aspects of the course.

Here are his exact words:

.... anyone studying the PSR Method is welcome to call me during or after the course at any time (I even make a point of helping people who do not purchase the course!).

[Julie Williams]

The PSR Method:
I think Steve did an excellent job in creating a program that teaches key concepts in a logical manner. I do think it was initially over priced, but my first thought about that was that it may be more a function of the value of the dollar at this time. I saw a news story about people coming to NYC from London cos they could buy so much--with the dollar worth less than before. But regardless of the value of the dollar... Steve dropped the price to $395 and then offers discounts...such as $100 off if you order within a certain period of time. That puts this program in a much better price range for what is offered.

Steve's PSR package is impressive with a faux leather binder that zips closed.

The copy used in the program is excellent copy... and many a reviewer valued that he used the same copy over and over. I would have liked to see a little more variety in copy.

One of the elements that I disagree with (and coaches can disagree and both be right... people have different opinions) is his very first... to ALWAYS go down at the end of a sentence. Now, I am not saying it's OK to be "sing songy" but if you go down at the end of every single statement, it makes for a very boring read. But when Steve reads, he doesn't always go down at end of every sentence. He is not boring.
That said, of course we need to make a differentiation between statements and questions.

One key fact that Steve mentioned, related to this, is that in Europe there seems to be a trend of people ending statements on an up note--as if a question. Given that happening in Australia and Europe. .. I can see him including this in his program. I don't hear that happening in the US, though.

Steve also talked about how talent should not emphasize the last word in a sentence. It's mind boggling how many talent do this...and he is right... even just stopping that one bad habit can do wonders for your delivery.

The program is short and to the point. THe student listens to a segment, opens the binder and practices the skill... records...and goes on to listen to the next segment. It's a good way to teach (I like to do this in my live workshop) because one skill builds upon another.

If you are a successful talent who has done VO for decades, you probably won't learn a lot here--although his style of teaching might help you overcome a bad habit or two--like talking too fast. But if you're just getting into VO--or have only been doing it for a few years--you will probably benefit from this course. Steve does a great job of really teaching voiceover skills. That's not easy to do from thousands of miles away!

I love Steve's availability, though. He corresponds with students as needed. And in today's global voiceover marketplace--a thousand miles away is really as close as your computer.