(video) 7 Key Lessons for Voice Over Professionals

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• Marissa August 20, 2013, 1:43 am

  Harlan & Dan, you two are truly AMAZING at lighting that fire under me and in my belly! Thank you, AGAIN, for giving me that little nudge that I needed back in Oct 2012. That was the best refresher EVER! =)

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• Marilee August 20, 2013, 10:45 am

  Thank you for the great advice. You told me just exactly what I needed to hear and do. I am in the midst of moving, but have set a date for the next class. I will begin marketing myself to local radio and the school system.

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• Dan O'Day August 20, 2013, 3:49 pm

  @Marilee: Believe it or not, in our first class one of our students — somewhere on the East Coast, as I recall — was in the midst of moving.

  I remember being impressed that she went ahead and took the class even in the midst of a move. (If she reads this, maybe she’ll tell how she managed it.)

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• Daryl August 21, 2013, 7:12 am

  Harlan, you are right on the money. Voice-over is a business and should be treated as such. That said, every business needs to advertise. The need for self promotion cannot be overstated. I’ve been in sales for a long time (among other things) and I’ve always found it easier to sell my own abilities than someone else’s product. It’s all about personality and the relationships you build with others. A voice actor with an average set of pipes who focuses on the marketing aspect of “the business” stands a better chance for success than someone with an outstanding voice who spends less time selling themselves as the product. I’m looking forward to a bright future in the world of VO, armed with that knowledge and some previous experience. I was recently laid-off from my job in radio, so I can’t attend your class at this time, but I certainly plan to in the future. I’ve had my own business on more than one occasion, so I can totally relate to approaching Voice-over from that point of view. Even with that experience under my belt, I realize the value of learning the tricks of the trade from someone with more experience than I. It’s great that you offer this class, and I’m sure that everyone who’s fortunate enough to attend will be forever changed in a very positive way. Never stop learning! Any time a working pro is willing to share their experience, by all means…take advantage. Thanks for all you do. You’re one of the good guys.

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• Natasha Marchewka August 26, 2013, 9:56 am

  Great advice! This video is a great idea to market your class! Top choice for training! Thanks!

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• Dan O'Day August 26, 2013, 10:05 am

  @Natasha: Very glad that you found it helpful!

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• Marie September 7, 2013, 3:28 pm

  Wow! Thanks Harlan – I really enjoyed listening to you and the 7 points you put forth. I have been dragging my ass for almost 5 years now – have the equipment ( your mic, to start…) just too scared to “jump in”. Your approach makes sense and a lot of what you say is true. NOW just need to put on that bathing suit, flippers and goggles and dive right in!
  Thanks!

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• Jim September 12, 2013, 11:58 am

  Thanks for the pep talk! Great tips and advice!

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• Harlan Hogan September 13, 2013, 12:14 am

  Thank you, Marie! I’m delighted that you purchase my microphone. I’ll be even happier when you do “jump in” (being careful not to get the mic wet) and really launch your VO business.

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• Harlan Hogan September 13, 2013, 12:15 am

  Jim – My pleasure! We all need encouragement at times. Glad I could help.

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• Harlan Hogan September 13, 2013, 12:17 am

  Daryl – “Never stop learning!” I’m going to hang a sign in my studio with those words. Couldn’t agree more.

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• Fred Humberstone September 13, 2013, 8:03 pm

  Harlan,
  There is something that comes across in all of your students comments, confidence. Confidence no doubt gained by your training. As voice talent we must first sell ourselves to the client before the client will believe we can sell their product or service. Thanks for sharing.

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• Harlan Hogan September 13, 2013, 8:13 pm

  Fred – You are absolutely correct. If a voice over artist doesn’t truly believe he can do a good job for the client, he feels like a fraud and lacks confidence when auditioning for anything. Like anything else, you have to work at it to become good; it’s not simply a matter of knowing how to record your voice.

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• Rosie Goodman September 23, 2013, 3:38 pm

  Thank you so very much for this information, wrapped up in
  an audio nugget. Just this few minutes kicks one into that “thinking mode” of where else talent can look. I plan to listen
  a couple more times, because I will have to wait until next time.
  How often do you give your class?
  Thanks again,
  Rosie Goodman

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• Harlan Hogan September 23, 2013, 3:51 pm

  Rosie – You’re welcome! I teach this class, at most, once per year. It’s scheduled to begin 2 weeks from today. After that, I don’t know if I’ll have time to do it again in a future year.

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