First Time Jitters? We Don’t Think So!

Jim McKenzie booked his very first agency gig for HiT Software industrial video as the narrator. Jim recounts his very first session experience, “Honestly, I was nervous as hell, and thought for sure that the super-sensitive mic MUST be picking up the sound of my heart pounding out of my chest. But I was surprised at how easily I fell into ‘just doing it.’ By the second take, it felt perfectly natural and I was completely at ease. Voicetrax prepared me well. I employed several of the techniques that I've learned during my time here, including a couple from Betty Jo Waxman's class, ‘Get Out Of Your Own Way’, which I'd taken just a few weeks prior.” Way to come through in the clutch, Mr. McKenzie!

Also, taking in the experience of a first session was Brenda McNabb. She “nabbed” (we crack ourselves up) the role of narrator for the documentary Tell it On The Mountain hopefully to be run on The Discovery Channel. Getting the gig through personal marketing, Brenda realized that all of the technical training, direction, and tools and techniques she learned at Voicetrax came together for her. Brenda explains, “What helped most was my ability to take in nuanced direction from the film's director without self-consciousness, while remaining calm and confident. Being in the booth at Voicetrax, I have learned not to be intimidated even when I am on the spot. The point is that our reads will not be perfect. We should expect direction (sometimes A LOT of direction) and must be comfortable with this process and even enjoy it - not taking it as some sign that we are not skilled.” Well put, Brenda!

5/25/12