As a fifth-year student in the school of voiceover, I’ve logged countless hours listening to podcasts. My top two picks? VOBoss with Anne Ganguzza and Everyday VOpreneur with Marc Scott.
Someone recently asked, “After hundreds of hours of podcasts and thousands of hours of VO work, don’t you get bored? Isn’t it all the same?” My answer is twofold:
- So what if it is?
- No, it’s not.
Let me explain.
“So What If It Is?”
Repetition in podcast topics isn’t boring—it’s valuable. Every episode, guest, and conversation brings fresh insights, evolving knowledge, and unique perspectives. Trends change, experiences reshape understanding, and even familiar concepts take on new relevance over time.
Listening repeatedly strengthens comprehension, uncovers nuanced angles, and challenges outdated thinking. It’s like rereading a favorite book at different stages of life—there’s always something new to discover.
Which brings me to the second part of my answer:
“No, It’s Not.”
Take an episode of Everyday VOpreneur I listened to recently (Episode 273, September 19, 2024). Marc’s guest was Hugh Klitzke—a renowned voiceover coach, director, and casting professional. Hugh specializes in helping voice actors refine their delivery, connect with their audience, and interpret scripts effectively.
Their topic? Sounding conversational with scripts that are anything but conversational—a common challenge for every voice actor.
While I struggled to process their general discussion while driving (I’ll be revisiting the transcript), one golden nugget stood out: conjunctions.
FANBOYS: The Key to Dynamic Reads
“FANBOYS” is a mnemonic device for the seven coordinating conjunctions in English:
- For
- And
- Nor
- But
- Or
- Yet
- So
Marc posed a crucial question: Once you’ve analyzed your script and identified the “who” and “why” of your delivery, how do you quickly develop multiple takes without going blank?
Hugh’s advice? Use a conjunction as a lead-in. It’s a simple but powerful way to adjust tone and delivery without drastically altering the entire performance.
Mock Audition: FANBOY-ing It
Let’s put this technique into practice with a mock audition:
Script:
“Experience the pinnacle of sophistication and performance with our new luxury sedan.”
Character:
You’re a confident, refined automotive expert—a mix of luxury lifestyle guru and professional car connoisseur. Your voice exudes sophistication, warmth, and subtle enthusiasm. Your tone is smooth, inviting, and conversational, almost as though you’re speaking to a good friend who’s ready to elevate their driving experience.
Audience:
Your listener is an affluent, discerning individual who values exclusivity and quality. Their car reflects their lifestyle, and they’re investing in an experience that aligns with their identity.
SCRIPT TAKES
- “Experience the pinnacle of sophistication and performance with our new luxury sedan.”
- “Indulge in the drive of a lifetime, for… experience the pinnacle of sophistication and performance with our new luxury sedan.”
- “Step into a world where elegance meets innovation, and… experience the pinnacle of sophistication and performance with our new luxury sedan.”
- “Don’t settle for ordinary, nor… experience the pinnacle of sophistication and performance with our new luxury sedan.”
- “You could choose a car that simply gets you from point A to point B, but… experience the pinnacle of sophistication and performance with our new luxury sedan.”