The Great Voice Podcast

Finding Your Voice: Personal Connections Make Powerful Performances

In this inspiring episode, Susan Berkley connects with two Great Voice students – Andrea Barbour and Cheri Freund. Andrea, a sales agent with a passion for ministry, shares how Susan’s impactful teaching sparked her own voiceover pursuits. Cheri, a digital artist and caregiver, discusses her experience in Susan’s training programs and the powerful transition from the art and music industries to a growing passion for voiceover. 

 

Susan first guides Andrea through a heartfelt, personal read. She shows Andrea how connecting the script to someone in your life can help transform the sound. Then Susan works with Cheri on a corporate read and offers insider tips on crafting relatable, conversational performances. 

Chapters

 

02:52  Connecting the script to a real person

06:13  Using Visualization Techniques in Voiceover

09:10  Creating a Backstory for Voiceover

17:45  The nuances of a corporate script

22:13  Character Development in Voiceover

26:03  Final Thoughts and Future Opportunities

 

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Daron Macke

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

To sign up for the Show Notes and be notified when a new episode posts go to: GreatVoicePodcast.com

How I Built This: Susan Berkley reveals the intimate details of how (and why) she built the Great Voice Company

How I Built This: Susan Berkley reveals the intimate details of how (and why) she built the Great Voice Company, an iconic voice over training brand. Plus, meet emerging voice talent Debbie Smith and get inspired by  her journey from nurse to narrator!

In this episode of The Great Voice Podcast, host Susan Berkley interviews Debbie Smith, who brings her healthcare background to the mic. Their conversation unpacks Debbie’s shift from nursing to voiceover with valuable lessons for anyone wanting to pursue Medical Narration VO.

Then Great Voice coach DeBorah Pryor continues her interview with Susan Berkley about how she built the Great Voice Company. Susan Berkley continues. Susan discusses several different voiceover niches, she explores how creativity and work can be surprisingly vital for well-being, and they also discuss the concept of “vocal narcissism” and the teachings of Dr. Norberto Keppe, which shed light on a unique perspective about health and work.

 

Takeaways:

• Debbie’s story highlights the potential for career transitions post-retirement.
• Medical narration spans peer-to-peer and peer-to-patient communication.
• E-learning and other niches in voiceover are seeing significant growth.
• The demand for voiceover surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Vocal narcissism can be a barrier for voice actors, impacting delivery and relatability.
• Dr. Norberto Keppe emphasizes how work is essential for maintaining health.
• Exploring various niches can open new paths for aspiring voiceover artists.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Voiceover and Personal Journeys
• 02:50 Exploring Medical Narration and Audio Description
• 09:01 Opportunities in Medical Narration
• 15:02 The Impact of COVID-19 on Voiceover
• 18:10 Understanding Vocal Narcissism
• 24:03 Dr. Norberto Keppe and his teachings on work and health
• 30:13 Advice for Aspiring Voiceover Artists

 

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Daron Macke

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

To sign up for the Show Notes and be notified when a new episode posts go to: GreatVoicePodcast.com

 

Great Voice Student Success Story: From Attorney to Professional Voice Actor, Plus Susan Berkley Shares Her Surprising ‘Back Story’ (Part 1)

From Attorney to Professional Voice Actor, Plus Susan Berkley shares her surprising ‘back story’ and the inside scoop on how she founded and built The Great Voice Company (Part 1)

In this episode of The Great Voice Podcast, we bring you another inspiring story from one of our students,  Joey Masiuk (Ma-SOOK), an attorney who recently sold his law firm and is now beginning his  second act as a voice over artist. He discusses his early wins, and the valuable lessons learned from recording his first audiobook. Then, Great Voice coach and journalist DeBorah Pryor interviews Susan Berkley about her fascinating life story, the birth of The Great Voice Company, and her advice for aspiring voice actors. 

If you enjoy the Great Voice Podcast, please Like and Comment - It really helps a lot! 

Chapters:

• 00:00 Joey Masiuk’s Transition: From Law to Voice Acting

• 08:52 Character Development in Narration

• 14:48 Voice Acting Techniques and The Role of the Narrator

• 26:49 Background of Susan Berkley and The Great Voice Company

• 28:39 The Legacy of a Publishing Family

• 35:29 From Radio to Voiceover: A Career Shift

• 40:44 The Struggles of Transitioning to Voiceover

• 48:43 Marketing: The Key to Voiceover Success

• 52:22 Building a Home Studio for Voiceover Work

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Daron Macke

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

To sign up for the Show Notes and be notified when a new episode posts go to: GreatVoicePodcast.com

Is AI the end of Voiceover as we know it?

It’s everywhere now. It seems you can’t escape it. And you have to ask yourself:

Is AI the end of Voiceover as we know it? 

On this special bonus episode of the The Great Voice Podcast, Great Voice Coach Joe Smith sits down to interview Susan for a straight talk about AI and her predictions about what it will mean to our voice over future. 

 

Chapters

• 00:00 AI in Voiceover- an overview of where we stand
• 01:28 Susan shares frank  predictions about the future of voice over
• 09:54 AI and voice over: is it the end?  Or is it  a new opportunity to thrive?
• 13:06 Is the human voice as irreplaceable as we hope it will be?
• 18:20 AI's Role in Enhancing Voiceover Work
• 22:33 Collaboration in Voiceover Production
• 30:32 Licensing and Voice Cloning Concerns
• 33:24 Customer Service in Voiceover
• 39:32 Surviving change in the Voiceover Industry and Susan’s  vision for the future.

 

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by DeBorah B. Pryor

Crafting Narration and Building a Voiceover Career

Part One:

Meet Josh Nelson, from Manhattan, Kansas, was a youth pastor for 20 years and has recently switched to working with adults and helping develop communities. He also does public address announcements at local high school and college sports. Josh works with Susan on an Audiobook script and Susan provides guidance on how to develop a voice for the narrator by building a character around the narrator that is a part of the story. 

Part Two:

Meet Salena Metreger, marketing assistant at The Great Voice Company and Podcast Producer. Salena is an emerging voice talent that spent 17 years in the manufacturing industry before leaving to pursue voice over full time. She has trained in voice over and has spent the last few years building a business through self-promotion, networking, pay-to-play sites and more as well as work with Susan at The Great Voice Company. Listen as Susan and Salena walk through the steps and different avenues voice over artists can do to audition, practice, and build a resume. 

 

Takeaways

• Creating a backstory enhances the depth of audiobook narration.
• Let the story drive the voice choice for Narration
• Emerging talents can find opportunities through pay-to-play platforms.
• Feedback from peers and mentors is invaluable for growth.
• Networking is essential for building a successful voiceover career.
• Self-promotion and reaching out to connections can lead to new opportunities.
• Building momentum in the voiceover industry takes time and consistent effort.

If you enjoy the Great Voice Podcast, please Like, Comment, and Rate Us on your favorite podcast platform. It really helps us out!

 Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Josh Nelson
• 06:06 Building a Backstory for Effective Narration
• 10:33 Exploring Voice Choices for Narration
• 17:54 Navigating Pay-to-Play Platforms
• 24:04 Feedback and Growth in Voiceover
• 26:53 The Importance of Networking and Self-Promotion
• 36:05 Building Momentum in Voice Over

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Terri Dien

Segue to Sponsor by David Brower

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

 

Finding Your Voice: Mastering Audience Connection and Building a Successful VO Business

Part One:

Meet Michael Przekop (PREZ-kop), a Great Voice student with a background in legal consulting, marketing, and even a producer and director in San Francisco hiring voice talent. Michael talks about his own transition into voiceover. He then reads a commercial script and Susan highlights the importance of understanding the target audience and delivering a relatable and energetic performance. Throughout the coaching session, Michael wows with his continuously improved read. Susan praises his voice quality and encourages him to use hand gestures while recording to bring more energy into his performance. 

Part Two:

Meet David Brower, a Great Voice Coach, with a background in radio, marketing for the automotive industry, and more. David talks about his own journey into voiceover and how Susan’s training prepared him to take the leap of faith. Susan and David discuss different strategies for landing voiceover jobs, including referrals and networking, and the importance of cultivating repeat customers. David also shares his experience in creating a demo and finding a niche in the industry, offering valuable advice for newcomers looking to carve out their own path in voiceover. The conversation offers great insights into finding one's niche and the power of referrals in building a successful voiceover business.

 

Takeaways

• Understanding the target audience is crucial in delivering an effective voiceover.
• Using gestures while recording can enhance the performance.
• Continuous learning and improvement are essential in the voiceover industry.
• Background and experience in related fields can contribute to success in voiceover.
• Finding one's niche in voiceover can lead to more opportunities and success.
• Referrals are a powerful tool in building a successful voiceover business.
• Investing in oneself and continuous learning are key to growth and improvement in voiceover.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 03:26 Understanding the Target Audience
• 08:33 Using Gestures and Body Language in Voiceover
• 10:24 The Value of Voiceover Training and Education
• 15:24 Interview with David Brower
• 21:59 Leveraging Personal Connections and Referrals
• 27:26 Determining the Best Niche in Voiceover
• 31:47 Asking for Referrals and Building Customer Relationships
• 41:32 Advice for Newcomers to Voiceover

 

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Andrew Colón

Segue to Sponsor by Ann Coatney

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners.

The Importance of Marketing in Voiceover

Part One:

 

Meet Beth Golden, a seasoned voiceover student. She discusses her move from Colorado to South Carolina and her experience as a life coach. Beth explains how she got into voiceover after her sister introduced her to it. She talks about the classes she has taken and the importance of marketing in voiceover. Listen as Susan Berkley provides works with Beth on a corporate voiceover script. They emphasize the importance of personalization and emotional connection.

 

Part Two:

 

Meet DeBorah Pryor, a talent advisor and coach at Great Voice. DeBorah shares her fascinating background in journalism and acting, including her experiences interviewing celebrities like John Lennon. Then listen as DeBorah explains how she became the personal assistant to Sly Stone. She discusses her transition to voiceover and offers advice for newcomers in the industry.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Beth Golden shares her journey and background in voiceover
• The importance of marketing in voiceover
• Coaching on personalization and emotional connection in voiceover
• DeBorah Pryor had the opportunity to interview John Lennon in Central Park
• DeBorah also worked with Sly Stone and traveled with him as his personal assistant.
• She later transitioned to voiceover and has worked on audiobooks, video games, commercials, and more.
• DeBorah advises newcomers to focus on voiceover and seek guidance from experienced professionals.

Notable Quotes:

• "I even interviewed John Lennon."

Chapters

• 00:00 Beth Golden's Voiceover Journey
• 03:12 The Importance of Marketing in Voiceover
• 07:14 Coaching on Personalization and Emotional Connection
• 33:07 DeBorah Pryor Interviewing John Lennon
• 37:52 Working with Sly Stone
• 48:37 Transitioning to Voiceover
• 50:17 Advice for Newcomers

Host - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Joe Smith

This episode is sponsored by Least Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

Committing to the Voiceover Process and Upgrading Home Studios

Part One:

Meet Karen McCroan, a full-time teacher of 30 years looking to pivot to voiceover work. Karen discusses the challenges of teaching and her wish to retire and focus on voiceover full-time. Listen as Susan coaches Karen through a car commercial script. They explore different techniques, such as using hand gestures and visualizing a specific person, to enhance the performance. Karen’s final read knocks it out of the park - showcasing the importance of energy and connection in voiceover work.

Part Two:

Meet Joe Smith, a talent advisor and coach at Great Voice. Joe shares his diverse background in pastoring, law enforcement, and sports journalism. He offers valuable advice for newcomers to voiceover, including tips for setting up a home studio. Joe's insights cover essential considerations like treating the space for sound quality and using appropriate equipment.

Key Takeaways:

• Energy and urgency are important in voiceover performances, even in softer reads.
• Visualizing the audience and engaging in a fake conversation can create a more personal and compelling performance.
• Treating the home studio space is crucial for optimal sound quality.
• Committing to the voiceover process and seeking coaching and training are essential for success.
• Starting a voiceover business is relatively inexpensive compared to other ventures..

Notable Quotes:

• "Treat your space, treat your space, treat your space."

Chapters: 

• 03:20 Coaching Karen on a Car Commercial Script
• 04:42  Energy and urgency are important in voiceover performances, even in softer reads.
• 15:50  Visualizing the audience and engaging in a fake conversation can create a more personal and compelling performance.
• 19:41 Interview with Joe Smith
• 32:57  Committing to the voiceover process and seeking coaching and training are essential for success.
• 34:55  Treating the home studio space is crucial for optimal sound quality.
• 37:48  Starting a voiceover business is relatively inexpensive compared to other ventures.

 

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Salena Metreger

This episode is sponsored by Least Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners.