Voice Over

Your Online Presence

I’m not sure if it’s because it’s the new fiscal year, or being close to “Social Media Day,” or just the extra time I seem to have each summer – but I find myself usually doing an Online Tune-Up during this time of year. I am a voice actor, and audio production entrepreneur. I rely on my web site, and social media for marketing and branding.

I usually conduct an “online presence” tune-up at least twice a year. These steps may be helpful to you and your online presence, whether that is for you as an entrepreneur, or for the place where you work.

Providing for my Clients and Optimizing My Brand

I’m always updating my studio, adding additional tools, and improving what I offer to clients. Over the last several months I have added tools to improve my studio connectivity for remote recording sessions and accessibility for directed recording sessions and I have updated my digital audio workstation. I’ve improved my web site and added additional marketing enhancements.

I go through my web site, and my LinkedIn account to update all pertinent info. I actually have a method to follow to update content, marketing, and logos. In order to keep your message on target and your branding consistent, it all needs a periodic tune up.

Start With Your Web Site to Improve Your Online Presence

Start with your web site. Go through and update all content. Make sure all the links are working. Add new content and improve content and flow of the copy. It’s a good time to update ABOUT info and to re-work and improve keywords to improve SEO. I recommend you update your keywords and improve your SEO by using the Google Keyword Planner. I always re-work most of the pages in my web site to add to and improve the content. It goes a long way in SEO to always add content to your site. This helps give you and your site credibility showing your expertise.

Next Step

Since my LinkedIn account – Mike Laponis Voice Talent is more of a B2B platform than any of my other social media sites, I go there next. Here is the process I use in going through my profile:

Checking all links to be sure they are functioning as they should.
Updating my Profile section, including ABOUT section. This is probably one of the most important areas.
Adjusting, modifying, and adding Keywords to improve SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
Improving and adjusting the FEATURED section. That is where my demos reside. There are both audio and video clips, featuring my work. I make sure those are still functioning properly and up-to-date. I add new examples and optimize the order they are presented. In addition, my demos are available on my VoiceZam Player.
Then I move to the EXPERIENCE section. You can also include media content and links to videos in this section. Another great opportunity for relevant keywords that will aid potential clients so they can easily find you in a search.
From there, on to EDUCATION, and LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS. Bring those up-to-date and add any coaching, training, and classes since your last update.
Take another look at your SKILLS AND ENDORSEMENTS, and then your RECOMMENDATIONS. These may need some adjusting. How long has it been since you looked at those? If needed, change the order of the skills listed, edit or delete anything to fine tune your listing.
Lastly, I check to be sure my profile photo and and Background Photo are current. I want to be sure my photos and logos are consistent across all my social media platforms to help build my brand.

Move On To Your Other Social Media

Next on the list is to branch out to each and every social media site you utilize. For me, that includes listings on, Twitter, SoundCloud, and YouTube. It’s usually a good time to expand and improve each of those. You should also consider adding and growing your social media accounts as needed, depending on your particular content.

In Support of Clients

This is also a good time to improve or enhance what you have to offer to serve your clients. Let them know what value added services you have to offer. These improvements and additions are things worth including on your web site, and on all your social media. For instance, during the past year I have enhanced my services in these ways:

• I have improved my remote production capabilities – I have Source Connect and ipDTL, in addition to Skype and Zoom for studio connectivity and directed sessions for my voice over work.

• With upgraded internet connectivity in my studio there is now 400 MBPS.

• My sound design capabilities are continually improving with additional sound effects libraries and specialized audio plug-ins.

• As Professor Emeritus from a private southern California university, I offer my clients considerable experience teaching classes on Zoom and knowing how to reach an online learner – handy for eLearning projects. I also have considerable classroom (face-to- face) teaching experience.

Online Presence Tune Up

This Online Presence Tune Up will enhance your branding and let your potential clients find you easier. They will know how to reach you and what solutions you are offering that are of benefit to them. Go ahead, and complete your online presence tune up! Let me know if you have questions.

Thanks for reading! -Mike

Your Voice…The Human Connection

Business, Business Connections, Voice Over

By Tim Keenan and Mike Laponis

The Human Voice

Every one of us has an imprinted memory from our youth of an unusual or significant VOICE – either a voice talent or on camera actor, or even a singer or music group. That voice or collection of voices resonated with us somehow and planted those memories. In today’s new norm of separation, your VOICE has the ability to bridge the gap and may, for quite a while, be able to professionally replace the connection of the handshake or the hug.

In these times of physical distancing, our voice already has an increased importance with staying closely connected to family, friends, business associates, clients, and potential clients.

Content Creators Benefit from an Experienced Voice Talent

The intimacy that the human voice conveys has tremendous power and impact, that is now even more important in business communication. Communication professionals and content creators will need to tap into the skills you’ve developed in abundance moving forward. The business world has already seen a tremendous surge in targeted consumer and business podcasting as well as distance learning.

Sales of audio books are booming right now, and the trend toward creating pre-produced educational content, instead of using live instructors in a group setting, will also expand for business and education over the next year in order to avoid the impact of the current COVID19 contagion.

Voice Pros Are In Demand

Voice professionals will be in more demand as we move forward. The best part of this is that each of us has our own unique voice and sound. And it communicates so much. Not with just the actual vocabulary, but intonation, pitch, attitude…emotion. Your voice says so much. It conveys so many emotions. It creates a common bond…a human connection. Is there some science that back all this up? You bet.

Science Confirms It

There are studies that show babies recognize their Mom’s voice even from inside the womb. Even that early in life, we can already distinguish who is speaking. These sounds stir emotions, quicken heartbeats, create bonds – all by the sound of one’s voice. The connections are real. It’s all a part of a bond, that even with physical distance, your voice maintains that human connection.

Try This Interactive Map of Human Emotions and the Human Voice

The human voice can even create emotions without really saying any words. Such a range! Or the very same words you say can vary in meaning by the emotion expressed. All with your voice. The human voice creates emotions. In this wonderful, and well-written article there is an interactive map, that when activated you hear different emotions communicated through vocal sounds.

By hovering your mouse over the particular emotion, you hear vocalized sounds that convey particular emotions. It is incredible! Especially as you move from emotion to emotion and the parts in between. You hear it morph into another emotion. You have to try it! This clearly demonstrates the ability and range of human sound.

The Human Connection

Our vocal chords convey meaning through the sounds we are able to make. This is the amazing ability to CONNECT. It is why the voice is so powerful in reaching and connecting with others. The human connection. We convey meaning, and express emotion with our voice.

It’s up to you to tap into all that your voice can convey to deliver a message with impact and warmth and honesty. Now is the time to be ready to use all your tools and share your gifts in order to help the business world communicate and CONNECT to their employees and customers like never before.

Tim Keenan is the owner of Creative Media Recording, a full service, Southern California audio production company serving independent producers, corporations and ad agencies. At Creative Media he is the senior audio engineer, casting director and an active voice talent.

creativemediarecording.com

Mike Laponis is a Southern California based Voiceover Talent, and Audio Producer with a Pro Home Studio. He is a dedicated professional who will deliver the sound you want. He is creative, dependable, reliable, and responsive.

MikesVO.com

Two-Voice Dialogue Commercials

Voice Over, voiceover

I voice, record, and produce all types of audio projects. Two of the most effective and fun types to record are two-voice, dialogue radio commercials and explainer video narrations. They catch the ear of the listener. These types of voice overs are more creative and fun in presentation, and performance than other genres.

Grab The Listener

We are bombarded with sounds, messages, and images, all the time. Audio presented these days, especially in advertising, needs to grab the attention of the listener. It has to do this in the first few seconds. You have a very short amount of time to grab their ear, create interest, and get the message to stick. Utilizing humor, multiple voices, and other techniques can achieve these goals. A radio commercial does not have to be funny to be effective but commercials using dialogue can help make the message memorable.

Two-Person Dialogue

Two-person dialogue spots should be written to intersect with common human behavior. They work best if they setup up realistic, humorous situations that are relatable. It’s always fun to work with other voice actors in performing these kinds of commercials. Sometimes the two actors are together in the same studio. But most of the time, they are recorded at the same time from two different studios, or each part can be done separately and then put together by the editor/producer.

Some Examples

I’ve enjoyed working on a few two-voice projects and auditions with some of my voice over friends. These voice artists are very talented and I always enjoy working along side them, in person or virtually, in studios across the country. This one is an audition I enjoyed being a part of with Kendra Hoffman. She is a very talented voice actor. Her many styles and abilities make commercials come to life!

Mike Laponis & Kendra Hoffman - Mike Laponis Voice Talent

Two-voice spots give vitality, life, and energy to the message.

Another great voice talent I work with is “The Red Headed Voice.” She is Karin Allers. Here is one of my favorite auditions we worked on together. Another “wife and husband” scenario.

Mike Laponis & Karin Allers Seahorse - Mike Laponis Voice Talent

It’s always fun to collaborate with other voice actors and work on these types of radio commercials and productions. I not only love to voice these, but I love to produce and edit them as well!

Explainer Video Narrations

Another genre of voice over work that allows for creativity in style and performance, is explainer videos. Usually an “explainer video” is a short animated video that explains a product, or service utilizing engaging, and attractive visuals. It focuses on “explaining” the idea, product or service, in a way that makes it interesting and compelling. As part of a blog that Kendra Hoffman wrote and is published on Adelie Studios website, here is a short explainer narration I recorded.

Adelie Studios specializes in animated explainer videos. Kendra’s full blog titled, Gender in Your Explainer Video, is available here , and an interesting read!

Use the tools you have at your disposal to cut through and grab the attention of the listener. Two-voice dialogue commercials and Explainer Videos are both excellent choices to grab an ear!

Apps Worth Using

Apps Worth Using, Business, Mobile Device, Voice Over

You may recall from my ShakeAlertLA Blog, that I am a bit of an App collector. Finding useful, unique, and fun apps is something I enjoy! Some of them I use in my voice over work, content creation work, or just everyday life. I love to pass the info on to you in hopes you will find these apps useful, interesting, and fun. Some are also in a list called #AppsWorthUsing. I started this list on my twitter account a few years ago. You are welcome to follow me there – @MikeRaphone. If you do, please let me know you read this blog and whether you use or tried any of these apps. If you missed the ShakeAlertLA Blog, you can select it here.

Try These On For Size

Through the years I have been on Twitter, I’ve been intrigued by apps I run across. I have built up quite a collection. The apps listed here are mostly useful for those in the business of being a voice talent, content creator, journalist, producer, or recording engineer. So you may or may not have a use for some of these. Most of the apps I am highlighting here cost some money. There are a several that are specific to mobile content creation. While some are just for fun! The app icon is shown with a short description about the app. Here are a few you might enjoy:

Twisted Wave

Twisted Wave is an incredible portable recording and editing software – available for Apple products only. It is intuitive, and fast. Record, edit, then upload your audio by FTP. Excellent for portable voice over work, or other audio recording and editing.

Hindenburg Field Recorder

Hindenburg Field Recorder is a mobile recording app. It allows you to record, edit, and then share the story. Perfect for journalists or those who need to grab quick soundbites. This is available for Apple devices only. Hindenburg has an arsenal of recording software and apps dedicated to specific audio recording needs.

ProPrompter Studio

ProPrompter Studio is a portable teleprompter. Handy for corporate video, video podcasting, commercials, field reporting, speeches, and anything else where there’s a need for a teleprompter. It is available for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.

TapeACall

TapeACall allows you to use your mobile phone to record a phone call you are on or are about to make. Please Note: Recording phone calls in the U.S. and some other countries requires permission from the party (or all parties, depending on the state). Please check the laws (a link provided in the app). There is an annual cost of $29.99 per year. The free trial version allows you to use it for 7 days without cost. This app is great for journalists, reporters, podcasters, producers, talk show hosts, etc. It is useful for production work too. Anything where it is handy to record a call you are on.

Audio Tools

Audio Tools is an incredible, multi-faceted audio and acoustic test and measurement tool! It includes SPL Modules, Acoustic Analysis, Speaker Tests, Test Modules, Design Tools, Signal Generator, Audio Calculator, and more. It is a little on the pricey side, especially if you go for all the in-app purchases, but this is one professional tool!

Waze

Waze Navigation and Live Traffic is super helpful in any area where you need directions, and re-routing due to traffic congestion, and roadwork. Super handy for getting to the studio on time for the voice gig you just booked, on vacation, or nearly any other time you need navigation. Incredible tool that has saved me time and again by helping me get to where I am going.

Girl Scout Cookie Finder

The Official Girl Scout Cookie Finder App. They are on sale only once a year. Peanut Butter Patties (aka Tagalongs) are my favorite!

WinPoker

WinPoker is a video poker game that teaches you how to make the best choices in building the best hand possible. Learn how to play video poker while having fun playing. There is a cost for the app, but it will improve your odds at the casinos! It takes lots of practice to really play at the level to make money. After all, I’m still doing voice acting! Have fun!

Use These Apps in Good Health

I hope you find these as #AppsWorthUsing. I have many more that are useful, entertaining, and fun. If you like these and want another blog in the future with more, drop me an email at Mike@mikesvo.com. Thank you!

Going Electric: #EV4Me

Electric Vehicle, environment, Voice Over

I used to drive a pickup truck – I really liked it, except for how much it cost for gasoline and for what burning that gasoline was doing to the environment. One day, while heading home from the hardware store, I was T-boned by another vehicle. The other car ran right into my driver-side door and I was sent to the hospital. Fortunately, I was treated and released that same day. My beautiful, gas guzzling truck, was not as lucky. It was totaled! At first, I was set on getting another truck. It had served me well and a new up-to-date model seemed like a good choice. But as I thought of it, and realized all of the environmental and health consequences of operating a car with an internal combustion engine, I couldn’t bring myself to travel down that same path.

Health Issues and Concerns of an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)

It does not take much digging to find reputable data which shows emissions from gasoline (and diesel) powered cars and trucks are toxic. They contribute to so many health issues and even deaths. In large cities and metropolitan areas in particular, air pollution from automobiles is a factor in asthma, lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and even brain disease. I think what bothered me most was thinking about the impact these vehicles are having on babies and children. Pollution from cars is damaging children’s lungs! That was the tipping point for me. I no longer wanted to be a contributor to all of that.

Making the Switch

I made the switch! Going hybrid, was not enough of a commitment. I wanted to have a car that was able to be on the road with zero-emissions, so it was #EV4Me. I had considered going to an electric vehicle a few years earlier. At that time, I was interested in a Nissan Leaf, but it just did not have the range I was looking for. Too much “range anxiety.” But finally, the technology had arrived, with cars like Tesla and Chevy Bolt. I wanted a Tesla, but let’s face it, I work as an entrepreneur voice over talent and that was out of my price range (another type of range anxiety). I settled on the Chevy Bolt – I call it a poor man’s Tesla. The Bolt has a driving range of 238 miles before it needs to be charged. I can usually get a little more than that.

Zero Emissions

Sure, electric vehicles come with a bit of a hefty price tag. But with so many financial incentives the price ends up being not much more than a conventional ICE car. I have had the Chevy Bolt for a little over 1 year now. It has so many great high tech features, and is quick off the line! It has saved me about $3000 per year in fuel costs. But most of all, it is a zero-emission automobile! No toxins are being placed into the air from my vehicle while I drive. That is important to me!

Resources

If you might be thinking of going to an all electric car, there are some resources I would like to share with you:

PlugIntoThePresent.com is designed to support education and awareness of zero emission vehicles (ZEV)

Clean Transportation – American Lung Association Clean Transportation Initiative and Resources

Cleaner Cars For Cleaner Air – California Air Resources Board site

Alternative Fuels Data Center

Electric Car Incentives

SCE Charge Ready Home Installation Rebates

A Voice to Advocate Change

As a voice actor, I enjoy putting my voice to products, services, and eLearning projects which I have a passion for. As the owner and everyday user of an all electric vehicle, I look forward to the opportunity to put my voice to good use in being an advocate for positive change in our environment and overall health.

Oh, by the way…the vehicle that totaled my gas-guzzling truck, was a Tesla!

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer: Everything Benefits You as a VO Talent

Business Connections, Voice Over

As you try and find your way in the voice over world, don’t lose sight of what all you have done to get to this point. Although you may think marketing your voice talent is all about your acting chops, great voice, or ability to lift the words off the page and bring meaning to the copy, there is much more you should include.

Types of Experiences

Many of us have had other careers, avocations, interests, and hobbies that make us “experts” in certain areas. Perhaps you know a lot about the automotive industry. This could make you extra valuable in corporate narration for that type of VO work. Maybe you are an expert with medical terminology, thus giving you the edge in any type of voice over for the medical industry. Or maybe you have experience as a teacher, thereby giving you some extra ability for eLearning presentations. Whatever your background and training, use that as part of your marketing and expertise for your voice over career.

No matter what I have been involved in through my life and career, I’ve found that it all relates and somehow it benefits me in opportunities I have before me now. I used to be an electrician. Those skills benefited me as I needed to wire up studios for radio production rooms, and now studios for voice over work. My degree in Fire Technology has benefited me too. That knowledge and training has been invaluable as I have helped organizations with emergency planning and fire safety procedures. I have experience as a video producer. From that background I know how to communicate visually and tell a story. Many years of experience as a Professor of Communications has given me a lot of classroom teaching experience. This helps with all of my communications skills and gives me an understanding of how to present material for eLearning projects.

Other Items that may be Unique to You

There are many things outside of our past jobs and schooling that provide expertise that are good for certain types of voice over work too. I am now the proud owner of an all-electric vehicle. I have had a Chevy Bolt for about 1 and a half years now. I’m a strong advocate for electric vehicles with all the benefits they offer towards clean air and healthy environments. I am familiar with, what is called, “range anxiety” and all the challenges of driving an electric car.

Everything we do, have training in, have experience with – makes us better at any voice projects dealing with those subjects. These should all be areas we include in our marketing to find voice over jobs. Things that we have in our backgrounds, in our repertoire, that makes us who we are!

That’s why I love what I do as a voice over artist. That’s why I value having lots of experience in many areas. I am proud of being a Chief Cook and Bottle Washer – because everything benefits me as a voice over talent!