More later

Ever had a catastrophic computer crash? I just did (well, actually, it happened Monday...I carried the carcass to the computer repair geeks and told 'em to "FIX IT!" today I was told it will be at least a week before I have it back...aaauuuggggggg!)...I guess I'll be back later.

So That's What They've Been Talking About"

Took most of the day off today...except for some writing. I awakened with the alarm at 3:45am, got dressed and went out for my usual run, came home and had some coffee and watched Lucia head for the office.

About thirty minutes later, I decided to dust the house...but I vacuumed first. Then, I thought I'd clean the bathrooms...I had no idea it would take so long. By the time I got done, it was time for a shower and some lunch.

It was after lunch that I hit the studio for some writing(after all, that's what I'd been avoiding all morning). When the writing was done it was time for my appointment with a friend for coffee and conversation. No time for voiceovers today!! Of course, that means no money today either.

I have friends who have retired and they each say they have no idea how they ever had time to work with all they find to occupy their days. I never understood that...until today. Sitting down now to write this before I pour a manhattan I have to say, "So that's what they've been talking about."

Just a Few Hours Left

As I sit in my studio and look at the clock, I recognize 2008 has only a few more hours remaining (at least in my part of the world). I, for one, will have biter sweet memories of the year nearly past; and look forward with great anticipation to the possibilities of 2009.

Resolutions? Don't make 'em.

I do believe I'll make some capital investment in the coming year (crap...could have written it off in this year if I had thought about it), and I may add a recurring fee program to my list of expenses.

Exercise is already an important part of my routine, but I think I'll take that up a notch too. I'm having my first physical in several years (oops) next week...we'll see if all my work has been worth it (even if I'm not Charles Atlas...younger readers ask your grandparents...it's been worth it).

Going to kick www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com up a notch as well. I've got a few new and exciting irons in, or near, the fire...just need to poke it a bit.

I have great faith in what we can accomplish in the coming twelve months, I hope you have as well. Attitude makes a great deal of difference as I believe we generally find that which we seek, be it good or something less than good.

For a kick, read "The Science of Getting Rich" by Wallace D. Wattles...I believe it's the seminal self-help book (written near the turn of the century...first published in 1910 as far as I can tell).

As Lucia would say, "Be kind to one each other."

It's Still a Kick!

I've been at this voice business for a long, long, long, long time. I've done a lot of work in all the media. But it's still a kick to hear something I've created in a new market or venue.

Earlier this year, Lucia and I were on a trip visiting a city of one of my clients who was running a promotion I had written and voiced. When I heard the spot on the air, I was like a kid with a new toy...you'd think I would have outgrown that by now.

Yesterday I had a note from a new friend that a comment of mine was aired on a television program in another state. Let no one say my ego is under-developed; I got up early today to go online and play the tape of yesterdays program...then I replayed it for Lucia when she awakened. There it was, the host was reading my comment and giving me full attribution...and there I was, the little kid...again.

My fascination with voice work goes back as far as I can remember. In elementary school, whenever we had a "film strip" I was captivated by the voice...Who did that? How did he get the job? How can I do that?

At sporting events, I paid more attention to the stadium, or arena, announcer than I did the game.

And, of course, radio was a world full of voices...and I loved the personalities, the commercials, and the news reports.

Not much has changed over the course of my life...I am still drawn to voices.

How fortunate we are to live in a country where we may pursue our dreams. As we enter 2009, let's not lose site of how much this country has provided for those of us who love her.

It's Not About the Voice

This is all about me...something I allow myself at the end of every year.

I don't have the best voice in the world...I have a nice voice, a voice some find easy to listen to, a voice that is sincere, but it's far from the best voice available. But I contend, it's not about the voice.

There has always been a schism between those who consider themselves "artists," and those who, like me, consider our job to interpret what the client desires in a manner to which the ultimate consumer will respond. This is a purely personal position, but I believe the "artists" are worried about how their performance will reflect upon themselves and their talent. Talents like myself, however, are concerned with giving the client what they want and, ultimately, making the client's cash register ring.

It's a "hired gun" sort of mentality that doesn't get involved with what listeners think of me...it's not about me. I will make suggestions when my input is requested, or if I believe I can suggest something that will either reduce the cost of the project or increase the efficacy of the material.

Artists, on the other hand, make suggestions to bend the material to better display their talent, their voice, their skills. This is not to say their suggestions may not be valid, often they may be. The issue is the motivation for the suggestion; is the suggestion for the benefit of the client or is it to improve how the voiceover will be received...perhaps by potential new clients? Every job is an audition for the next rather than an end in itself.

At http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/, the client is our only consideration.

I'm a craftsman, proud of my work...not so proud of myself. Whether I'm creating copy or interpreting someone's words, the client's success is the only goal. In fact, it's in my mission statement (yea, I got one of those): I help successful people be more successful and have fun doing it. It's a position that has served me well for more than thirty years.

Nope, I don't have the best voice...and I recognize my voice is not the best voice for every product or service. This realization has saved me a lot of agonizing over jobs not won. And I think I'm happier than those who can't understand why everyone isn't using his/her voice...after all, it's not about the voice.

I Can't Wait

Lucia and I have had a tradition for the past several years...we check into a state park lodge on Christmas Eve (Inevitably we are among only a hand full of guests in the entire complex). We drink wine and play ping pong or cards, we eat a leisurely dinner, then go for a swim.

Last year we had the pleasure of a beautiful snowfall...so we went for a walk in the woods. There is nothing so peaceful as a quiet snowfall on a dark night. This year, it was raining...so the swim was our excitement.

Christmas morning, we awaken and eat breakfast; again we were the only guests in the dining room. We watched as birds and squirrels ate from feeders outside the dining room window and laughed as they competed for available space (we're easily amused).

Finally, we went for another swim before heading home. It is the most relaxing and rejuvenating experience one can imagine. Yet it's only a few miles from home.

We then had Christmas dinner with a wild assortment of friends at the home of an elderly friend whose daughter and son-in-law we know well through http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/. The room was filled with laughter, smiles and great food. The host then presented each one of us with our own stockings (an unexpected treat that immediately transported everyone back to our childhood).

We know we'll be back to the lodge next year...and now we've been told we'll be invited back for another Christmas dunner. I can't wait.

Can't move, can't sit still...

After a huge Christmas meal with friends...more on that next time...I spent today with wine, good food and one martini (for medicinal purposes).

Now I'm so full I can't even sit still. I have managed to complete a bit of work for a client out of state, but most of the day has been pure pleasure. We all need to do that once in a while.

Next up, reflections on Christmas and anticipating New Years.

The Language of Success Part III

In this final installment, I'll wrap-up the article found on www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com.

We’re cheating our children

The use of substandard English limits one's horizons socially and professionally, and we are cheating our children by allowing them to misuse our language.

As one paid to speak (voice-overs, on-camera, public speaking), I am a strong advocate for mandatory speech education in our public schools. And I will never accept substandard English, written or spoken, with the oft heard, “It's the expression of the ideas that is important, not the form.” Unacceptable!

I host a regional academic challenge television program featuring the very brightest of the young people in North Central Ohio. I am truly humbled by the intellect of these young scholars and the facts at their command. Yet I cringe when I overhear their off camera conversations.

I blame it all on advertising! We have chosen to “race to the bottom” without regard to the effect upon our audience. We have ignored our responsibility to model the language of commerce and industry...the language of success.

Copyright 2005 - Bill Sharp

I hope your holiday was as wonderful as mine...full of friends, food (too much), and family. As we look forward to 2009, we anticipate renewed hope and the belief that the world is unfolding as it must. Success is an inside job!

The Language of Succes Part II

Yesterday I introduced a serialized version of a complete article available at www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com. Today, we continue...BUT, we would be less than honest if we did not take this opportunity to acknowledge the Christmas holiday and all that it holds for so many of us. My wish is for everyone to have a very Merry Christmas. Hold your families close, remember your friends, and pray for those among us who face difficulties (whatever the cause).

Our obligation

I believe we have an obligation to model proper grammar in all contexts, but particularly in any broadcast messages to be viewed by the general public...and definitely when the message may be viewed by children.

There are so few models of good grammar in the media in which we choose to immerse ourselves. Television and movies glorify substandard grammar and slang and have vaccinated much of the population to the pain of such utterances.

From what has been dubbed “Black English” (ask Bill Cosby about that issue) to just plain poor word choice and lazy pronunciation, the examples manifest themselves thousands of times a day. What chance do our children have of learning the importance of grammar, word choice and pronunciation?

The Voice of Sharp will be absent tomorrow for the holiday, but will return on Friday, December 26, with the next installment of "The Language of Success."

The Language of Success Part I

In the following brief selection, I'll introduce my humble thesis that we must not lose sight of the importance of language or our society will (has) suffer. From the time I wrote this for www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com, the situation has only become more dire. Everywhere I turn I am confronted by poor grammar...our society is more crass, and I believe that leads to a number of unpleasant consequences.


The Language of Success

I don't know when it began, but advertising in this country has been engaged in a grammatical "race to the bottom" for some time.

I remember the controversy in the 1950's (I believe) over the “Winston tastes good like a cigarette should” campaign and, more recently, the Apple “Think different” slogan. But these are minor offenses compared to what passes for English in many commercials.

I was asked to write a piece of copy a few years ago featuring gentleman walking into his home with a section of frozen garden hose. I opened the commercial with a character actor entering from outside dressed for winter, holding the hose and saying , “Honey, my hose is frozen.”
The production company liked the idea, but wanted the character to say, “...my hose is froze.” I would not allow it to be changed and argued for days until I prevailed.

Tomorrow, I'll explore why I believe we have an obligation to police the way we use language in the material we write and voice.

Finally, The Feeling Has Returned.

I was becoming concerned due to an almost complete lack of sensation regarding the Christmas season. Today, the feeling returned after I stopped at a Dollar General, of all places, to buy a few gift bags and boxes for gifts that need wrapping. Suddenly, I found my internal monitor recognized a smile and feeling of light within.

I still have much to do before I can relax in the glow of the holiday, but when you're doing work you love, you don't mind. Every day as I prepare my studio for recording, I'm reminded of how lucky I am to be doing work that seems more like play (well, thin about it...I guess much of what I do really is playing).

I'm not the best voice available, although I may be the best for specific applications. I am, however, one of the hardest working voiceover talents around, and I'm completely dedicated to the success of my clients. I may also be one of the best at listening to the client and translating their message to a script. No brag, just fact.

I don't think I've ever spent any time at the end of the year reflecting upon how lucky I've been, how much I appreciate my clients, and how grateful I am for everything that has come my way; this year...I'm going to do it. I have so much for which I am grateful...and I'm glad the feeling has returned.

Recognizing I'm generally writing to myself...and ignoring that fact, I'll close by hoping all y'all (the proper plural of the singular y'all) have a wonderful Christmas...and may we all have an even more prosperous 2009.

He was GREAT!

Had an economist who appears frequently on several television networks, Bruce E. McCain, speak today for a group I oversee. Bruce spoke to the current economic environment and where he sees it going...more importantly, when. He was GREAT!

It was not all gloom and doom, but it does appear we're in for a long ride (no surprise there). I feel better having heard the speech...but now I'm back to thinking about TV (don't try to follow it, just go with it...buy the premise, buy the bit).

I used to host a television show (local...small town stuff). Next week I'm going to expound on television vs. voiceover work and http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/ .

Right now, I'm going to a Christmas party!

Meetings...You Gotta Love 'em. NOT!

That's it, two meetings and more than half the day is gone! Even better...two more to go. Let's not discuss the "productivity" problem in this country. Besides, anyone with whom we'd discuss it can't be reached because, you guessed it, they're in meetings.

There goes my day...crap.

Another day...

I spent today with the Young Leaders Institute, a group composed of two high school sophomores from every public school in the county plus the two largest parochial schools.

I find the time with these bright, eager and talented young people to be energizing. I speak to them of the opportunities to follow their passion, create a job for themselves, explore untapped markets. We have innumerable examples right here at home, as does any city, and there is no end to creativity.

We discuss www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com and they are amazed to learn a company like mine exists and prospers. They're even more amazed when they consider the real possibility of doing something themselves.

No one should be confined to thinking of traditional, "go to work at 25 and retire at 65" working for someone else. If you want something different, something better, something your own...go for it! And you'll never have just another day.

Four is One Too Many to Ignore

I have sounded very bold in denying the recession to date, but the fourth friend just left my office after telling me he no longer has a job. Perhaps for all my bravado this thing is for real!

Still, there is little we can do to affect the situation beyond taking care of our own financial house. I'm quite sure the national economy will not respond to my individual moves...however, in the aggregate, we may be able to bring about some change.

I'll choose to continue living, but living a bit more carefully. I will neither suspend my life, nor will I bemoan the state of the economy. I'll step up my efforts to market www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com in an effort to expand my client base and, as a result, my income. I will help all others I am able knowing the reward is in the act.

This may be for real...I think it is. I ignored it for a long time, but four visits in the last week is one too many to ignore.

Sunday...Day of Rest?

Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest, but I've just finished a message-on-hold for a www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com client who needs it first thing tomorrow, then I have to write.

But at 4pm...it's martini time; nobody makes martinis as good as the martinis Lucia constructs. After a martini...or two...it's definitely time for rest.

Yeah, yeah...

It's cold, snowing, I'm about to spend two and one-half hours outside ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, and this dope walks in and tells me about the fabulous week he just spent in a luxury suite on the beach in Hawaii.

I have been in Hawaii six times...count 'em, six...and never been out of the airport! Nope, always on my way somewhere, or coming back from somewhere...but never outside the airport.

Now I'm really depressed.

Just picked-up another message-on-hold job from www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com hell, I could do that on a laptop in Hawaii! But no, I'll be right here...Everybody Loves Raymond...yeah, yeah....

The Holidays are Here, the Holidays are Here!

The holidays are here...rah. There is just too much to do in addition to the usual activities of daily living. I just returned from a marathon session at a local bank trying to figure out how to get money to my nephew in Japan.

In the past, I've sent my nephew bank checks...no good, personal checks...worse, so I was trying to find a safe, secure instrument I could use. Of course the best way would be to have his bank account number and just do a wire transfer...ahhh, but then he has to know the gift is coming and you don't even hear a "ding" when it arrives.

We settled on a Visa gift card...which is very much like sending cash through the mail (not a favorite), but I'm told the card should be easy for him to use in Japan...we'll see (note to self: do not hold breath). Every other thing I've tried has ended with him sending the instrument back to his mother (so I won't find out my gift failed to work...but my sister can't keep something like that quiet) then she had to cash it and send it back to him.

Thank goodness business is so much easier to transact. With the aid of tools like PayPal, clients around the world receive my invoices and pay with no muss, no fuss, and minimal fees. This has been very beneficial to www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com ...I wish it were so simple with personal gifts.

Oh well, the holidays are here.

Who Gives a #@$*!

It was cold and raining when I awakened this morning...then it got colder...and grayer. This is truly one of those days one wants to just climb back under the covers and/or have a manhattan and forget about everything.

But this is precisely the kind of day one must overcome his or her inclination and push forward with renewed energy. Lucia likes to say, "When you feel your worst, look your best!" I think it's good advice.

I once heard a lecture on tape by an AA speaker who's main premise is, "Your mind is crazy. Your mind is your enemy. You have to take control away from your mind because it will lie to you at every opportunity." I think he was on to something.

When the alarm goes off at 3:47am every morning, I can think of a thousand reasons to just roll over and sleep. But that is when I tell myself that my mind is trying to sabotage my exercise routine and I get up, get dressed and head outside to run. Later, I'm always glad I did so.

The same is true of working...I can always think of a thousand thing to do other than writing copy or recording that next message-on-hold or commercial. That's when the smile comes out and I get down to it. Perhaps I should use some of that energy to improve www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com ...oh hell, I'll just roll over and close my eyes for a few minutes...
who gives a #@$*!

et tu Sharp?

In this environment of skyrocketing unemployment, the economy continues to express bipolar manifestations. A young man visited my office yesterday and I asked him how his company was doing (he works for a men's clothing store). He smiled and began to recite sales figures over the past several weeks. Record breaking sales!!! All I can figure out is other people are also having very good sales, or they have decided to spend everything they have on material goods while their money is still worth something. Either way, some segments of the community are moving along quite well.

But this isn't about that...it's about the fact I'm participating in a process that is probably going to result in a close friend losing his job. One thing that cannot be denied in today's economy is, we cannot continue to allow unproductive people to remain in positions where their continued employment may threaten the existence of the organization. Unfortunately, that is precisely where my friend finds himself.

For many of us involved in the process this is very difficult...he has been in the position for a long time. Has he always been so inefficient, undisciplined, and ineffective? It appears that he has, but things were not so apparent in stronger economies. "A rising tide carries all boats"...but when the tide goes out, you find out which boats will be stuck and which ones will be able to navigate to safer waters.

I don't want to see anyone face unemployment, but sometimes I have to make decisions (or agree with decisions) for the greater good. This is tough.