That is the question. Of course, as voice actors, we want to give voice to everything in sight. However, when it comes to our own promotion, whether it be the slate on an audition or the greeting on our voicemail, should we use our own voice or that of one of our colleagues?
Both have their pros and cons. If we do our own, obviously it’s free. But, it also gives the listener a quick introduction to our voice print and vocal talents. Though, if we choose to use another’s voice to audibly introduce us, it lends an air of importance and accomplishment to our professional persona.
Unquestionably, if you opt for the latter choice, you will want to select a voice of the opposite gender so that there are no issues or questions for the listener as to whose voice it is. Also, you might want to try to arrange a voice-swap with the artist you choose in order to save yourself (and them) a few greenbacks.
Personally, I have always been torn between these two possibilities. I see the positives in both. While I have tried both, I have found the convenience and immediacy of self-voiced slates and VM messages too alluring to pass up, at this point. I like being able to customize my slates for the given audition, and feel that my VM message is a nice introduction to a potential client. Plus, if I need to change anything post-haste, I don’t have to wait to get it emailed to me at their convenience.
What are your thoughts?
VO World 
Slate upfront is distracting: many clients will listen for no more than ten seconds – not to be wasted. By all means end-slate in case your sample is pulled up or handed on months later for some other gig. And an end-slate in your ‘normal’ voice is no bad thing if the sample was in some way a character or mood piece. You might get booked.
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Howard, I have auditioned for many, if not most, of the major talent agencies, ad agencies, and casting directors in the country over the past 20+ years. Not once have I been asked to end-slate my audition. I’m not saying that your method does not have merit … and, certainly may work well for you. But, it is extremely unconventional and not what most voice buyers are expecting.
As far as slating for “a character or mood piece” is concerned, that will be covered in my next “Coach’s Tip” coming out next week. So, I’ll hold up on commenting here … don’t want any cats out of any bags. 😉
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Thank you for sharing your knowledge and insight. I have wanted to become a voice actor since I was a pre-teen racing home from school to watch Darkwing Duck and Tiny Toon Adventures on WPHL-17. Cree Summer is one of my all time favorite voice actresses. I allowed fear and a need to please my mother to get in the way. Now I am researching what is necessary so I can take the plunge.
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Why Yet,
Glad to see you are ready to follow your dreams. VO is a very competitive business. But, with the right drive and desire, I believe anyone who truly wants it can have a career as a voice actor. My advice to you, is to get some quality training. Whether it be 1 on 1 or in a workshop setting, or any combination thereof, getting a solid foundation under you to start your career is crucial in this “first impressions are everything” industry.
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