RODNEY'S VOICE OVER BLOG
It's Time to Take Charge
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Friday, May 1, 2020
Are you tired of all the misdirection, differences in opinions and political views? Are you fed up with fickle unapologetic people who have one thing in mind at all times, themselves? Even when they are so-called advising you, it always benefits them in the end. These people have ears physically attached to their heads, but they only listen to their own voice. When they do solicit your response, their ears go to a mute default and only unmute when they speak again.
Are you starting to understand what I am trying to imply here?
It's time for you to stop seeking validation from the news, politicians and "so-called friends" and take charge of your life.
Read more books written by proven great philosophers. If your questions are of a medical or matter, seek answers from highly educated and certified doctors and lawyers.
Do your own research and due diligence. Equipped with this personal research and opinions of the truly qualified, now you can make sound decisions based on unmitigated facts and not by personal agenda driven social media nonsense.
I don't care if your television lives on CNN or FOX News, at the end of the day, if you let either set your life agenda you will not be in control. If you want to truly carve out your own path to truth and eternal inner prosperity, it's time to take charge.
If You Don’t Say Anything No One Will Know
BLOG Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
There is nothing worse than false modesty if you are not a modest person. Never be afraid to express yourself. The squeaky wheel gets the grease and the person who toots their own horn gets the attention that leads to them getting what they want. Exertion is the key. You have to mentally and physically exert yourself to a maximum if you plan to get ahead in life.
This brings me to the people who produce content and then expect it to sell itself. These are the creatives that expect the public to be aware of their finished creations and just run to the store or jump on line and order their products.
You have to promote. You have to advertise. You have to say something because if don’t say anything no one will know. If you are blessed with the gene to not let anybody dim your shine, good for you. Express yourself.
Now is the time for you to go out there and promote who you are what you stand for and sell your goods.
INSIDE RAPPER NIPSEY HUSSLES'S INVESTMENTS
BLOG Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, December 2, 2019
The late Rapper Nipsey Russell may not have been hip-hop's biggest name, but he was certainly among the genre's most entrepreneurial. His slow-burn career started to catch fire six years ago when Nipsey offered 1,000 copies of his mixtape "Crenshaw" for $100 apiece and entrepreneur -Jay-Z bought 100 copies-and Nipsey rolled the profits into his label, All Money In. He released just 100 copies of a subsequent offering, Mailbox Money, with a price tag of $1,000. He allegedly sold about 60 copies of the latter.
During his short life (He was shot to death in front of his clothing store on March 31st 2019), Nipsey always talked about leaving a legacy of real estate holdings and other entrepreneurial efforts outside of his music for his children. He called it "playing the long game."
With that in mind, him and his business partner Dave Gross purchased a plaza on Crenshaw and Slauson in Los Angeles and Nipsey opened a store called the Marathon Clothing Store. This corner parking lot meant a lot to Nipsey who use to sell his mix-tapes out of his trunk in the parking lot at this corner plaza years ago. He often spoke about opening more stores. "The vision is to launch franchises," said Nipsey, imagining a line of The Marathon Clothing stores, barbershops, fish markets and restaurants. "There's such a narrative to this parking lot-that's a part of my story as an artist."
Don't Let Your Attention Get Hacked
BLOG Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Tuesday October 1, 2019
I love the digital revolution just as much as the next guy but I refuse to continue to let technology consume my attention. It's like a sweet tooth gone wild, you just can't walk away from the seduction of tweeting, texting and posting. We are stuck to our smartphones. The habit is hard to break because the advertisers are in the seduction business. The teenagers and young adults are hooked on Fortnite the battle game, while older adults are stuck on Internet gambling and the stock market.
It's an undeniable habit that has a cure if you are willing to use it. The cure is rejection. Learn to reject the urge to use your computer and smartphone in a frivolous way that has nothing to do with your business, but simply a form of entertainment that doesn't advance your career.
Stop spending your time swiping and direct your attention to something more important like your family! I know it's hard but here are some ways to try and stop having your attention hacked.
Keep a journal as to how many times you use your devices for games and emails.
See a therapist.
Go to a rehabilitation center.
Call a hotline.
Find a support group.
Seriously speaking, you need to remember, your constant use of the Internet can hurt your overall emotional health. And so, it is imperative that you address this problem.
YOU DETERMINE YOUR OWN WORTH
BLOG Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
When you decide to search for work in a particular area of business, you base the compensation that you ask for on the going rates that are usually paid for that type of work. There is nothing wrong with that approach if you choose to take it.
It's easy to just abide by the status quo and conform to the norm. But what if you don't feel like the normal compensation for a certain job is fair? What if you feel that you are worthy of more money for the same job that so many before you have done for the same pay?
If you feel that way you should determine your own worth and test the waters. Set your higher prices and market your services. Be creative and aggressive at the same time. If you believe you are worth it that is a great start. Your determination to convince others is crucial because the more determined you are the harder you will work to convince the buying public of your worth.
How do you raise your prices?
Start by informing your customers about your raises.
Add more value to your work by adding more features.
Over deliver before you ask for a raise.
Thank them for their prompt payment in the past.
Be honest. If a customer feels that you are a fair and honest provider they will be more willing to pay your higher prices.
THE IMPORTANCE OF LIVING YOUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST
BLOG Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
We are not promised anything in this world. Every day that we wake up is a blessing. No matter what seemingly bad situation that you may be in right now, someone is a lot worse off than you. That doesn’t make it better because we don’t want anyone to be down, but it’s just a fact of life. Clean air when it’s there is wonderful. The beauty of nature and other occupants of the universe like animals, insects and flowers are just a hint of the magnificent wonders we have in our view to behold.
We all have our own personal empires to uphold that include our family and friends. Some of us have more money than others but it’s not about the money and other material things, it’s about love and respect for everyone. We must all come to appreciate this God gift called life.
If you have goals it’s time to try and reach them. If you have some places in the world that you really want to visit, now is the time to visit them. Be sure to live your life to the fullest so that you can leave a legacy of self-fulfillment.
NARRATION VOICE OVER WORK
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, April 1, 2019
When people think about voice over, the first thing they think of is commercial voice over work. Yes, commercials are a big part of voice over, but did you know that there is more narration work available than any other kind of work? Narration covers a wide range so there are more opportunities for jobs.
There are many forms of narration that include industrial films, audiobooks, television, eLearning, documentary, radio and film. Narration covers national, local and Internet productions. Cable, satellite and Internet channels feature long form narration that include political and medical narration. This kind of work requires a certain skill set that is different from commercial voice acting. You can also use your spokesperson narration voice for hosting jobs and one of your character voices for narration copy that might be more appropriate for animation type projects.
Getting work in this area requires a demo that is quite different from your commercial demo.
Find yourself a good narration demo producer, make a demo and start looking for narration voice over work!
A Rush to Judgement
BLOG Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Friday, March 1, 2019
When you audition at home and submit your audition to your agent or a casting company, there are times when you don't take the proper time to review your efforts and you send off auditions that are not your best efforts. Consequently, you wonder why you are not booking more jobs or given the opportunity to audition again for a particular casting house. Sometimes, your agent decides to stop representing you all together because you continue to send out auditions that aren't properly vetted by you because you didn't take the time to record more takes and come with a better performance that perhaps would have landed you the job.
Of course, we don't really know why we do or don't get a job. It's a random reason at best, luck of the draw, a numbers game, whatever. But wouldn't it be nice to know that you gave yourself a better chance because you put forth your best effort? You didn't settle. You didn't rush to judgement and declare a mediocre audition a good one. Instead, you took your time and recorded and recorded until you got it right! Remember, your audition is the only way you can get the job. You have to be a professional and take every audition seriously.
You have to showcase your ability to do the job in every audition. Be sure to take your time and read the VO directions carefully so that you can deliver the wide range of emotions that the copy demands. Make sure that you demonstrate the fact that you are the right voice for the product that you are promoting in your audition. Every audition is a demonstration of your ability to do the job. Inside the word demonstration is the word "demo." Every audition is your mini demo so you should take it very seriously. Take your time if you have the time to get a good read and don't rush to judgement.
Rodney Saulsberry is one of the premier voice-over talents and voiceover coaches in the country. He is also the author of three best selling voiceover books and a two time NAACP Image Award nominee for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series for his role on The Bold and the Beautiful.
THE POWER OF POETRY
Blog Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Friday, February 1, 2019
Some people find power in books, movies, television shows or motivational speakers. I always look for motivation in poetry. Recently, I pulled out a couple of motivational poems written by me from the pages of my book, Step Up to the Mic and I decided to share them with the readers of my blog this month. Both of these poems are voice over related. Read each poem with a sense of rhythm. Enjoy!
THAT PRIZE
The sea of bodies filled the hall
As I set foot on the grounds of a cattle call
Struggled to find that private place
Where I could practice out loud, proud with pace
Slow, then fast, then slow again
Took a peek at my watch for my time to go in
To that scary room with my script in my hand
Prepared to do whatever, however they demand
One read, that's all, so back into the hall
Where others look into my eyes
And struggle to see if I left that prize
Is the job still free? I heard somebody say.
I see them all wither, cause they know deep inside
I claimed that audition! I took that prize!
INTERPRETATION
Earphones on my head, every word that I said
Returned to my ear transfix
Got a certain amount of time to let it rip and unwind
The words travel from my mouth to the mix
Who said, "Read it this way"?
Who said, "Do it like that"?
I got my own interpretation and I think its phat!
Top of the line is the microphone, I'm rockin'
My own version of the text is the theme I'm poppin'
The VO direction means nothing to me
I'm doin' it my way for the world to see
Cause it's not about the sound or the new sensation
Cause it's not about the intent or the writer's fixation
It's about how I feel-and my Interpretation.
Copyright 2007 by Rodney Saulsberry. All Rights Reserved.
Rodney Saulsberry is one of the premier voice-over talents and voiceover coaches in the country. He is also the author of three best selling voiceover books and a two time NAACP Image Award nominee for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series for his role on The Bold and the Beautiful.
CRAFTING A SMART CAREER STRATEGY IN 2019
BLOG Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
There is nothing more satisfying than coming up with a great plan and then carrying it out to perfection.
DEFINE YOUR GOALS
Search your heart for what you are passionate about and choose goals that you are passionate about. Many people fail to achieve their goals simply because they set goals according to what other people want or what they believe they should want, rather than what they really want. Without passion, you will find yourself unable to get the best effort out of yourself.
PUT YOUR PLAN IN MOTION
Talk is cheap, you have to take action and actually do the things you talk about. Follow these steps below:
MAKE CALLS
Put together a comprehensive list of important contacts that can help you achieve your immediate and future career goals. Schedule a series of times that you will sit down and place calls to the contacts on this important list.
HIT THE ROAD
Don't limit your career strategy to the telephone and things that you can do from the comfort of your home. Be willing and able to hit the road. Schedule meetings with perspective contacts in your town, around the country and even abroad if that is what it takes to advance your career path agenda.
FOLLOW UP
We often get a lot of things started and then we don't follow through. Make sure that you complete every big and small task that you start. Completion of every project that you start opens up the opportunity to start another project that will put you closer to accomplishing future success.
GO OUTSIDE OF THE BOX
There are several methods of achieving success that are tried and true. These methods have been around for years and you would be wise to use them in your smart career path strategy efforts. However, time has also proven that those who were willing to step outside of the norm, have been quite successful too. Sometimes the so-called “unorthodox methods” are the very methods that can get you over the hump and put you on the road to spiritual and financial success! Don't be afraid to think outside of the box.
PROCEED WITH CONFIDENCE
Before you make one call or travel to one contact, you need to be confident about the process. You have to believe in yourself and what you are trying to pursue. With extreme confidence you will increase your chances of being successful not only by way of your own efforts but also by the people who will gravitate to you and want to help you based on your perceived confidence.
CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS
Along the way you should reward yourself and those who help you succeed every time one of your goals are met. Always take the time to stop nod and smell the roses. Celebrating along the way rejuvenates you and gives you energy for the next level. It also lets you and your cohorts know, that at each level of success, progress is properly rewarded.
WE CAN BE BETTER NEXT YEAR
BLOG Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, December 3, 2018 Blog
Well, here we are again. Another early December contemplating what gifts to buy our friends and loved ones for the upcoming holidays. And figuring out what your New Year Resolutions will be on New Year's Eve. While all of these things are important, I think we need to be more concerned about making this world we live in a better place. We should all make a concerted effort to make this planet a place of love peace, equality and tranquility for everyone no matter what their race, creed, sex or color.
Let's truly embrace my belief that all men and women are created equal. They are born equally free and independent and they have the right to run for any political office, including the Presidency of the United States. They are also equally due the opportunity to possess property and obtain happiness and safety now and forever more. I am no scholar and my words are similar to many who feel the same way, but these are never the less my feelings on the subject of equal rights and my contribution to us being better next year. So, let's exercise our right to vote and continue to engage in peaceful dialogue that works to move our nation in a positive and cohesive direction that will make us a better country, a better nation and a better world.
THE ONLY PERSON YOU CAN CHANGE IS YOU
BLOG Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Thursday, November 1, 2018 Blog
Maya Angelou once said; “When someone shows you who they are believe them; the first time.”
We constantly go through life thinking that people are going to change and get better in our eyes, when the truth is they never will change. If you are truly bothered and hurt by someone you will have to change in order to maintain that relationship or you will have to end the relationship. It’s as plain and simple as that. It has to end or you have to change because truer words have never been spoken than those spoken by the great Maya Angelou, “When someone shows you who they are believe them; the first time.”
Maya Angelou, born Marguerite Ann Johnson April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, was an American poet, memoirist, actress and an important figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. In 2001 she was named one of the 30 most powerful women in America by Ladies Home Journal. Maya Angelou is known for her series of six autobiographies, starting with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, (1969) which was nominated for a National Book Award and called her magnum opus. Her volume of poetry, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Die (1971) was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.
MORE THAN JUST SURVIVING
BLOG Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, October 1, 2018 Blog
We all have a tendency in life to take it easy. The maximum effort for everything seems like the worst idea any sane person could ever have. If I can have this or that with this little effort, why should I do anything more? The reason you do more is because more gets you more. More money, more respect and more opportunity to get even more.
We have to do more than just survive. It's not enough to just be, we have to make an effort to be somebody who makes a difference in the human landscape known as everyday life.
It's not only about you, because others are watching you. You are a role model to someone younger or older than you whether you know it or not. The potential to influence others is always there. And so, you owe it to your admirers and more importantly yourself to always be at your level best, projecting your willingness to do more than just survive.
Don't cheat yourself in life by settling for mediocrity. Make sure that at the end of every day you can look in your mirror and say, "Today, I truly gave it my all."
RICH
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Ask yourself a question before you read the rest of this blog. What is your definition of rich? What do you consider to be rich?
Now continue please.
Most of us would equate the word rich to someone having a lot of money. Some equate it to taste, i.e., "I like the cake but it was really rich." In other words, it was too sweet, maybe it had too much sugar.
Sometimes the word "rich" is used to separate classes of people. The people with the large amounts of money are considered to be rich and better than those with less. A rich person in a higher tax bracket is awarded write off's and certain deductions that allow them to pay less taxes even though they have more money.
When it comes to growing a beautiful garden, a gardener would be very interested in obtaining "rich soil." And those of us who are really into expensive clothes or jewelry are said to have "rich taste."
The word rich is often part of fairytales, fictional books and our wildest dreams when we sleep at night. For some gentlemen the word Rich is just short for their full name that is Richard.
We can cite several definitions but the bottom line is this, no matter what definition you choose, you are not only rich but you are wealthy if you truly love yourself AND if other people in your life that you love, love you back. That is what I consider to be RICH.
Rodney Saulsberry is one of the premier voice-over talents and voiceover coaches in the country. He is also the author of three best selling voiceover books and a two time NAACP Image Award nominee for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series for his role on The Bold and the Beautiful.
Every Day Should Be a Holiday
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
You know, I am truly a major fan of holidays. Every one of them without exception are someone's favorite. But wouldn't it be a wonderful world if we treated every day as a holiday?
Think about it. Every day we wake up in appreciation of doing so, we should consider it a holiday. And if you are lucky enough to be in good physical condition and you have friends and family that love you, that my friend should be considered a holiday. You see, the fact of the matter is, there are people suffering all over the world who are not as fortunate as we are to celebrate holidays.
They don't have money or food or a place to sleep. They don't see any way out. Their future is bleak in their eyes and they live in a constant state of despair. Now ask yourself this, can you truly have a holiday on any day if there are other people who never experience happiness or any modicum of a happy day let alone a holiday? Enough already with these special holidays. Let's bring peace, equality and tranquility to all mankind and then every day will be worthy of a celebration. Every day will be a holiday!
Learn to Get Better from the Worst
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, July 2, 2018
While we all love compliments and votes of confidence we tend to remember the insults and words of discouragement. Someone says something bad about us at a party or at work in front of other employees and it's much more everlasting in your mind than the many kind words and kind gestures you received from the top of your day to the time that you lay your head on your pillow at night. And then you toss and turn and maybe even get up and walk in circles mulling over the words that literally rocked your world. You just can't shake it. How could he say that to me? Was she serious? You ask yourself these questions over and over again. If you're lucky, you can finally fall asleep and wake up the next morning to a beautiful day filled with the brightness of sunshine. But the reality is, depending on how bad you were hurt by those words the sting and the sleepless night's routine can go on for days and perhaps even weeks.
Hey, don't kick yourself for being so easily hurt by another person's rudeness, because you are not alone. You would be surprised by the statistics that show the percentage of people who are really just as thin skinned as you are.
The bottom line is it's okay. Let the pain and hurt leave you when it leaves you, it's really okay. We learn from these traumatizing incidents and it makes us stronger in the end.
Have you ever noticed that when you think that your world is coming to an end because of your current problem and then another crisis hits you that totally obliterates the prior crisis and when the new problem is over you can only chuckle about the severity you considered the first one to be? And when you really think about it neither crisis was truly worth the importance you gave either one of them. But again, it's okay that you did because that's what we as human beings do. We come through the worst of times and we are better for it. At the end of the day we all learn to get better from the worst.
Relevant
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Friday, June 1, 2018
To be effective when you are teaching or advising others you need to be relevant. Up to date and aware of the latest trends and fashions is being relevant. Social awareness is important too. To appeal to the desires of a paying public you need to be relevant. To be successful in most professional settings, relevancy is most certainly the key to selling your products, philosophy and way of life.
You can't ignore the task at hand. You have to keep your eye on the ball. You can't be distracted by outside forces that have absolutely nothing to do with what you are trying to do at the moment. The only thing that you should be dealing with is what is relevant to what you are trying to accomplish.
You need the right tools to accomplish your goals. You can't use a screwdriver to hammer a nail and you can't use a hammer to drive in a screw. Well, maybe with a heavy hammer and a mighty blow you could knock that screw right through the wood, but what would be the relevance of that act? Your finished product would be wrong in its appearance and probably irrelevant at best.
Effort is the key to success and success is best achieved when we stay relevant to what is essentially our final goal. Never underestimate the importance of being relevant.
Rodney Saulsberry is one of the premier voice-over talents and voiceover coaches in the country. He is also the author of three best selling voiceover books and a two time NAACP Image Award nominee for
Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series for his role on The Bold and the Beautiful.
Who's Got Your Back?
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
There is nothing wrong with being independent, self-sufficient and maybe even a loner. But at the end of the day, we all need someone or perhaps a small number of people who genuinely have our best interest in mind and at heart.
These friends or relatives have to be more than just "observers." What do observers do? They walk with you and talk with you but they don't advise you or protect you. They console you when you are upset but they do nothing to prevent you from getting upset. When you fly off the handle with a stranger or lose your temper and say things to someone out of ignorance or anger, instead of stepping up and helping you chill at that crucial moment, they just observe and discuss your incident with you ad nauseam later on after the fact.
I know what you're probably thinking right now as you read this blog, "Why not just stop getting into difficult situations?" And, "Why not just have better self-control?" Well the answer to those questions is this; none of us can guarantee that we won't run into some difficult times, situations, tough decisions or compromising events. But the one thing that you can do is this; make sure that if you do have a problem facing you in the future, that you have someone or several others in your life whom, if they are with you at the time, will do more than just observe. You need someone who will most definitely, HAVE YOUR BACK!
Your Good Life Exam
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, April 2, 2018
We all spend entirely too much time paying attention to our faults. First, we define them declare them and then we make them the center of our being. We torture ourselves over and over again diminishing our self-confidence and stunting our potential growth because we're stagnated and stuck in a sinking quicksand that literally stops our progress. We generally tend to believe that our living conditions are no good and we are not living a good life. It's time to change. It's time to learn to appreciate what you have and not be so concerned about what you don't have.
Starting right now let's accentuate the positive. Let's define and declare all of our positive attributes. All that is good about us. All that is going well in our lives. To make this happen, you are going to take a test I created called "Your Good Life Exam." At the end of this exam, if you answer the questions honestly you will find that you have more good things about you and more positive things happening in your life than bad things. You just may find that in actuality you are a good person and you live a good life.
Let's get started.
Are you fairly healthy?
Can you see fairly well?
Can you hear fairly well?
Do you have at least one friend?
Do you smile when you are happy?
When people say hello to you do you respond in kind?
If you responded yes to eighty percent of these questions, you passed it.
Now go out there and enjoy your good life!
Let Us Have Grace in Social Media
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Social media is a phenomenon. Yes, it's been around for a while now, but it has never been more popular. It can be a good thing if it is used correctly in a positive way, but it can be a bad thing if it is used to hurt others like we have witnessed recently on Facebook and on Twitter.
If each of us would choose to use the platform to promote positivity and dedicate our usage to advancing a better place for all of us to live, it would be better. But when we bully and antagonize others, we fail to use this social media outlet in a way that will advance peace and tranquility in our homes, schools and the places we work.
We are all blessed to have access to this technology. Now we have to become more mature in our usage of it. For those of us who are older, let us start from this day forward to show our youth the right way to use social media. Let us be the role models that we are supposed to be, as we emulate the elders we learned from when we were growing up. Ask yourself this, would your grandmother get into a spat with a person publicly on social media? I think not. And we shouldn't either.
Let us all have grace in social media.
THE CHOICES WE MAKE
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Okay, start by visualizing the voice over career you really want. What does it look like, what does it feel like. Write it down. Describe it in detail so it becomes alive and real for you.
Your choices should not be based purely on emotions. The wiser approach is to consider what you are really good at. Are you stronger in animation or narration, commercial or audio books, promos or trailers? The best choices are made when we recognize and understand our emotions and skills are two different things. We have to separate the two and make wise choices.
Our choices decide our future. Many of them such as not dressing warmly in the winter cold will alter our physical and vocal health. Spending large sums of money on equipment and software that we don't really need will jeopardize our economic health, and being rude and discourteous to our clients and co-workers will produce a bad reputation. Bad choices will affect our emotional health too. The fact is, a single bad choice can mushroom into a long series of bad choices if we don't take the time to really make sure that we are making the right choices.
We are making choices every minute of every day. Most of these choices are made without even thinking about them. They are automatic responses to the circumstances around us, and that is the problem. When we act on impulse and make quick decisions about business matters that warrant deep thought and time, we miss the opportunity to make a profound positive impact on our careers.
Making wise choices is not something that just happens, it requires a big effort on our part. It doesn't hurt to have a joint effort in your decision making process. We all need help from time to time and that is where a good vocal coach or mentor is recommended.
6 TIPS TO START YOUR VO NEW YEAR
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, January 1, 2018
1. Clear Your Desk Completely
Be sure to start the year with a clear workspace. Please don't feel like you have to get rid of it all in one day. Remove things little by little, but do get it done as soon as possible.
2. Amend New Year's Resolutions
Take another look at your New Year's Resolutions and revise them if you have to. By the time March 1st comes around, you may change your mind about what your resolutions really are.
3. Set Up a Physical and Voice Workout Schedule
There is nothing more important to your voiceover career than your physical and vocal health. This year you should set up a schedule for both. Plan to take a brisk walk or jog three to five days a week. Workout in the morning if you have the time, but any time is fine as long as you just do it. Also, vocally warm up every day. Give yourself at least fifteen minutes of a vigorous vocal workout that includes tongue twisters, singing scales and reading a piece of copy from any genre. You will be surprised by the endurance that you will develop from the physical workouts and the efficiency you will develop in reading copy too.
4. Refresh Your Database
Open up your database and take a look at your contacts. If there are numbers in your group that are no longer viable, get rid of them. Whenever you sit down to make phone calls, the last thing you need is a session of dialing numbers that don't reach the intended parties, or will never have the potential to produce positive results for you. After you dump the losers, start looking for new numbers to add to your database. Updates are the key to a profitable contacts database.
5. Update Your Demos
How old is your latest demo? Do you think it's working for you? If you have any doubts and you think you need an update, the beginning of the year is the time to get it done.
6. Enhance Your Image and Your Brand
Do you have a brand? Are you concerned about your image? You need to establish a personal brand and image that is unique to you. The competition for voiceover work is fierce so it's important to spend time investing in researching, defining, and building your brand and persona. After all, if you don't promote yourself, no one will be able to find you. Good branding will:
Next Year Could Be Your Best Year Ever If You . . .
Friday, December 1, 2017
1 . . . Get Unstuck
We all know how to go after what we want but what if we don't know what we want? Not knowing leaves us in a "stuck position." We can't move towards our goal because we don't have one. However, we do know what we don't want so let's move away from that. Now, even though we don't know what we want, we are not stuck anymore, we are in motion, we are moving.
2 . . . Stop Blaming
It's time to stop playing the blame game. At the end of the day the only one responsible for how something affects you is you. You are the CEO, Chief Executive Officer of your life, who ultimately has to take the credit or the blame for your well-being. Yes, there are exceptions, but for the most part you are in control of your own destiny.
3 . . . Stop Trying to be Perfect
Studies have shown that people who strive to be the best that they can be have much less stress than those who constantly try to be perfect. It's time for you to stop trying be perfect and began working on being yourself. Work on being comfortable in your own skin and rejoice in the simplicity of life for the entire new year!
In advance, I want to personally wish all the readers of this blog a Very Happy and Prosperous 2018. Happy New Year!
HOW TO KEEP WORKING AND IGNORE THE NOISE
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
We are currently facing one of the most politicized times in American History. Every day we are faced with the choice of listening to the constant political rhetoric on television, radio and the Internet or ignoring it all. It makes us ask the question, how do we escape the madness of the body politic and get back to concentrating on our work?
The fact of the matter is, you can't. If you don't watch and listen to the news or what people discuss in the morning at your neighborhood Starbucks, you're not going to be informed. That's not good because you may miss something that is really important to know for you and possibly your family.
Allow me to offer this suggestion. Cut the outside off several times during the day and night. During these allotted times, study, practice and perfect your craft. That is the only way that you are going to be successful.
You don't have to drop out of the mainstream entirely, you just have to designate the times that you are going to indulge and not indulge with the outside world.
When you establish this workable schedule, you will find that you are still in the know and yet more adept and successful at your craft. Doing your job and being well versed in the news of the day is a complicated marriage, but they can be joined together if you really take the time to work it out.
Rodney Saulsberry is the voice of choice for behind-the scenes narration. This Detroit native and University of Michigan Graduate, is one of the premier voice-over talents in the country.
MASTER THE ART OF SIMPLICITY
Monday, October 2, 2017
I must admit right off the bat that I didn't come into this wisdom without years of making everything in my life complicated. I don't mean complicated in a negative way, I just made a big deal out of everything and I made the path from A to Z difficult. I zigged and zagged when all I had to do was go straight. I read a bunch of crazy instructions, watched laborious videos when all I had to do was ask somebody. I bought and consumed items that I didn't need. Splurged on consumption and let the materialistic direct and guide me to nowhere really. Nowhere that was as good as when I simply ignored the fluff and really got into the gruff of what I was trying to achieve.
When I started really concentrating on what I was after and not dealing with the peripheral, I found myself doing less but actually getting more.
We have to learn how to purge ourselves of the belief that all the bells and whistles are better than just one bell and one whistle. Making something hard to comprehend doesn't make it more right. There is a simple way to do most things and if you embrace simplicity you will save yourself a lot of pain, heartache and stress.
So, from here on, whatever your endeavor, look for the simplest way to accomplish it and you will discover that by keeping it simple and doing less, you actually get more. More time to do other things. More time to spend with your friends and family. And more time to search for new endeavors to simplify.
Rodney Saulsberry is the voice of choice for behind-the scenes narration. This Detroit native and University of Michigan Graduate, is one of the premier voice-over talents in the country. Rodney is the host of the new popular podcast, "Success Talks With Rodney Saulsberry."
THE REAL MEANING OF LET IT GO
Friday, September 1, 2017
Are you frustrated, upset or all stressed out. Has this been going on for a considerable long length of time? Is it starting to make you feel sick or depressed? If any of these things apply to you, it's time for you to let it go. When I first heard the song "Let It Go" from the animated feature Frozen, I just really loved the song, the melody and the way Idina Mendel performed it. Little did I know that one day, I would come to really want to know the lyrics to that song, because I was searching for a way to "let it go."
The ability to move on from unpleasant situations and let them roll off you like the water runs off of a duck's back is the most precious characteristic that you could ever possess.
Think about it. Who would you say was the most laid-back and content Beatle? Rings Starr right? Didn't he look like the guy who just took life in stride? If he had a problem, he got over it quickly, right? How about Tito Jackson from the Jackson Five, Mary Wells from the Supremes or Ed McMahon from the Tonight Show, no drama right? I'll bet that you have a friend or relative who gets over most inconvenient things quickly, because they have mastered the art of letting go. They also tend to outlive everyone too because they go through life with less stress. And we all know that stress kills.
It is a must that we all learn to "let it go" sooner than later. Let's live by the following lyrics from "Frozen" and live a life of minimal heartache and minimal stress when we learn to let it go.
Let it go, let it go.
I am one with the wind and sky.
Let it go, let it go.
You'll never see me cry.
Here I'll stand, and here I'll stay.
Let the storm rage on.
My power flurries through the air into the ground.
My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all around
And one thought crystallizes like an icy blast
I'm never going back; the past is in the past!
-Writers: Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez
DON'T LET ANYONE DISTRACT YOU
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
There is nothing more rewarding than having a goal and reaching it. When you reach it, you feel satisfied, justified and complete. You feel like a burden has been lifted from your shoulders. The burden of finally attaining something you coveted so much. Now you can enjoy the victory and lavish in the warmth of completion.
Along the way, you faced many obstacles with none being more annoying than your so-called friends. These were people who claimed on the outside to be interested in helping you pursue your goal, but were in fact wishing against you inside. The words they spoke to you were on the surface positive, but you always heard the innuendo that permeated beneath each word. Their outer shell never successfully hid their inner jealousy of your audacity to seek a goal and fervently pursue it.
So-called friends weren't the only detractors to your pursuit, you were also fighting your own insecure demons. Self-doubt was just as formidable as those people who doubted you.
Disrobe yourself of other people's doubt and your own doubt. Walk in the light of a positive consciousness that forbids negativity. Always see the glass as half full and not half empty.
When you live your life in this positive way, you will find yourself achieving more goals than you actually have at any given time. In other words, your successes will eventually even out number your new desires. You literally will not be able to keep up with your success.
That's the kind of life you can live when you DON'T LET ANYONE DISTRACT YOU!
How You Do Anything Is How You Do Everything
Posted Monday, July 3, 2017
It's unfortunate, but we live in a world today that is based solely on instant gratification. We want the immediate intent and stimulation of any and everything we consume without any work on our part. In other words, we don't want to do the work. We don't want to put the time and dedication into what we give out or receive.
The result of not being willing to give or receive information in a solid and professional way, is a sea of mediocrity that will eventually make us all incapable of giving or receiving any quality content. In fact, the definition of quality is changing faster than a streetlight at a busy intersection. When will it stop?
When will we get back to putting in the hard work to be better, live better and love others and ourselves better? There needs to be a realization in your own mind that the way you work on the seemingly most trivial matters, determines how you might work on the most crucial matters.
Doing things the right way is much more productive than doing them the wrong way. Bad habits are habitual and hard to reverse if we don't start trying to fix this global trend very soon.
If we continue to proceed in a non-caring and frivolous way on "some things" pretty soon we will approach "all things" that way. We will fall right into the idiom of that old saying, "How you do anything is how you do everything."
ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Let's take a moment to talk about lists. For instance:
What is on your impossible list?
In others words what do you desire but you deem it impossible to acquire? Did you know that there is a reality greater than your reality? You have the ability to be greater you're your so-called impossibility. There is a segment of the universe that is your very own corner in the sky. It's more than a religious on ideology, although those things are very valid, this corner of the sky is spiritual and it requires your belief that there is no such thing as MISSION IMPOSSIBLE.
Yes, that was a great television series but in real life you have a reality that is greater than your perceived reality. Greater than your expectations. You just have to learn how to get in-touch with that reality that say's "I will thrive in my business."
Now the next question is, what is on your possible list?
I want you to know that this list is going to increase immediately because I am going to suggest that you take everything off of your impossible list and transfer it to your possible list. And now your task is greater in terms of volume, but so much easier because you are not going with the status quo anymore, you have graduated to believing in yourself and believing that all things are possible if you put in the hard work and believe that SUCCESS is MISSION POSSIBLE!
Multiple Streams Of Income
Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, May 1, 2017
We are living in an age where things are not as stable as they use to be. Machines have taken over for humans in the workplace and technology has created a digital divide that has made some of the most inventive minds obsolete. Your competition is no longer your peer but anyone who has a Smartphone, laptop, iPad or desktop computer.
With increased competition and the constant rise in the cost of living, we need to come up with different ways to create a Multiple Income Stream Model. It doesn't matter whether it is a second third or fourth stream, a stream is indeed necessary.
Our system provides pensions from some employers and matching retiring entities like 401k's and Sep IRA's. Social Security is great but this staple in American culture and history is threatened by our national debt and the devaluation of the dollar.
The wake up call is a blaring siren that can be heard everyday when major corporations fire their workers in numbers never before seen in the modern era.
You can stay above the curve by calling on all your potential moneymaking talents. Just take an hour everyday to consider what you can do outside of your regular job. Once you figure out your second possible stream of income put together a plan to get it started.
When provide yourself with several legitimate and legal ways to make money, you can predict your future by creating it.
You Have to Know When to Stop
Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, April 3, 2017
First Posted On March 18, 2013
Most of our auditions these days are recorded in our homes. And what do we do? We beat ourselves up doing take after take after take.
You have to know when to stop. Just because you send out only 2 to 3 takes to your agent or online audition website, don't think I don't know what really goes on in your home studio. You are continuously recording takes because you are never quite satisfied. I feel your pain, I know your pain, but you have to know when to stop.
Did you know that your first takes are often your best takes? First of all, you are at your strongest vocally at the beginning of the recording process. The first takes are not overly rehearsed. They are not perfect. There is something authentic about the imperfect performances that turn out to be the best performances.
There will always be in our minds, better takes in the middle and at the end of a recorded audition at home. We feel that way because we figure they have to be better, because we were more familiar with the copy. However, you should always consider including one of those first takes in your submission of only 2 to 3 takes on an MP3. Why? Because there is something spontaneous and magical about those first takes that shouldn't stay locked up in a home studio.
Save time and your voice by trusting that you got it right the first few times. Don't burn yourself out. You have to know when to stop.
BE PREPARED TO LAST THE WHOLE SEASON
Blog Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Every year the pattern is the same. You start out full of energy and you fall off drastically by the end of October. You start eating, gaining weight and getting out of shape right around Thanksgiving and by the end of the year you are completely exhausted and thinking about New Years resolutions.
If you want to change your career trajectory to a resounding upswing, you have to change this underwhelming pattern. It's time to do the things that will give you energy both mentally and physically so that you don't fade during the year end home stretch.
Let's start with the mental preparation
Start reading more. Whatever your profession is, doing more research and becoming more knowledgeable about what you normally take for granted.
Incorporate meditation into your daily regimen. Meditation is a proven energizer because it is a form of physical and mental rest. Rest during the early part of the year makes you less tired at the end.
Start using affirmative declarations. Practice aloud saying positive things about yourself. Write these positive statements and attributes about yourself over and over again. When you feel good about yourself you tend to feel that way for the entire year.
Now let's talk about the physical preparation
There is the common sense move of pushing away from the table but everyone knows that is next to impossible. So, the best thing to do is to eat things that contain less calories. Cut down on the carbs and the sweets.
Be sure to work out at least three times a week for at least 30 minutes per day. These two things should give you the body you desire along with a physical and mental contentment that will give you the energy you need, to last the whole season.
Good luck!
MORE THAN SURVIVING
BLOG Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Wednesday, February 1, 2017 Blog
We all have a tendency in life to take it easy. The maximum effort for everything seems like the worst idea any sane person would ever have. If I can have this or that with this little effort why should I do any thing more? The reason you do more is because more gets you more. More money, more respect and more opportunity to get even more.
We have to do more than just survive. It's not enough to just be, we have to make an effort to be somebody who makes a difference in the human landscape known as everyday life.
It's not only about you, because others are watching you. You are a role model to someone younger or older than you whether you know it or not. The potential to influence others is always there. And so, you owe it to your admirers and more importantly yourself to always be at your level best, projecting your willingness to do more than just survive.
Don't cheat yourself in life by settling for mediocrity. Make sure that at the end of everyday you can look in your mirror and say, "Today, I truly gave it my all."
Home Studio Set-Ups For VO Beginners
BLOG Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Tuesday, January 3, 2017 Blog
Hello Friends,
Happy New Year!
It's the first week of the New Year and I know everyone is digging in and trying to get your feet on the ground to pursue another prosperous year.
I would like to address in my first Newsletter of 2017, purchasing studio equipment for the beginning voiceover artist.
I believe that you should start out modestly in your number of items and in the cost of your equipment. At this point, you don't know if this is the start of a new career or just a passing fancy, so you should start out modestly.
Your Computer
Whatever you already have is fine. If you are PC or Mac based, different software will be needed for each, while some software will work on both.
I prefer a Mac computer but they are a lot more expensive than PCs so you should start with a PC if you don't want to spend Mac money.
Your First Microphone
I would suggest starting with a good USB microphone that will fit directly into your computer. You can find whatever you want on the Internet on Amazon or wherever microphones are sold. I also highly recommend the nearest Guitar Center in your neighborhood for in person one on one consultation when purchasing your microphone or any other studio equipment.
Headphones
A really good pair of headphones could run you about $300, but you can get by with something less. I like the Sony MDR-7506 Headphones for $79.99.
Recording Software
Get something that is compatible with your computer. I like Twisted Wave for Mac users but there are many others out there that are great too.
Voice Over Coaching
I highly recommend my Consultant's Club because it gives you the opportunity to work with me on a monthly basis. Many of my students are very successful from my tutelage and I am constantly seeking more people to help. In my opinion, voiceover coaching should definitely be a part of your home studio budget.
Marketing Software
Every voiceover artist from beginners to seasoned professionals needs to market themselves and one of the best ways to market is through email. You can set up great campaigns with a company I use called Constant Contact. I have also noticed that a lot of people use MailChimp. Both of these companies make it easy to customize emails to suit a particular marketing campaign. Other features include analytics, the option to A/B test and geo-target as well as spam filter diagnostics.
Build Your Own Website
Every studio old and new needs access to a personal website that features your brand. Your brand is "You." Now with the help of Weebly, Wix, SiteBuilder, eHost and many others, you can build your site for free. You may have to pay on some sites to upgrade.
Rodney Saulsberry is the voice of choice for behind-the scenes narration. This Detroit native and University of Michigan Graduate, is one of the premier voice-over talents in the country. He is also a published author with four books that include,
You Can Bank on Your Voice,
Step Up to the Mic,
Rodney Saulsberry's Tongue Twisters and Vocal Warm-Ups,
Graylin Brown
EFFORT- FOCUS & TOUGHNESS
BLOG Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Thursday, December 1, 2016 Blog
Hello Friends,
This month, let's concentrate on Effort, Focus and Toughness. It's easy to think about and talk about what we are going to do to be successful in our voice over careers, but we have to really put forth an effort to make it happen.
Here are some things you can do this month:
Update your demo
Incorporate any new spots that you may have acquired since your last update. Shorten the demo if it is over a minute and twenty seconds. Shorter is better and preferred in the business today.
Upgrade your home studio
Are you working with free software like Audacity? Remember, there are limitations to free software. Audacity is great but it may be time for a reasonably priced and very good full version of Twisted Wave.
Increase your contacts database
Search for new clients on the Internet. You could be the next web imaging voice for their websites. No, it won't be easy, but this week we're concentrating on EFFORT, FOCUS and TOUGHNESS. Pick up the phone or send an email to clients that you have worked for in the past. Just simply say, hello. You never know, they just might suddenly need you again just because you sent an email or called.
Work on your LinkedIn profile and contact database
Facebook is huge and loved by the masses for its social networking capabilities and hooking up with old friends, but the road to work is paved through LinkedIn. If you are not a member you should strongly consider joining Linkedin.
Networking is very important
This month; you should call friends in the business and discuss trends and strategies to be more successful. Look for voice over mixers in your area.
Focus on one genre this month
I know we all think we can do every voice over genre, but this month I want you to concentrate and focus on the one you truly do best. If it's commercial let's practice reading commercial copy. If it's promo, let's read promo copy. If it's narration, read it over and over again this month. Remember, good practice makes perfect delivery. The more we practice the more we are prepared for auditions and jobs in these areas.
"One important key to success is self confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation." Tennis great -Arthur Ashe
Stay tough
When it comes to auditioning, we all know there is more rejection in this business than success. We audition much more than we work. You have to be tough to endure. You have to believe in yourself. You have to have a positive attitude in the face of adversity. If you don't exude confidence and believe in yourself, how can you expect someone else to believe in you? This positive attitude will make your booking ratio go to the positive side. You will definitely start to work more.
So, there you have it. This month you should commit to EFT. EFFORT, FOCUS and TOUGHNESS!
UNITY
BLOG Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
There is an old saying that is definitely one of my favorites, “Together we stand divided we fall.” I think that saying applies to many things but I choose to let it apply to my voiceover career. When I put all of my talents together, I am much stronger than when I separate my strengths. One body makes me strong, while disunity actually dilutes my message, my power and my overall strength. It hurts my efforts when I don’t use all of my tools together.
Foundation
When you put your strengths together you are forming a concrete foundation that supports your talent base and overall structure. This foundation makes you feel more secure. Through the years, if you continue to practice and use the principals of unity, you will create a “unified career” which leads to a positive and more powerful career.
Your Forte
What is your forte? Do you feel that you are stronger in some areas and weaker in others? Why not unify your forte with your weaker areas? When you unify the whole with the half’s it forms a formidable body that gives you the ability to exceed far beyond your wildest dreams. It’s just another example of unity being far more success oriented than a divided approach to pursuing your voiceover or any other profession career dreams.
CRAFTING A SMART CAREER STRATEGY
BLOG Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, October 3, 2016
There is nothing more satisfying than coming up with a great plan and then carrying it out to perfection.
DEFINE YOUR GOALS
Search your heart for what you are passionate about and choose goals that you are passionate about. Many people fail to achieve their goals simply because they set goals according to what other people want or what they believe they should want, rather than what they really want. Without passion, you will find yourself unable to get the best effort out of yourself.
PUT YOUR PLAN IN MOTION
Talk is cheap, you have to take action and actually do the things you talk about. Follow these steps below:
MAKE CALLS
Put together a comprehensive list of important contacts that can help you achieve your immediate and future career goals. Schedule a series of times that you will sit down and place calls to the contacts on this important list.
HIT THE ROAD
Don't limit your career strategy to the telephone and things that you can do from the comfort of your home. Be willing and able to hit the road. Schedule meetings with perspective contacts in your town, around the country and even abroad if that is what it takes to advance your career path agenda.
FOLLOW UP
We often get a lot of things started and then we don't follow through. Make sure that you complete every big and small task that you start. Completion of every project that you start opens up the opportunity to start another project that will put you closer to accomplishing future success.
GO OUTSIDE OF THE BOX
There are several methods of achieving success that are tried and true. These methods have been around for years and you would be wise to use them in your smart career path strategy efforts. However, time has also proven that those who were willing to step outside of the norm, have been quite successful too. Sometimes the so-called "unorthodox methods" are the very methods that can get you over the hump and put you on the road to spiritual and financial success! Don't be afraid to think outside of the box.
PROCEED WITH CONFIDENCE
Before you make one call or travel to one contact, you need to be confident about the process. You have to believe in yourself and what you are trying to pursue. With extreme confidence you will increase your chances of being successful not only by way of your own efforts but also by the people who will gravitate to you and want to help you based on your perceived confidence.
CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS
Along the way you should reward yourself and those who help you succeed every time one of your goals are met. Always take the time to stop nod smell the roses. Celebrating along the way rejuvenates you and gives you energy for the next level. It also lets you and your cohorts know, that at each level of success, progress is properly rewarded.
THE REASON WE GO ON
BLOG Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Thursday, September 1, 2016
There are several days in a voice over performers life when self doubt creeps in and we wonder if we are doing the right thing trying to make a living doing voiceovers. Often we question our decision to pursue this business in the first place.
Some Of The Reasons We Go On
New Friendships
The people you meet in the voice over community.
The friendships you form in workshops and industry events around the country.
Greater Technology
The technology today has made it easy to work from the comfort of your home. With just a laptop computer, a microphone and a software that can make MP3 and WAV files and you are up and running.
Monetary Incentive
If you do union work you can make thousands of dollars in residuals and a pretty good living can also be achieved with several non-union campaigns. And the most important thing, money aside, you love what you do and would do it for free.
An Affinity For It
Because you love it, you want to be the best that you can be at it. That's why it is so important to practice, practice, practice.
Set Your Own Schedule
You are the CEO of your career, of your company. You audition when you want to, make yourself available for work when you want to and work when you are lucky enough to get it. What other business gives you this type of flexibility and control while potentially offering you a lucrative compensation?
You can also choose to dedicate a portion of your day to looking for new voiceover opportunities. Make sure that you have a target list when you sit down to make your calls. With a target list you will always have answers to the questions: Who am I going to call? What am I going say? When you are prepared the process can actually be fun.
Trials And Tribulations
There will be rejection and there will be victories but you should remain at an even keel.
Ultimately, to be successful it takes talent, luck and a lot of hard, hard work. When your preparation meets up with a great opportunity you will be very happy that you were prepared.
Nobody said it was going to be easy. Nothing worth fighting for is ever easy but the prize at the finish line is another reason we go on.
Enjoy The Process
Instead of seeing the glass as half empty, let's see the glass as half full. It's a great business with high reward if you stick it out.
And that is the reason we go on.
Rodney Saulsberry is the voice of choice for behind-the scenes narration. This Detroit native and University of Michigan Graduate, is one of the premier voice-over talents in the country. He is also a published author with three bestselling books that include,
You Can Bank on Your Voice,
Step Up to the Mic and his latest release,
Rodney Saulsberry's Tongue Twisters and Vocal Warm-Ups.
Second Guessing Yourself
Blog Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, August 1, 2016
Just the other day, I was thinking about just how precious each and every moment of life really is. It is so important to walk in a positive light and show love and respect to others. We all know the old saying, we are not promised tomorrow, but the fact of the matter is, we are not even promised the next minute. And so, we should try to lessen if not out right eliminate stress.
One contributor to stress is the action of second guessing ourselves. Sometimes you are faced with major decisions that you mull over for hours and days. You go to others to get their opinions. After some more contemplation and thought, you make a final decision. And then, when the positive results you were hoping for don't occur immediately, you are highly stressed and you question your decision. You second guess yourself.
This has got to stop. You have to trust yourself. You have to believe that when you made the decision you made it was after much thought and consideration which made it the right decision at that time. Also, it could be, that in time your decision will turn out to actually be the right one. Sometimes change takes time and the final positive outcome of your first decision comes about later. In the meantime don't stress and by all means don't second guess yourself.
Rodney Saulsberry is the voice of choice for behind-the scenes narration. This Detroit native and University of Michigan Graduate, is one of the premier voice-over talents in the country. He is also a published author with three bestselling books that include,
You Can Bank on Your Voice,
Step Up to the Mic and his latest release,
Rodney Saulsberry's Tongue Twisters and Vocal Warm-Ups.
FIVE VO TIPS
Blog Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Friday, July 1, 2016
This blog consists of five voice over tips that may be helpful to members of the voice over community.
VOICE TIP #1: Vocal Warm Ups Count
Go to YouTube and practice your vocal warm ups with one of my videos. Do this 3-5 times a week for 10 to 20 minutes. Go to the following web address:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GoRyRbyKKOU
VOICE TIP #2: What You Eat Counts
Choose your meals wisely before you do an audition or a job instead of following your taste buds. Don't eat dairy because it causes mucus and phlegm. You should also limit alcohol and caffeine. In general you should limit your intake of simple carbohydrates and get lots of protein and fiber in each meal.
VOICE TIP #3: No Room For Indecision
When you make an interpretation choice of the copy you are about to read, stick to it on that particular take. If you change course in the middle of the read, that is something that can be heard and thus ruins your take. Commit to an interpretation and deliver it with confidence.
VOICE TIP #4: Push Harder
Don't simply go through the motions with your voice over career, constantly challenge yourself to do more each day to advance your career. Get more work. Get more contacts that lead to more work.
VOICE TIP #5: Make Realistic Goals
Limit your goals to realistic achievable goals. Give yourself an appropriate time range to reach your goals. Remember, unreachable expectations can turn into real negatives when they can't be reached.
VOICE OVER AFFIRMATIONS
Blog Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
This blog consists of several voiceover empowerment exercises and affirmations.
What is an affirmation? An affirmation is a declaration or statement about a positive action or actions that a person wants to have occur in his or her life. It is a powerful tool for making your dreams manifest.
USEFUL EMPOWERMENT EXERCISES
People have used affirmations for hundreds of years to make their desires and dreams reality. For a long time, it has been believed that the subconscious mind cannot differentiate between actual reality and wishes or suggestions. Consequently, your mind processes affirmations of your dreams as being real. Eventually, those affirmations come true.
In order to maximize the innate power of affirmations, you should repeat the following words with feeling. You must be emotional about these desires and give boundless energy to saying these words daily, weekly, or monthly.
Let there be no physical, emotional, or mental tension while you say your affirmations. The stronger your desire and concentration, the more faith you will have in what you are seeking.
Find the level of repetition that works for you. You can add, delete, and modify these affirmations to suit your needs.
Repeat these words, and make them come true:
Take a look at the affirmations listed below and choose the one(s) that apply to you. Repeat each line twice. Start each sentence with these three words, "I see myself . . . "
These affirmations and many more can be found in my book "Step Up to the Mic."
Your Lucky Day is Coming Soon
Blog Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, May 2, 2015
Today could be your lucky day!
Perhaps you have been running a long streak of so-called bad luck. I have good news for you; the law of averages suggests that your luck will have to change if not immediately definitely in the near future. That's right, everyone is due a stretch of good luck at various times in their life.
You can enhance your chances of experiencing good luck by being prepared for success. The old saying "When preparation meets opportunity you get luck," is a true expression that speaks to the importance of learning your craft to the fullest, so that you can be ready when your ship comes in, when your good luck opportunity arrives for you.
Statistics show that to win a 20 million dollar power ball is next to impossible, but the chance of a career-changing spurt of good luck for you, is just around the corner. Your lucky day is coming and it just might be today!
ABOUT RODNEY
Rodney Saulsberry is one of the industry's most sought after voice over talents and voice over coaches. A two-time NAACP Image Award Nominee, he has given voice to many commercial campaigns that include Zatarain's, Toyota, Alpo, Twix, Colgate; and many movie trailers such as Red Tails, How Stella Got Her GrooveBack, Dumb & Dumberer, The Best Man, and Friday. As an announcer, he has worked on the NAACP Image Awards and The Essence Awards televisionspecial. And he is the author of three books: You Can Bank on Your Voice, Step Up to the Mic, and Tongue Twisters and Vocal Warm-Ups.
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.RodneySaulsberry.com
Stay in Your Lane
Blog Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Friday, April 1, 2016
We live in a society today that embraces the person who does many things. This current trend has caused many individuals to try and be all things to all people and thus has created a society where not too many are really good at any one thing. Mediocrity has become the new norm. The bar has become very low. What use to be a C average grade is the new A grade.
Have you noticed in whatever your profession, that there are a few people that are excelling well above the rest of the field? They are making the most money, getting the most raises and generally doing better than everyone else? The reason that they are more successful than the rest of the workforce is because they have honed in on that one thing that they do best and perfected it. In other words, they are staying in their lane.
Now is the time to concentrate on what you do best and work to be the very best that you can%
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Friday, May 1, 2020
Are you tired of all the misdirection, differences in opinions and political views? Are you fed up with fickle unapologetic people who have one thing in mind at all times, themselves? Even when they are so-called advising you, it always benefits them in the end. These people have ears physically attached to their heads, but they only listen to their own voice. When they do solicit your response, their ears go to a mute default and only unmute when they speak again.
Are you starting to understand what I am trying to imply here?
It's time for you to stop seeking validation from the news, politicians and "so-called friends" and take charge of your life.
Read more books written by proven great philosophers. If your questions are of a medical or matter, seek answers from highly educated and certified doctors and lawyers.
Do your own research and due diligence. Equipped with this personal research and opinions of the truly qualified, now you can make sound decisions based on unmitigated facts and not by personal agenda driven social media nonsense.
I don't care if your television lives on CNN or FOX News, at the end of the day, if you let either set your life agenda you will not be in control. If you want to truly carve out your own path to truth and eternal inner prosperity, it's time to take charge.
If You Don’t Say Anything No One Will Know
BLOG Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
There is nothing worse than false modesty if you are not a modest person. Never be afraid to express yourself. The squeaky wheel gets the grease and the person who toots their own horn gets the attention that leads to them getting what they want. Exertion is the key. You have to mentally and physically exert yourself to a maximum if you plan to get ahead in life.
This brings me to the people who produce content and then expect it to sell itself. These are the creatives that expect the public to be aware of their finished creations and just run to the store or jump on line and order their products.
You have to promote. You have to advertise. You have to say something because if don’t say anything no one will know. If you are blessed with the gene to not let anybody dim your shine, good for you. Express yourself.
Now is the time for you to go out there and promote who you are what you stand for and sell your goods.
INSIDE RAPPER NIPSEY HUSSLES'S INVESTMENTS
BLOG Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, December 2, 2019
The late Rapper Nipsey Russell may not have been hip-hop's biggest name, but he was certainly among the genre's most entrepreneurial. His slow-burn career started to catch fire six years ago when Nipsey offered 1,000 copies of his mixtape "Crenshaw" for $100 apiece and entrepreneur -Jay-Z bought 100 copies-and Nipsey rolled the profits into his label, All Money In. He released just 100 copies of a subsequent offering, Mailbox Money, with a price tag of $1,000. He allegedly sold about 60 copies of the latter.
During his short life (He was shot to death in front of his clothing store on March 31st 2019), Nipsey always talked about leaving a legacy of real estate holdings and other entrepreneurial efforts outside of his music for his children. He called it "playing the long game."
With that in mind, him and his business partner Dave Gross purchased a plaza on Crenshaw and Slauson in Los Angeles and Nipsey opened a store called the Marathon Clothing Store. This corner parking lot meant a lot to Nipsey who use to sell his mix-tapes out of his trunk in the parking lot at this corner plaza years ago. He often spoke about opening more stores. "The vision is to launch franchises," said Nipsey, imagining a line of The Marathon Clothing stores, barbershops, fish markets and restaurants. "There's such a narrative to this parking lot-that's a part of my story as an artist."
Don't Let Your Attention Get Hacked
BLOG Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Tuesday October 1, 2019
I love the digital revolution just as much as the next guy but I refuse to continue to let technology consume my attention. It's like a sweet tooth gone wild, you just can't walk away from the seduction of tweeting, texting and posting. We are stuck to our smartphones. The habit is hard to break because the advertisers are in the seduction business. The teenagers and young adults are hooked on Fortnite the battle game, while older adults are stuck on Internet gambling and the stock market.
It's an undeniable habit that has a cure if you are willing to use it. The cure is rejection. Learn to reject the urge to use your computer and smartphone in a frivolous way that has nothing to do with your business, but simply a form of entertainment that doesn't advance your career.
Stop spending your time swiping and direct your attention to something more important like your family! I know it's hard but here are some ways to try and stop having your attention hacked.
Keep a journal as to how many times you use your devices for games and emails.
See a therapist.
Go to a rehabilitation center.
Call a hotline.
Find a support group.
Seriously speaking, you need to remember, your constant use of the Internet can hurt your overall emotional health. And so, it is imperative that you address this problem.
YOU DETERMINE YOUR OWN WORTH
BLOG Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
When you decide to search for work in a particular area of business, you base the compensation that you ask for on the going rates that are usually paid for that type of work. There is nothing wrong with that approach if you choose to take it.
It's easy to just abide by the status quo and conform to the norm. But what if you don't feel like the normal compensation for a certain job is fair? What if you feel that you are worthy of more money for the same job that so many before you have done for the same pay?
If you feel that way you should determine your own worth and test the waters. Set your higher prices and market your services. Be creative and aggressive at the same time. If you believe you are worth it that is a great start. Your determination to convince others is crucial because the more determined you are the harder you will work to convince the buying public of your worth.
How do you raise your prices?
Start by informing your customers about your raises.
Add more value to your work by adding more features.
Over deliver before you ask for a raise.
Thank them for their prompt payment in the past.
Be honest. If a customer feels that you are a fair and honest provider they will be more willing to pay your higher prices.
THE IMPORTANCE OF LIVING YOUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST
BLOG Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
We are not promised anything in this world. Every day that we wake up is a blessing. No matter what seemingly bad situation that you may be in right now, someone is a lot worse off than you. That doesn’t make it better because we don’t want anyone to be down, but it’s just a fact of life. Clean air when it’s there is wonderful. The beauty of nature and other occupants of the universe like animals, insects and flowers are just a hint of the magnificent wonders we have in our view to behold.
We all have our own personal empires to uphold that include our family and friends. Some of us have more money than others but it’s not about the money and other material things, it’s about love and respect for everyone. We must all come to appreciate this God gift called life.
If you have goals it’s time to try and reach them. If you have some places in the world that you really want to visit, now is the time to visit them. Be sure to live your life to the fullest so that you can leave a legacy of self-fulfillment.
NARRATION VOICE OVER WORK
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, April 1, 2019
When people think about voice over, the first thing they think of is commercial voice over work. Yes, commercials are a big part of voice over, but did you know that there is more narration work available than any other kind of work? Narration covers a wide range so there are more opportunities for jobs.
There are many forms of narration that include industrial films, audiobooks, television, eLearning, documentary, radio and film. Narration covers national, local and Internet productions. Cable, satellite and Internet channels feature long form narration that include political and medical narration. This kind of work requires a certain skill set that is different from commercial voice acting. You can also use your spokesperson narration voice for hosting jobs and one of your character voices for narration copy that might be more appropriate for animation type projects.
Getting work in this area requires a demo that is quite different from your commercial demo.
Find yourself a good narration demo producer, make a demo and start looking for narration voice over work!
A Rush to Judgement
BLOG Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Friday, March 1, 2019
When you audition at home and submit your audition to your agent or a casting company, there are times when you don't take the proper time to review your efforts and you send off auditions that are not your best efforts. Consequently, you wonder why you are not booking more jobs or given the opportunity to audition again for a particular casting house. Sometimes, your agent decides to stop representing you all together because you continue to send out auditions that aren't properly vetted by you because you didn't take the time to record more takes and come with a better performance that perhaps would have landed you the job.
Of course, we don't really know why we do or don't get a job. It's a random reason at best, luck of the draw, a numbers game, whatever. But wouldn't it be nice to know that you gave yourself a better chance because you put forth your best effort? You didn't settle. You didn't rush to judgement and declare a mediocre audition a good one. Instead, you took your time and recorded and recorded until you got it right! Remember, your audition is the only way you can get the job. You have to be a professional and take every audition seriously.
You have to showcase your ability to do the job in every audition. Be sure to take your time and read the VO directions carefully so that you can deliver the wide range of emotions that the copy demands. Make sure that you demonstrate the fact that you are the right voice for the product that you are promoting in your audition. Every audition is a demonstration of your ability to do the job. Inside the word demonstration is the word "demo." Every audition is your mini demo so you should take it very seriously. Take your time if you have the time to get a good read and don't rush to judgement.
Rodney Saulsberry is one of the premier voice-over talents and voiceover coaches in the country. He is also the author of three best selling voiceover books and a two time NAACP Image Award nominee for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series for his role on The Bold and the Beautiful.
THE POWER OF POETRY
Blog Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Friday, February 1, 2019
Some people find power in books, movies, television shows or motivational speakers. I always look for motivation in poetry. Recently, I pulled out a couple of motivational poems written by me from the pages of my book, Step Up to the Mic and I decided to share them with the readers of my blog this month. Both of these poems are voice over related. Read each poem with a sense of rhythm. Enjoy!
THAT PRIZE
The sea of bodies filled the hall
As I set foot on the grounds of a cattle call
Struggled to find that private place
Where I could practice out loud, proud with pace
Slow, then fast, then slow again
Took a peek at my watch for my time to go in
To that scary room with my script in my hand
Prepared to do whatever, however they demand
One read, that's all, so back into the hall
Where others look into my eyes
And struggle to see if I left that prize
Is the job still free? I heard somebody say.
I see them all wither, cause they know deep inside
I claimed that audition! I took that prize!
INTERPRETATION
Earphones on my head, every word that I said
Returned to my ear transfix
Got a certain amount of time to let it rip and unwind
The words travel from my mouth to the mix
Who said, "Read it this way"?
Who said, "Do it like that"?
I got my own interpretation and I think its phat!
Top of the line is the microphone, I'm rockin'
My own version of the text is the theme I'm poppin'
The VO direction means nothing to me
I'm doin' it my way for the world to see
Cause it's not about the sound or the new sensation
Cause it's not about the intent or the writer's fixation
It's about how I feel-and my Interpretation.
Copyright 2007 by Rodney Saulsberry. All Rights Reserved.
Rodney Saulsberry is one of the premier voice-over talents and voiceover coaches in the country. He is also the author of three best selling voiceover books and a two time NAACP Image Award nominee for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series for his role on The Bold and the Beautiful.
CRAFTING A SMART CAREER STRATEGY IN 2019
BLOG Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
There is nothing more satisfying than coming up with a great plan and then carrying it out to perfection.
DEFINE YOUR GOALS
Search your heart for what you are passionate about and choose goals that you are passionate about. Many people fail to achieve their goals simply because they set goals according to what other people want or what they believe they should want, rather than what they really want. Without passion, you will find yourself unable to get the best effort out of yourself.
PUT YOUR PLAN IN MOTION
Talk is cheap, you have to take action and actually do the things you talk about. Follow these steps below:
MAKE CALLS
Put together a comprehensive list of important contacts that can help you achieve your immediate and future career goals. Schedule a series of times that you will sit down and place calls to the contacts on this important list.
HIT THE ROAD
Don't limit your career strategy to the telephone and things that you can do from the comfort of your home. Be willing and able to hit the road. Schedule meetings with perspective contacts in your town, around the country and even abroad if that is what it takes to advance your career path agenda.
FOLLOW UP
We often get a lot of things started and then we don't follow through. Make sure that you complete every big and small task that you start. Completion of every project that you start opens up the opportunity to start another project that will put you closer to accomplishing future success.
GO OUTSIDE OF THE BOX
There are several methods of achieving success that are tried and true. These methods have been around for years and you would be wise to use them in your smart career path strategy efforts. However, time has also proven that those who were willing to step outside of the norm, have been quite successful too. Sometimes the so-called “unorthodox methods” are the very methods that can get you over the hump and put you on the road to spiritual and financial success! Don't be afraid to think outside of the box.
PROCEED WITH CONFIDENCE
Before you make one call or travel to one contact, you need to be confident about the process. You have to believe in yourself and what you are trying to pursue. With extreme confidence you will increase your chances of being successful not only by way of your own efforts but also by the people who will gravitate to you and want to help you based on your perceived confidence.
CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS
Along the way you should reward yourself and those who help you succeed every time one of your goals are met. Always take the time to stop nod and smell the roses. Celebrating along the way rejuvenates you and gives you energy for the next level. It also lets you and your cohorts know, that at each level of success, progress is properly rewarded.
WE CAN BE BETTER NEXT YEAR
BLOG Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, December 3, 2018 Blog
Well, here we are again. Another early December contemplating what gifts to buy our friends and loved ones for the upcoming holidays. And figuring out what your New Year Resolutions will be on New Year's Eve. While all of these things are important, I think we need to be more concerned about making this world we live in a better place. We should all make a concerted effort to make this planet a place of love peace, equality and tranquility for everyone no matter what their race, creed, sex or color.
Let's truly embrace my belief that all men and women are created equal. They are born equally free and independent and they have the right to run for any political office, including the Presidency of the United States. They are also equally due the opportunity to possess property and obtain happiness and safety now and forever more. I am no scholar and my words are similar to many who feel the same way, but these are never the less my feelings on the subject of equal rights and my contribution to us being better next year. So, let's exercise our right to vote and continue to engage in peaceful dialogue that works to move our nation in a positive and cohesive direction that will make us a better country, a better nation and a better world.
THE ONLY PERSON YOU CAN CHANGE IS YOU
BLOG Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Thursday, November 1, 2018 Blog
Maya Angelou once said; “When someone shows you who they are believe them; the first time.”
We constantly go through life thinking that people are going to change and get better in our eyes, when the truth is they never will change. If you are truly bothered and hurt by someone you will have to change in order to maintain that relationship or you will have to end the relationship. It’s as plain and simple as that. It has to end or you have to change because truer words have never been spoken than those spoken by the great Maya Angelou, “When someone shows you who they are believe them; the first time.”
Maya Angelou, born Marguerite Ann Johnson April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, was an American poet, memoirist, actress and an important figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. In 2001 she was named one of the 30 most powerful women in America by Ladies Home Journal. Maya Angelou is known for her series of six autobiographies, starting with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, (1969) which was nominated for a National Book Award and called her magnum opus. Her volume of poetry, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Die (1971) was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.
MORE THAN JUST SURVIVING
BLOG Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, October 1, 2018 Blog
We all have a tendency in life to take it easy. The maximum effort for everything seems like the worst idea any sane person could ever have. If I can have this or that with this little effort, why should I do anything more? The reason you do more is because more gets you more. More money, more respect and more opportunity to get even more.
We have to do more than just survive. It's not enough to just be, we have to make an effort to be somebody who makes a difference in the human landscape known as everyday life.
It's not only about you, because others are watching you. You are a role model to someone younger or older than you whether you know it or not. The potential to influence others is always there. And so, you owe it to your admirers and more importantly yourself to always be at your level best, projecting your willingness to do more than just survive.
Don't cheat yourself in life by settling for mediocrity. Make sure that at the end of every day you can look in your mirror and say, "Today, I truly gave it my all."
RICH
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Ask yourself a question before you read the rest of this blog. What is your definition of rich? What do you consider to be rich?
Now continue please.
Most of us would equate the word rich to someone having a lot of money. Some equate it to taste, i.e., "I like the cake but it was really rich." In other words, it was too sweet, maybe it had too much sugar.
Sometimes the word "rich" is used to separate classes of people. The people with the large amounts of money are considered to be rich and better than those with less. A rich person in a higher tax bracket is awarded write off's and certain deductions that allow them to pay less taxes even though they have more money.
When it comes to growing a beautiful garden, a gardener would be very interested in obtaining "rich soil." And those of us who are really into expensive clothes or jewelry are said to have "rich taste."
The word rich is often part of fairytales, fictional books and our wildest dreams when we sleep at night. For some gentlemen the word Rich is just short for their full name that is Richard.
We can cite several definitions but the bottom line is this, no matter what definition you choose, you are not only rich but you are wealthy if you truly love yourself AND if other people in your life that you love, love you back. That is what I consider to be RICH.
Rodney Saulsberry is one of the premier voice-over talents and voiceover coaches in the country. He is also the author of three best selling voiceover books and a two time NAACP Image Award nominee for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series for his role on The Bold and the Beautiful.
Every Day Should Be a Holiday
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
You know, I am truly a major fan of holidays. Every one of them without exception are someone's favorite. But wouldn't it be a wonderful world if we treated every day as a holiday?
Think about it. Every day we wake up in appreciation of doing so, we should consider it a holiday. And if you are lucky enough to be in good physical condition and you have friends and family that love you, that my friend should be considered a holiday. You see, the fact of the matter is, there are people suffering all over the world who are not as fortunate as we are to celebrate holidays.
They don't have money or food or a place to sleep. They don't see any way out. Their future is bleak in their eyes and they live in a constant state of despair. Now ask yourself this, can you truly have a holiday on any day if there are other people who never experience happiness or any modicum of a happy day let alone a holiday? Enough already with these special holidays. Let's bring peace, equality and tranquility to all mankind and then every day will be worthy of a celebration. Every day will be a holiday!
Learn to Get Better from the Worst
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, July 2, 2018
While we all love compliments and votes of confidence we tend to remember the insults and words of discouragement. Someone says something bad about us at a party or at work in front of other employees and it's much more everlasting in your mind than the many kind words and kind gestures you received from the top of your day to the time that you lay your head on your pillow at night. And then you toss and turn and maybe even get up and walk in circles mulling over the words that literally rocked your world. You just can't shake it. How could he say that to me? Was she serious? You ask yourself these questions over and over again. If you're lucky, you can finally fall asleep and wake up the next morning to a beautiful day filled with the brightness of sunshine. But the reality is, depending on how bad you were hurt by those words the sting and the sleepless night's routine can go on for days and perhaps even weeks.
Hey, don't kick yourself for being so easily hurt by another person's rudeness, because you are not alone. You would be surprised by the statistics that show the percentage of people who are really just as thin skinned as you are.
The bottom line is it's okay. Let the pain and hurt leave you when it leaves you, it's really okay. We learn from these traumatizing incidents and it makes us stronger in the end.
Have you ever noticed that when you think that your world is coming to an end because of your current problem and then another crisis hits you that totally obliterates the prior crisis and when the new problem is over you can only chuckle about the severity you considered the first one to be? And when you really think about it neither crisis was truly worth the importance you gave either one of them. But again, it's okay that you did because that's what we as human beings do. We come through the worst of times and we are better for it. At the end of the day we all learn to get better from the worst.
Relevant
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Friday, June 1, 2018
To be effective when you are teaching or advising others you need to be relevant. Up to date and aware of the latest trends and fashions is being relevant. Social awareness is important too. To appeal to the desires of a paying public you need to be relevant. To be successful in most professional settings, relevancy is most certainly the key to selling your products, philosophy and way of life.
You can't ignore the task at hand. You have to keep your eye on the ball. You can't be distracted by outside forces that have absolutely nothing to do with what you are trying to do at the moment. The only thing that you should be dealing with is what is relevant to what you are trying to accomplish.
You need the right tools to accomplish your goals. You can't use a screwdriver to hammer a nail and you can't use a hammer to drive in a screw. Well, maybe with a heavy hammer and a mighty blow you could knock that screw right through the wood, but what would be the relevance of that act? Your finished product would be wrong in its appearance and probably irrelevant at best.
Effort is the key to success and success is best achieved when we stay relevant to what is essentially our final goal. Never underestimate the importance of being relevant.
Rodney Saulsberry is one of the premier voice-over talents and voiceover coaches in the country. He is also the author of three best selling voiceover books and a two time NAACP Image Award nominee for
Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series for his role on The Bold and the Beautiful.
Who's Got Your Back?
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
There is nothing wrong with being independent, self-sufficient and maybe even a loner. But at the end of the day, we all need someone or perhaps a small number of people who genuinely have our best interest in mind and at heart.
These friends or relatives have to be more than just "observers." What do observers do? They walk with you and talk with you but they don't advise you or protect you. They console you when you are upset but they do nothing to prevent you from getting upset. When you fly off the handle with a stranger or lose your temper and say things to someone out of ignorance or anger, instead of stepping up and helping you chill at that crucial moment, they just observe and discuss your incident with you ad nauseam later on after the fact.
I know what you're probably thinking right now as you read this blog, "Why not just stop getting into difficult situations?" And, "Why not just have better self-control?" Well the answer to those questions is this; none of us can guarantee that we won't run into some difficult times, situations, tough decisions or compromising events. But the one thing that you can do is this; make sure that if you do have a problem facing you in the future, that you have someone or several others in your life whom, if they are with you at the time, will do more than just observe. You need someone who will most definitely, HAVE YOUR BACK!
Your Good Life Exam
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, April 2, 2018
We all spend entirely too much time paying attention to our faults. First, we define them declare them and then we make them the center of our being. We torture ourselves over and over again diminishing our self-confidence and stunting our potential growth because we're stagnated and stuck in a sinking quicksand that literally stops our progress. We generally tend to believe that our living conditions are no good and we are not living a good life. It's time to change. It's time to learn to appreciate what you have and not be so concerned about what you don't have.
Starting right now let's accentuate the positive. Let's define and declare all of our positive attributes. All that is good about us. All that is going well in our lives. To make this happen, you are going to take a test I created called "Your Good Life Exam." At the end of this exam, if you answer the questions honestly you will find that you have more good things about you and more positive things happening in your life than bad things. You just may find that in actuality you are a good person and you live a good life.
Let's get started.
Are you fairly healthy?
Can you see fairly well?
Can you hear fairly well?
Do you have at least one friend?
Do you smile when you are happy?
When people say hello to you do you respond in kind?
If you responded yes to eighty percent of these questions, you passed it.
Now go out there and enjoy your good life!
Let Us Have Grace in Social Media
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Social media is a phenomenon. Yes, it's been around for a while now, but it has never been more popular. It can be a good thing if it is used correctly in a positive way, but it can be a bad thing if it is used to hurt others like we have witnessed recently on Facebook and on Twitter.
If each of us would choose to use the platform to promote positivity and dedicate our usage to advancing a better place for all of us to live, it would be better. But when we bully and antagonize others, we fail to use this social media outlet in a way that will advance peace and tranquility in our homes, schools and the places we work.
We are all blessed to have access to this technology. Now we have to become more mature in our usage of it. For those of us who are older, let us start from this day forward to show our youth the right way to use social media. Let us be the role models that we are supposed to be, as we emulate the elders we learned from when we were growing up. Ask yourself this, would your grandmother get into a spat with a person publicly on social media? I think not. And we shouldn't either.
Let us all have grace in social media.
THE CHOICES WE MAKE
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Okay, start by visualizing the voice over career you really want. What does it look like, what does it feel like. Write it down. Describe it in detail so it becomes alive and real for you.
Your choices should not be based purely on emotions. The wiser approach is to consider what you are really good at. Are you stronger in animation or narration, commercial or audio books, promos or trailers? The best choices are made when we recognize and understand our emotions and skills are two different things. We have to separate the two and make wise choices.
Our choices decide our future. Many of them such as not dressing warmly in the winter cold will alter our physical and vocal health. Spending large sums of money on equipment and software that we don't really need will jeopardize our economic health, and being rude and discourteous to our clients and co-workers will produce a bad reputation. Bad choices will affect our emotional health too. The fact is, a single bad choice can mushroom into a long series of bad choices if we don't take the time to really make sure that we are making the right choices.
We are making choices every minute of every day. Most of these choices are made without even thinking about them. They are automatic responses to the circumstances around us, and that is the problem. When we act on impulse and make quick decisions about business matters that warrant deep thought and time, we miss the opportunity to make a profound positive impact on our careers.
Making wise choices is not something that just happens, it requires a big effort on our part. It doesn't hurt to have a joint effort in your decision making process. We all need help from time to time and that is where a good vocal coach or mentor is recommended.
6 TIPS TO START YOUR VO NEW YEAR
Blog Posted by Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, January 1, 2018
1. Clear Your Desk Completely
Be sure to start the year with a clear workspace. Please don't feel like you have to get rid of it all in one day. Remove things little by little, but do get it done as soon as possible.
2. Amend New Year's Resolutions
Take another look at your New Year's Resolutions and revise them if you have to. By the time March 1st comes around, you may change your mind about what your resolutions really are.
3. Set Up a Physical and Voice Workout Schedule
There is nothing more important to your voiceover career than your physical and vocal health. This year you should set up a schedule for both. Plan to take a brisk walk or jog three to five days a week. Workout in the morning if you have the time, but any time is fine as long as you just do it. Also, vocally warm up every day. Give yourself at least fifteen minutes of a vigorous vocal workout that includes tongue twisters, singing scales and reading a piece of copy from any genre. You will be surprised by the endurance that you will develop from the physical workouts and the efficiency you will develop in reading copy too.
4. Refresh Your Database
Open up your database and take a look at your contacts. If there are numbers in your group that are no longer viable, get rid of them. Whenever you sit down to make phone calls, the last thing you need is a session of dialing numbers that don't reach the intended parties, or will never have the potential to produce positive results for you. After you dump the losers, start looking for new numbers to add to your database. Updates are the key to a profitable contacts database.
5. Update Your Demos
How old is your latest demo? Do you think it's working for you? If you have any doubts and you think you need an update, the beginning of the year is the time to get it done.
6. Enhance Your Image and Your Brand
Do you have a brand? Are you concerned about your image? You need to establish a personal brand and image that is unique to you. The competition for voiceover work is fierce so it's important to spend time investing in researching, defining, and building your brand and persona. After all, if you don't promote yourself, no one will be able to find you. Good branding will:
- o Deliver what you have to offer clearly
- o Confirm your credibility
- o Motivate buyers to use you
Next Year Could Be Your Best Year Ever If You . . .
Friday, December 1, 2017
1 . . . Get Unstuck
We all know how to go after what we want but what if we don't know what we want? Not knowing leaves us in a "stuck position." We can't move towards our goal because we don't have one. However, we do know what we don't want so let's move away from that. Now, even though we don't know what we want, we are not stuck anymore, we are in motion, we are moving.
2 . . . Stop Blaming
It's time to stop playing the blame game. At the end of the day the only one responsible for how something affects you is you. You are the CEO, Chief Executive Officer of your life, who ultimately has to take the credit or the blame for your well-being. Yes, there are exceptions, but for the most part you are in control of your own destiny.
3 . . . Stop Trying to be Perfect
Studies have shown that people who strive to be the best that they can be have much less stress than those who constantly try to be perfect. It's time for you to stop trying be perfect and began working on being yourself. Work on being comfortable in your own skin and rejoice in the simplicity of life for the entire new year!
In advance, I want to personally wish all the readers of this blog a Very Happy and Prosperous 2018. Happy New Year!
HOW TO KEEP WORKING AND IGNORE THE NOISE
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
We are currently facing one of the most politicized times in American History. Every day we are faced with the choice of listening to the constant political rhetoric on television, radio and the Internet or ignoring it all. It makes us ask the question, how do we escape the madness of the body politic and get back to concentrating on our work?
The fact of the matter is, you can't. If you don't watch and listen to the news or what people discuss in the morning at your neighborhood Starbucks, you're not going to be informed. That's not good because you may miss something that is really important to know for you and possibly your family.
Allow me to offer this suggestion. Cut the outside off several times during the day and night. During these allotted times, study, practice and perfect your craft. That is the only way that you are going to be successful.
You don't have to drop out of the mainstream entirely, you just have to designate the times that you are going to indulge and not indulge with the outside world.
When you establish this workable schedule, you will find that you are still in the know and yet more adept and successful at your craft. Doing your job and being well versed in the news of the day is a complicated marriage, but they can be joined together if you really take the time to work it out.
Rodney Saulsberry is the voice of choice for behind-the scenes narration. This Detroit native and University of Michigan Graduate, is one of the premier voice-over talents in the country.
MASTER THE ART OF SIMPLICITY
Monday, October 2, 2017
I must admit right off the bat that I didn't come into this wisdom without years of making everything in my life complicated. I don't mean complicated in a negative way, I just made a big deal out of everything and I made the path from A to Z difficult. I zigged and zagged when all I had to do was go straight. I read a bunch of crazy instructions, watched laborious videos when all I had to do was ask somebody. I bought and consumed items that I didn't need. Splurged on consumption and let the materialistic direct and guide me to nowhere really. Nowhere that was as good as when I simply ignored the fluff and really got into the gruff of what I was trying to achieve.
When I started really concentrating on what I was after and not dealing with the peripheral, I found myself doing less but actually getting more.
We have to learn how to purge ourselves of the belief that all the bells and whistles are better than just one bell and one whistle. Making something hard to comprehend doesn't make it more right. There is a simple way to do most things and if you embrace simplicity you will save yourself a lot of pain, heartache and stress.
So, from here on, whatever your endeavor, look for the simplest way to accomplish it and you will discover that by keeping it simple and doing less, you actually get more. More time to do other things. More time to spend with your friends and family. And more time to search for new endeavors to simplify.
Rodney Saulsberry is the voice of choice for behind-the scenes narration. This Detroit native and University of Michigan Graduate, is one of the premier voice-over talents in the country. Rodney is the host of the new popular podcast, "Success Talks With Rodney Saulsberry."
THE REAL MEANING OF LET IT GO
Friday, September 1, 2017
Are you frustrated, upset or all stressed out. Has this been going on for a considerable long length of time? Is it starting to make you feel sick or depressed? If any of these things apply to you, it's time for you to let it go. When I first heard the song "Let It Go" from the animated feature Frozen, I just really loved the song, the melody and the way Idina Mendel performed it. Little did I know that one day, I would come to really want to know the lyrics to that song, because I was searching for a way to "let it go."
The ability to move on from unpleasant situations and let them roll off you like the water runs off of a duck's back is the most precious characteristic that you could ever possess.
Think about it. Who would you say was the most laid-back and content Beatle? Rings Starr right? Didn't he look like the guy who just took life in stride? If he had a problem, he got over it quickly, right? How about Tito Jackson from the Jackson Five, Mary Wells from the Supremes or Ed McMahon from the Tonight Show, no drama right? I'll bet that you have a friend or relative who gets over most inconvenient things quickly, because they have mastered the art of letting go. They also tend to outlive everyone too because they go through life with less stress. And we all know that stress kills.
It is a must that we all learn to "let it go" sooner than later. Let's live by the following lyrics from "Frozen" and live a life of minimal heartache and minimal stress when we learn to let it go.
Let it go, let it go.
I am one with the wind and sky.
Let it go, let it go.
You'll never see me cry.
Here I'll stand, and here I'll stay.
Let the storm rage on.
My power flurries through the air into the ground.
My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all around
And one thought crystallizes like an icy blast
I'm never going back; the past is in the past!
-Writers: Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez
DON'T LET ANYONE DISTRACT YOU
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
There is nothing more rewarding than having a goal and reaching it. When you reach it, you feel satisfied, justified and complete. You feel like a burden has been lifted from your shoulders. The burden of finally attaining something you coveted so much. Now you can enjoy the victory and lavish in the warmth of completion.
Along the way, you faced many obstacles with none being more annoying than your so-called friends. These were people who claimed on the outside to be interested in helping you pursue your goal, but were in fact wishing against you inside. The words they spoke to you were on the surface positive, but you always heard the innuendo that permeated beneath each word. Their outer shell never successfully hid their inner jealousy of your audacity to seek a goal and fervently pursue it.
So-called friends weren't the only detractors to your pursuit, you were also fighting your own insecure demons. Self-doubt was just as formidable as those people who doubted you.
Disrobe yourself of other people's doubt and your own doubt. Walk in the light of a positive consciousness that forbids negativity. Always see the glass as half full and not half empty.
When you live your life in this positive way, you will find yourself achieving more goals than you actually have at any given time. In other words, your successes will eventually even out number your new desires. You literally will not be able to keep up with your success.
That's the kind of life you can live when you DON'T LET ANYONE DISTRACT YOU!
How You Do Anything Is How You Do Everything
Posted Monday, July 3, 2017
It's unfortunate, but we live in a world today that is based solely on instant gratification. We want the immediate intent and stimulation of any and everything we consume without any work on our part. In other words, we don't want to do the work. We don't want to put the time and dedication into what we give out or receive.
The result of not being willing to give or receive information in a solid and professional way, is a sea of mediocrity that will eventually make us all incapable of giving or receiving any quality content. In fact, the definition of quality is changing faster than a streetlight at a busy intersection. When will it stop?
When will we get back to putting in the hard work to be better, live better and love others and ourselves better? There needs to be a realization in your own mind that the way you work on the seemingly most trivial matters, determines how you might work on the most crucial matters.
Doing things the right way is much more productive than doing them the wrong way. Bad habits are habitual and hard to reverse if we don't start trying to fix this global trend very soon.
If we continue to proceed in a non-caring and frivolous way on "some things" pretty soon we will approach "all things" that way. We will fall right into the idiom of that old saying, "How you do anything is how you do everything."
ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Let's take a moment to talk about lists. For instance:
What is on your impossible list?
In others words what do you desire but you deem it impossible to acquire? Did you know that there is a reality greater than your reality? You have the ability to be greater you're your so-called impossibility. There is a segment of the universe that is your very own corner in the sky. It's more than a religious on ideology, although those things are very valid, this corner of the sky is spiritual and it requires your belief that there is no such thing as MISSION IMPOSSIBLE.
Yes, that was a great television series but in real life you have a reality that is greater than your perceived reality. Greater than your expectations. You just have to learn how to get in-touch with that reality that say's "I will thrive in my business."
Now the next question is, what is on your possible list?
I want you to know that this list is going to increase immediately because I am going to suggest that you take everything off of your impossible list and transfer it to your possible list. And now your task is greater in terms of volume, but so much easier because you are not going with the status quo anymore, you have graduated to believing in yourself and believing that all things are possible if you put in the hard work and believe that SUCCESS is MISSION POSSIBLE!
Multiple Streams Of Income
Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, May 1, 2017
We are living in an age where things are not as stable as they use to be. Machines have taken over for humans in the workplace and technology has created a digital divide that has made some of the most inventive minds obsolete. Your competition is no longer your peer but anyone who has a Smartphone, laptop, iPad or desktop computer.
With increased competition and the constant rise in the cost of living, we need to come up with different ways to create a Multiple Income Stream Model. It doesn't matter whether it is a second third or fourth stream, a stream is indeed necessary.
Our system provides pensions from some employers and matching retiring entities like 401k's and Sep IRA's. Social Security is great but this staple in American culture and history is threatened by our national debt and the devaluation of the dollar.
The wake up call is a blaring siren that can be heard everyday when major corporations fire their workers in numbers never before seen in the modern era.
You can stay above the curve by calling on all your potential moneymaking talents. Just take an hour everyday to consider what you can do outside of your regular job. Once you figure out your second possible stream of income put together a plan to get it started.
When provide yourself with several legitimate and legal ways to make money, you can predict your future by creating it.
You Have to Know When to Stop
Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, April 3, 2017
First Posted On March 18, 2013
Most of our auditions these days are recorded in our homes. And what do we do? We beat ourselves up doing take after take after take.
You have to know when to stop. Just because you send out only 2 to 3 takes to your agent or online audition website, don't think I don't know what really goes on in your home studio. You are continuously recording takes because you are never quite satisfied. I feel your pain, I know your pain, but you have to know when to stop.
Did you know that your first takes are often your best takes? First of all, you are at your strongest vocally at the beginning of the recording process. The first takes are not overly rehearsed. They are not perfect. There is something authentic about the imperfect performances that turn out to be the best performances.
There will always be in our minds, better takes in the middle and at the end of a recorded audition at home. We feel that way because we figure they have to be better, because we were more familiar with the copy. However, you should always consider including one of those first takes in your submission of only 2 to 3 takes on an MP3. Why? Because there is something spontaneous and magical about those first takes that shouldn't stay locked up in a home studio.
Save time and your voice by trusting that you got it right the first few times. Don't burn yourself out. You have to know when to stop.
BE PREPARED TO LAST THE WHOLE SEASON
Blog Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Every year the pattern is the same. You start out full of energy and you fall off drastically by the end of October. You start eating, gaining weight and getting out of shape right around Thanksgiving and by the end of the year you are completely exhausted and thinking about New Years resolutions.
If you want to change your career trajectory to a resounding upswing, you have to change this underwhelming pattern. It's time to do the things that will give you energy both mentally and physically so that you don't fade during the year end home stretch.
Let's start with the mental preparation
Start reading more. Whatever your profession is, doing more research and becoming more knowledgeable about what you normally take for granted.
Incorporate meditation into your daily regimen. Meditation is a proven energizer because it is a form of physical and mental rest. Rest during the early part of the year makes you less tired at the end.
Start using affirmative declarations. Practice aloud saying positive things about yourself. Write these positive statements and attributes about yourself over and over again. When you feel good about yourself you tend to feel that way for the entire year.
Now let's talk about the physical preparation
There is the common sense move of pushing away from the table but everyone knows that is next to impossible. So, the best thing to do is to eat things that contain less calories. Cut down on the carbs and the sweets.
Be sure to work out at least three times a week for at least 30 minutes per day. These two things should give you the body you desire along with a physical and mental contentment that will give you the energy you need, to last the whole season.
Good luck!
MORE THAN SURVIVING
BLOG Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Wednesday, February 1, 2017 Blog
We all have a tendency in life to take it easy. The maximum effort for everything seems like the worst idea any sane person would ever have. If I can have this or that with this little effort why should I do any thing more? The reason you do more is because more gets you more. More money, more respect and more opportunity to get even more.
We have to do more than just survive. It's not enough to just be, we have to make an effort to be somebody who makes a difference in the human landscape known as everyday life.
It's not only about you, because others are watching you. You are a role model to someone younger or older than you whether you know it or not. The potential to influence others is always there. And so, you owe it to your admirers and more importantly yourself to always be at your level best, projecting your willingness to do more than just survive.
Don't cheat yourself in life by settling for mediocrity. Make sure that at the end of everyday you can look in your mirror and say, "Today, I truly gave it my all."
Home Studio Set-Ups For VO Beginners
BLOG Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Tuesday, January 3, 2017 Blog
Hello Friends,
Happy New Year!
It's the first week of the New Year and I know everyone is digging in and trying to get your feet on the ground to pursue another prosperous year.
I would like to address in my first Newsletter of 2017, purchasing studio equipment for the beginning voiceover artist.
I believe that you should start out modestly in your number of items and in the cost of your equipment. At this point, you don't know if this is the start of a new career or just a passing fancy, so you should start out modestly.
Your Computer
Whatever you already have is fine. If you are PC or Mac based, different software will be needed for each, while some software will work on both.
I prefer a Mac computer but they are a lot more expensive than PCs so you should start with a PC if you don't want to spend Mac money.
Your First Microphone
I would suggest starting with a good USB microphone that will fit directly into your computer. You can find whatever you want on the Internet on Amazon or wherever microphones are sold. I also highly recommend the nearest Guitar Center in your neighborhood for in person one on one consultation when purchasing your microphone or any other studio equipment.
Headphones
A really good pair of headphones could run you about $300, but you can get by with something less. I like the Sony MDR-7506 Headphones for $79.99.
Recording Software
Get something that is compatible with your computer. I like Twisted Wave for Mac users but there are many others out there that are great too.
Voice Over Coaching
I highly recommend my Consultant's Club because it gives you the opportunity to work with me on a monthly basis. Many of my students are very successful from my tutelage and I am constantly seeking more people to help. In my opinion, voiceover coaching should definitely be a part of your home studio budget.
Marketing Software
Every voiceover artist from beginners to seasoned professionals needs to market themselves and one of the best ways to market is through email. You can set up great campaigns with a company I use called Constant Contact. I have also noticed that a lot of people use MailChimp. Both of these companies make it easy to customize emails to suit a particular marketing campaign. Other features include analytics, the option to A/B test and geo-target as well as spam filter diagnostics.
Build Your Own Website
Every studio old and new needs access to a personal website that features your brand. Your brand is "You." Now with the help of Weebly, Wix, SiteBuilder, eHost and many others, you can build your site for free. You may have to pay on some sites to upgrade.
Rodney Saulsberry is the voice of choice for behind-the scenes narration. This Detroit native and University of Michigan Graduate, is one of the premier voice-over talents in the country. He is also a published author with four books that include,
You Can Bank on Your Voice,
Step Up to the Mic,
Rodney Saulsberry's Tongue Twisters and Vocal Warm-Ups,
Graylin Brown
EFFORT- FOCUS & TOUGHNESS
BLOG Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Thursday, December 1, 2016 Blog
Hello Friends,
This month, let's concentrate on Effort, Focus and Toughness. It's easy to think about and talk about what we are going to do to be successful in our voice over careers, but we have to really put forth an effort to make it happen.
Here are some things you can do this month:
Update your demo
Incorporate any new spots that you may have acquired since your last update. Shorten the demo if it is over a minute and twenty seconds. Shorter is better and preferred in the business today.
Upgrade your home studio
Are you working with free software like Audacity? Remember, there are limitations to free software. Audacity is great but it may be time for a reasonably priced and very good full version of Twisted Wave.
Increase your contacts database
Search for new clients on the Internet. You could be the next web imaging voice for their websites. No, it won't be easy, but this week we're concentrating on EFFORT, FOCUS and TOUGHNESS. Pick up the phone or send an email to clients that you have worked for in the past. Just simply say, hello. You never know, they just might suddenly need you again just because you sent an email or called.
Work on your LinkedIn profile and contact database
Facebook is huge and loved by the masses for its social networking capabilities and hooking up with old friends, but the road to work is paved through LinkedIn. If you are not a member you should strongly consider joining Linkedin.
Networking is very important
This month; you should call friends in the business and discuss trends and strategies to be more successful. Look for voice over mixers in your area.
Focus on one genre this month
I know we all think we can do every voice over genre, but this month I want you to concentrate and focus on the one you truly do best. If it's commercial let's practice reading commercial copy. If it's promo, let's read promo copy. If it's narration, read it over and over again this month. Remember, good practice makes perfect delivery. The more we practice the more we are prepared for auditions and jobs in these areas.
"One important key to success is self confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation." Tennis great -Arthur Ashe
Stay tough
When it comes to auditioning, we all know there is more rejection in this business than success. We audition much more than we work. You have to be tough to endure. You have to believe in yourself. You have to have a positive attitude in the face of adversity. If you don't exude confidence and believe in yourself, how can you expect someone else to believe in you? This positive attitude will make your booking ratio go to the positive side. You will definitely start to work more.
So, there you have it. This month you should commit to EFT. EFFORT, FOCUS and TOUGHNESS!
UNITY
BLOG Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
There is an old saying that is definitely one of my favorites, “Together we stand divided we fall.” I think that saying applies to many things but I choose to let it apply to my voiceover career. When I put all of my talents together, I am much stronger than when I separate my strengths. One body makes me strong, while disunity actually dilutes my message, my power and my overall strength. It hurts my efforts when I don’t use all of my tools together.
Foundation
When you put your strengths together you are forming a concrete foundation that supports your talent base and overall structure. This foundation makes you feel more secure. Through the years, if you continue to practice and use the principals of unity, you will create a “unified career” which leads to a positive and more powerful career.
Your Forte
What is your forte? Do you feel that you are stronger in some areas and weaker in others? Why not unify your forte with your weaker areas? When you unify the whole with the half’s it forms a formidable body that gives you the ability to exceed far beyond your wildest dreams. It’s just another example of unity being far more success oriented than a divided approach to pursuing your voiceover or any other profession career dreams.
CRAFTING A SMART CAREER STRATEGY
BLOG Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, October 3, 2016
There is nothing more satisfying than coming up with a great plan and then carrying it out to perfection.
DEFINE YOUR GOALS
Search your heart for what you are passionate about and choose goals that you are passionate about. Many people fail to achieve their goals simply because they set goals according to what other people want or what they believe they should want, rather than what they really want. Without passion, you will find yourself unable to get the best effort out of yourself.
PUT YOUR PLAN IN MOTION
Talk is cheap, you have to take action and actually do the things you talk about. Follow these steps below:
MAKE CALLS
Put together a comprehensive list of important contacts that can help you achieve your immediate and future career goals. Schedule a series of times that you will sit down and place calls to the contacts on this important list.
HIT THE ROAD
Don't limit your career strategy to the telephone and things that you can do from the comfort of your home. Be willing and able to hit the road. Schedule meetings with perspective contacts in your town, around the country and even abroad if that is what it takes to advance your career path agenda.
FOLLOW UP
We often get a lot of things started and then we don't follow through. Make sure that you complete every big and small task that you start. Completion of every project that you start opens up the opportunity to start another project that will put you closer to accomplishing future success.
GO OUTSIDE OF THE BOX
There are several methods of achieving success that are tried and true. These methods have been around for years and you would be wise to use them in your smart career path strategy efforts. However, time has also proven that those who were willing to step outside of the norm, have been quite successful too. Sometimes the so-called "unorthodox methods" are the very methods that can get you over the hump and put you on the road to spiritual and financial success! Don't be afraid to think outside of the box.
PROCEED WITH CONFIDENCE
Before you make one call or travel to one contact, you need to be confident about the process. You have to believe in yourself and what you are trying to pursue. With extreme confidence you will increase your chances of being successful not only by way of your own efforts but also by the people who will gravitate to you and want to help you based on your perceived confidence.
CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS
Along the way you should reward yourself and those who help you succeed every time one of your goals are met. Always take the time to stop nod smell the roses. Celebrating along the way rejuvenates you and gives you energy for the next level. It also lets you and your cohorts know, that at each level of success, progress is properly rewarded.
THE REASON WE GO ON
BLOG Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Thursday, September 1, 2016
There are several days in a voice over performers life when self doubt creeps in and we wonder if we are doing the right thing trying to make a living doing voiceovers. Often we question our decision to pursue this business in the first place.
Some Of The Reasons We Go On
- Work in the comfort of your home
- Save money on gas
- It's the perfect home business
New Friendships
The people you meet in the voice over community.
The friendships you form in workshops and industry events around the country.
Greater Technology
The technology today has made it easy to work from the comfort of your home. With just a laptop computer, a microphone and a software that can make MP3 and WAV files and you are up and running.
Monetary Incentive
If you do union work you can make thousands of dollars in residuals and a pretty good living can also be achieved with several non-union campaigns. And the most important thing, money aside, you love what you do and would do it for free.
An Affinity For It
Because you love it, you want to be the best that you can be at it. That's why it is so important to practice, practice, practice.
Set Your Own Schedule
You are the CEO of your career, of your company. You audition when you want to, make yourself available for work when you want to and work when you are lucky enough to get it. What other business gives you this type of flexibility and control while potentially offering you a lucrative compensation?
You can also choose to dedicate a portion of your day to looking for new voiceover opportunities. Make sure that you have a target list when you sit down to make your calls. With a target list you will always have answers to the questions: Who am I going to call? What am I going say? When you are prepared the process can actually be fun.
Trials And Tribulations
There will be rejection and there will be victories but you should remain at an even keel.
Ultimately, to be successful it takes talent, luck and a lot of hard, hard work. When your preparation meets up with a great opportunity you will be very happy that you were prepared.
Nobody said it was going to be easy. Nothing worth fighting for is ever easy but the prize at the finish line is another reason we go on.
Enjoy The Process
Instead of seeing the glass as half empty, let's see the glass as half full. It's a great business with high reward if you stick it out.
And that is the reason we go on.
Rodney Saulsberry is the voice of choice for behind-the scenes narration. This Detroit native and University of Michigan Graduate, is one of the premier voice-over talents in the country. He is also a published author with three bestselling books that include,
You Can Bank on Your Voice,
Step Up to the Mic and his latest release,
Rodney Saulsberry's Tongue Twisters and Vocal Warm-Ups.
Second Guessing Yourself
Blog Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, August 1, 2016
Just the other day, I was thinking about just how precious each and every moment of life really is. It is so important to walk in a positive light and show love and respect to others. We all know the old saying, we are not promised tomorrow, but the fact of the matter is, we are not even promised the next minute. And so, we should try to lessen if not out right eliminate stress.
One contributor to stress is the action of second guessing ourselves. Sometimes you are faced with major decisions that you mull over for hours and days. You go to others to get their opinions. After some more contemplation and thought, you make a final decision. And then, when the positive results you were hoping for don't occur immediately, you are highly stressed and you question your decision. You second guess yourself.
This has got to stop. You have to trust yourself. You have to believe that when you made the decision you made it was after much thought and consideration which made it the right decision at that time. Also, it could be, that in time your decision will turn out to actually be the right one. Sometimes change takes time and the final positive outcome of your first decision comes about later. In the meantime don't stress and by all means don't second guess yourself.
Rodney Saulsberry is the voice of choice for behind-the scenes narration. This Detroit native and University of Michigan Graduate, is one of the premier voice-over talents in the country. He is also a published author with three bestselling books that include,
You Can Bank on Your Voice,
Step Up to the Mic and his latest release,
Rodney Saulsberry's Tongue Twisters and Vocal Warm-Ups.
FIVE VO TIPS
Blog Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Friday, July 1, 2016
This blog consists of five voice over tips that may be helpful to members of the voice over community.
VOICE TIP #1: Vocal Warm Ups Count
Go to YouTube and practice your vocal warm ups with one of my videos. Do this 3-5 times a week for 10 to 20 minutes. Go to the following web address:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GoRyRbyKKOU
VOICE TIP #2: What You Eat Counts
Choose your meals wisely before you do an audition or a job instead of following your taste buds. Don't eat dairy because it causes mucus and phlegm. You should also limit alcohol and caffeine. In general you should limit your intake of simple carbohydrates and get lots of protein and fiber in each meal.
VOICE TIP #3: No Room For Indecision
When you make an interpretation choice of the copy you are about to read, stick to it on that particular take. If you change course in the middle of the read, that is something that can be heard and thus ruins your take. Commit to an interpretation and deliver it with confidence.
VOICE TIP #4: Push Harder
Don't simply go through the motions with your voice over career, constantly challenge yourself to do more each day to advance your career. Get more work. Get more contacts that lead to more work.
VOICE TIP #5: Make Realistic Goals
Limit your goals to realistic achievable goals. Give yourself an appropriate time range to reach your goals. Remember, unreachable expectations can turn into real negatives when they can't be reached.
VOICE OVER AFFIRMATIONS
Blog Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
This blog consists of several voiceover empowerment exercises and affirmations.
What is an affirmation? An affirmation is a declaration or statement about a positive action or actions that a person wants to have occur in his or her life. It is a powerful tool for making your dreams manifest.
USEFUL EMPOWERMENT EXERCISES
People have used affirmations for hundreds of years to make their desires and dreams reality. For a long time, it has been believed that the subconscious mind cannot differentiate between actual reality and wishes or suggestions. Consequently, your mind processes affirmations of your dreams as being real. Eventually, those affirmations come true.
In order to maximize the innate power of affirmations, you should repeat the following words with feeling. You must be emotional about these desires and give boundless energy to saying these words daily, weekly, or monthly.
Let there be no physical, emotional, or mental tension while you say your affirmations. The stronger your desire and concentration, the more faith you will have in what you are seeking.
Find the level of repetition that works for you. You can add, delete, and modify these affirmations to suit your needs.
Repeat these words, and make them come true:
- I will do things today to make work for tomorrow.
- A national television commercial campaign is in my immediate future.
- My career will bring me peace, money, and inner strength forever.
- Today I will get a job I never auditioned for.
- A former employer will recommend me for a major job.
- I will always be the best that I can be in auditions.
- Today I will get a voice-over job that will pay six figures.
- Today I will get a regular role on an animation series.
Take a look at the affirmations listed below and choose the one(s) that apply to you. Repeat each line twice. Start each sentence with these three words, "I see myself . . . "
- going into public speaking
- improving my booking ratio
- rising above my limitations
- helping others achieve their goals
- going beyond my wildest dreams
- captivating audiences with my voice
- at the bank, cashing large residual checks
- happy and content with my career choices
- making my future bigger than my past
- releasing the brakes and accelerating my career
These affirmations and many more can be found in my book "Step Up to the Mic."
Your Lucky Day is Coming Soon
Blog Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Monday, May 2, 2015
Today could be your lucky day!
Perhaps you have been running a long streak of so-called bad luck. I have good news for you; the law of averages suggests that your luck will have to change if not immediately definitely in the near future. That's right, everyone is due a stretch of good luck at various times in their life.
You can enhance your chances of experiencing good luck by being prepared for success. The old saying "When preparation meets opportunity you get luck," is a true expression that speaks to the importance of learning your craft to the fullest, so that you can be ready when your ship comes in, when your good luck opportunity arrives for you.
Statistics show that to win a 20 million dollar power ball is next to impossible, but the chance of a career-changing spurt of good luck for you, is just around the corner. Your lucky day is coming and it just might be today!
ABOUT RODNEY
Rodney Saulsberry is one of the industry's most sought after voice over talents and voice over coaches. A two-time NAACP Image Award Nominee, he has given voice to many commercial campaigns that include Zatarain's, Toyota, Alpo, Twix, Colgate; and many movie trailers such as Red Tails, How Stella Got Her GrooveBack, Dumb & Dumberer, The Best Man, and Friday. As an announcer, he has worked on the NAACP Image Awards and The Essence Awards televisionspecial. And he is the author of three books: You Can Bank on Your Voice, Step Up to the Mic, and Tongue Twisters and Vocal Warm-Ups.
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.RodneySaulsberry.com
Stay in Your Lane
Blog Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Friday, April 1, 2016
We live in a society today that embraces the person who does many things. This current trend has caused many individuals to try and be all things to all people and thus has created a society where not too many are really good at any one thing. Mediocrity has become the new norm. The bar has become very low. What use to be a C average grade is the new A grade.
Have you noticed in whatever your profession, that there are a few people that are excelling well above the rest of the field? They are making the most money, getting the most raises and generally doing better than everyone else? The reason that they are more successful than the rest of the workforce is because they have honed in on that one thing that they do best and perfected it. In other words, they are staying in their lane.
Now is the time to concentrate on what you do best and work to be the very best that you can%
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THIS MONTH-- LET'S WORK ON EFFORT- FOCUS & TOUGHNESS
January 24, 2013_ Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Hello Friends,
This month, let's concentrate on Effort, Focus and Toughness. It's easy to think about and talk about what we are going to do to be successful in our voice over careers, but we have to really put forth an effort to make it happen.
Here are some things you can do this month:
Update your demo
Incorporate any new spots that you may have acquired since your last update. Shorten the demo if it is over a minute and twenty seconds. Shorter is better and preferred in the business today.
Upgrade your home studio
Are you working with free software like Audacity? Remember, there are limitations to free software. Audacity is great but it may be time for a reasonably priced and very good full version of TwistedWave.
Increase your contacts database
Search for new clients on the Internet. You could be the next web imaging voice for their websites. No, it won't be easy, but this week we're concentrating on EFFORT, FOCUS and TOUGHNESS. Pick up the phone or send an email to clients that you have worked for in the past. Just simply say, hello. You never know, they just might suddenly need you again just because you sent an email or called.
Work on your LinkedIn profile and contact database
Facebook is huge and loved by the masses for its social networking capabilities and hooking up with old friends, but the road to work is paved through LinkedIn. If you are not a member you should strongly consider joining. LinkedIn
Networking is very important
This month, you should call friends in the business and discuss trends and strategies to be more successful. Look for voice over mixers in your area.
Focus on one genre this month
I know we all think we can do every voice over genre, but this month I want you to concentrate and focus on the one you truly do best. If it's commercial let's practice reading commercial copy. If it's promo, let's read promo copy. If it's narration, read it over and over again this month. Remember, good practice makes perfect delivery. The more we practice the more we are prepared for auditions and jobs in these areas.
"One important key to success is self confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation." Tennis great -Arthur Ashe
Stay tough
When it comes to auditioning, we all know there is more rejection in this business than success. We audition much more than we work. You have to be tough to endure. You have to believe in yourself. You have to have a positive attitude in the face of adversity. If you don't exude confidence and believe in yourself, how can you expect someone else to believe in you? This positive attitude will make your booking ratio go to the positive side. You will definitely start to work more.
So, there you have it. This month you should commit to EFT. EFFORT, FOCUS and TOUGHNESS!
THIS MONTH-- LET'S WORK ON EFFORT- FOCUS & TOUGHNESS
January 24, 2013_ Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Hello Friends,
This month, let's concentrate on Effort, Focus and Toughness. It's easy to think about and talk about what we are going to do to be successful in our voice over careers, but we have to really put forth an effort to make it happen.
Here are some things you can do this month:
Update your demo
Incorporate any new spots that you may have acquired since your last update. Shorten the demo if it is over a minute and twenty seconds. Shorter is better and preferred in the business today.
Upgrade your home studio
Are you working with free software like Audacity? Remember, there are limitations to free software. Audacity is great but it may be time for a reasonably priced and very good full version of TwistedWave.
Increase your contacts database
Search for new clients on the Internet. You could be the next web imaging voice for their websites. No, it won't be easy, but this week we're concentrating on EFFORT, FOCUS and TOUGHNESS. Pick up the phone or send an email to clients that you have worked for in the past. Just simply say, hello. You never know, they just might suddenly need you again just because you sent an email or called.
Work on your LinkedIn profile and contact database
Facebook is huge and loved by the masses for its social networking capabilities and hooking up with old friends, but the road to work is paved through LinkedIn. If you are not a member you should strongly consider joining. LinkedIn
Networking is very important
This month, you should call friends in the business and discuss trends and strategies to be more successful. Look for voice over mixers in your area.
Focus on one genre this month
I know we all think we can do every voice over genre, but this month I want you to concentrate and focus on the one you truly do best. If it's commercial let's practice reading commercial copy. If it's promo, let's read promo copy. If it's narration, read it over and over again this month. Remember, good practice makes perfect delivery. The more we practice the more we are prepared for auditions and jobs in these areas.
"One important key to success is self confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation." Tennis great -Arthur Ashe
Stay tough
When it comes to auditioning, we all know there is more rejection in this business than success. We audition much more than we work. You have to be tough to endure. You have to believe in yourself. You have to have a positive attitude in the face of adversity. If you don't exude confidence and believe in yourself, how can you expect someone else to believe in you? This positive attitude will make your booking ratio go to the positive side. You will definitely start to work more.
So, there you have it. This month you should commit to EFT. EFFORT, FOCUS and TOUGHNESS!
How To Take 'Announcery' Read
Out Of Voice Over Promo Copy
Posted By Rodney Saulsberry
Tuesday, October 23, 2012 - 10:40 pm
Voice Talent & Voice Over Trainer
One of the most annoying things about reading promo voice over copy these days is this current trend of not sounding like an announcer when the copy is obviously written for an announcer.
It seems like every VO direction I read lately has words like "not too announcery" and "non-announcerish."
If you check your dictionary, those two words don't exist. Producers and writers of commercial copy created this form of directional slang.
WHAT TO DO?
Here are some tips on how to take the announcer read out of your promo copy.
- Don't articulate so much
- More legato and less staccato
- End each line going down or level
- Make it more conversational
- Don't shout
- Less melody or variation throughout the line
- Don't over sell
SAMPLE SCRIPT EXAMPLE
Let your voice follow the arrows at the end of each sentence.
First is the traditional announcer read. Notice how the lines end up or straight.
VO:
The seating on this plane is the most comfortable seating on a plane today. ↑
The cost to fly on this airline is the most economical in the industry. →
Join us and sit in the lap of air travel luxury. ↑
With more savings. →
More space. ↑
Free movies. ↑
And more friendly service. →
The choice is simple, pay less and fly with the best. ↑
Now, take the announcer read out. Notice how the lines end down or straight.
VO:
The seating on this plane is the most comfortable seating on a plane today. ↓
The cost to fly on this airline is the most economical in the industry. →
Join us and sit in the lap of air travel luxury. ↓
With more savings. →
More space. →
Free movies. →
And more friendly service. ↓
The choice is simple, pay less and fly with the best. ↓
CHANGE THE RHYTHM
A rhythm change is another way to take the announcer read out of promo copy.
Sometimes, the traditional announcer rhythm is fast, choppy and succinct with a marching tempo.
When you change the rhythm to a flowing trot-like gliding tempo, you bring a natural pace to the read that makes it more soothing and less frantic.
If I were to use playing drums as an analogy, I would say, use your brushes instead of your sticks. Think smooth jazz instead of up-tempo rock and roll.
But please don't totally abandon your ability to read announcer copy like a traditional announcer. A trend is just that a trend - and they are forever changing.
ABOUT RODNEY ...
Rodney Saulsberry is one of the most sought-after promo announcers in the U.S., voicing promos for PBS FOX, CBS, ABC, CNN and the BBC. He's promoted hit network shows like Dancing with the Stars, The Country Music Awards, The Grammys and several Tyler Perry theatrical and DVD releases. Also a top voice over coach, his next Commercial Intensive Voice-Over Workshop will be in Los Angeles on March 23, 2013. Workshop attendance is limited to 12 students so if you want to be one of the first to be given an opportunity to enroll click here: MARCH WORKSHOP IN LOS ANGELES
