Uncover the “A, B C’s” in every script:
A = Audience: Who are you talking
to? It will always be only one person.
Define that individual and give him or
her a name. Doing this will make your
delivery more conversational and
believable.
B = Backstory: The backstory is
the specific event that took place
immediately before the first word of
copy. The backstory is the reason why
your character is saying the words in
the script. If the backstory is not
clearly defined in the script – make one
up! This is a very important aspect of
performing from a written script because
the backstory sets your character’s
motivation, attitude and purpose for
speaking.
C = Character: Who are you as the
speaker? Define your character in as
much detail as you like. The more
details you can come up with, the more
believable your character will be to you
and to your audience. Every script has a
character, regardless of how poorly the
script may be written or what the
content of the script may be. Find that
character and give it life.
M.O.V.E. to more effectively
communicate your message:
M.O.V.E stands for Movement Orchestrates
Vocal Expression. The degree of your
physical-ness, or physical movement, can
directly affect the expression of your
emotion and attitude. Movement includes
facial expressions, the movement of
arms, head and body, and even the
posture of your body as you speak. Make
some choices as to what your character’s
emotions and attitudes are concerning
the copy – even down to how you feel
about a specific word or phrase. Every
emotion has a related tension someplace
in your body. Look within yourself as to
how you personally feel about the copy –
experience where the tension is and hold
it there as you move and speak the words
in the script. You may be amazed at the
difference in honesty, sincerity and
believability that results from simply
moving your body.
Warm up before each session or
performance:
Dancers, singers and athletes warm up.
Voice actors should too! After all, you
are using very specific muscles to
perform your craft. Keep yourself “toned
up” by using warm-up exercises. Stretch
your face, relax your neck and
shoulders, yawn, or do your favorite
tongue twisters. Warming up will not
only help you speak more clearly, but
can also serve to relax you as you enter
a studio for your session – and being
relaxed is extremely important in order
to be able to quickly find your
character.
My favorite warm-up exercise is one I
call “The Cork”. Get a cork from a wine
bottle and place the cork between your
teeth (I’d suggest saving the wine for
later!). With the cork between your
teeth, read some copy out loud V – E – R
– Y S – L – O – W – L – Y.
Over-enunciate every vowel, consonant
and syllable in every word, and make
sure you clearly speak the ends of
words. Be careful that you don’t rush
through little words like “a”, “in”,
“the”, “if”, and so on. You’ll find your
cheeks, jaw and tongue will start to get
tired after just a few minutes – but
you’ll also notice that after this
exercise you will speak much more
clearly without sounding forced. I have
one student who uses this exercise by
reading traffic signs on his way to the
studio. Another of my students keeps his
cork on a chain around his neck. This is
a good one – use it.
Copyright © James R. Alburger -
used by permission.
Article
Source:
http://www.voiceacting.com