VOICE ACTING

When You're Mispronouncing A Word, Define It.

Comprehension Makes A Big Difference ...

April 28, 2017



By Hugh Klitzke

Casting Director and Coach



If you are mispronouncing a word in a voice over script - ask yourself:



Do I really understand what the word means in this context?



Can I define this word in my own language? (Totenkopf? Well, it's actually the emblem on the German cavalry rider's hat which then became synonymous with the hat itself).

in my own language? (Totenkopf? Well, it's actually the emblem on the German cavalry rider's hat which then became synonymous with the hat itself). If I am mis-pronouncing a proper name - do I know who they are or what they did or what they look like?

- do I know who they are or what they did or what they look like? If it's a brand name - have I heard other spots with that name? (Fage, Llaollao, Siggi's Dairy and Frucht Quark are all yogurts. Dannon, anyone?)

- have I heard other spots with that name? (Fage, Llaollao, Siggi's Dairy and Frucht Quark are all yogurts. Dannon, anyone?) What is this disease I'm supposed to say? Is it named after a person? Or is it named after the area it's afflicting? (Crohn's Disease is named after gastroenterologist Burrill Bernard Crohn. Hence the possessive).

I'm supposed to say? Is it named after a person? Or is it named after the area it's afflicting? (Crohn's Disease is named after gastroenterologist Burrill Bernard Crohn. Hence the possessive). If the word is in Elvish or Swedish or Spanglish or "whateverish" - what are other words that I might have heard of? (The name of the Elves' language was repeatedly changed by Tolkien from Elfin and Qenya to the eventual Quenya). Comprehension makes a big difference and can only add confidence.



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ABOUT HUGH

Hugh P. Klitzke is studio manager and voice casting director for a leading bi-coastal talent agency, who in more than a decade has directed over 115,000 auditions for all voice over genres. Based in New York City, he is also a coach specializing in teaching voice over for actors, and blogs at voiceoverfortheactor.com , a twice-weekly blog with helpful voice acting tips.



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