Tag Archive for: Keaver Brenai

Cold symptom. Young woman with tissue and cup of hot drink at home
,

Sore Throat SOS: Voice-Saving Remedies Every Voice Actor Needs

A friend of mine was deep in the trenches of a stubborn, long-lasting cold. Her throat was raw, her voice had all but vanished, and of course she had a calendar full of sessions. Classic timing, right?

Sure enough she said panic was about to set in when she remembered me (smile). Being a friend and fellow voiceover queen, I was able to swoop in like the “vocal angel” with some vocal health remedies. I had a throat-saving game plan.

My remedies? Lifesaving. My tone? Loving but firm. And the results? Immediate. Within 24 hours, she went from sounding like a gravel road to delivering a clean, clear take.

Now, I want to continue to pay it forward. Whether you’re battling a cold, stuck in allergy season, or just trying to keep your sound sharp, these are the go-to tips every voice actor should keep in their vocal toolkit- especially when your livelihood depends on your voice!

  1. The Soothing Power of the Ginger-Honey-Citrus Elixir

This right here? A warm, throat-hugging miracle.

You’ll need:

  • Fresh ginger (grated) or ginger extract
  • Squeeze of orange or splash of OJ
  • 1–2 tablespoons of manuka or raw honey

Stir it into hot water and sip slowly. Ginger reduces inflammation and cuts through phlegm, citrus boosts your vitamin C, and honey coats and soothes your throat. Pure magic.

Keaver’s Pro Tip: Place a spoonful of the honey-ginger mix under your tongue every couple hours. Let it dissolve slowly for a natural lozenge effect.

  1. Gargling: The VO Secret Weapon

Gargle every 30 to 60 minutes with warm water and kosher salt. It draws out infection, reduces swelling, and keeps bacteria from spreading.

It’s not glamorous, but it’s one of the oldest, most reliable ways to reclaim your voice.

  1. Total Vocal Rest

No talking. No whispering. No “just one line.”

Use a notepad or your phone to communicate. The less strain, the faster the bounce-back.

Rest your voice like your career depends on it—because it does.

  1. Steam + Sweat Method

Get that steam going:

  • Use a humidifier or breathe in steam from a boiling pot
  • Rub Vicks on your neck/chest
  • Wrap your throat in a hot towel
  • Get in bed, comforter up to your neck, take a quick nap, then steam shower
  • Toss on a hoodie and gently sweat it out

You might feel like you’re in a DIY sauna, but your throat will thank you.

  1. Let That Mucus Move

Keep tissues handy and let your body do what it needs to do. Blow your nose, spit that phlegm, and don’t hold anything in.

Each trip to the bathroom is a vocal health opportunity: gargle, hydrate, release.

  1. Water > Everything Else

Take your meds if prescribed. Then hydrate like you’re auditioning for a water commercial. 8–10 bottles a day. No excuses.

Water keeps mucus thin and cords flexible. Coffee and soda are not your friends today.

  1. Allergy or Cold? Same Strategy, Different Intensity

That honey-ginger-orange tea? A daily go-to during pollen season. Pair it with salt gargles and humidifier sessions when you’re full-on sick. Walk outside. Light exercise if you’re up for it.

Consistency makes all the difference.

  1. When You Have to Record

Sometimes the deadline doesn’t move. If you must record:

  • Gargle before AND after
  • Sip elixir throughout
  • Warm up gently
  • Rest completely afterward

Deliver it. Then disappear.

Your Vice Deserves Care

You can’t pour from an empty vocal cup. Colds, allergies, and sore throats are frustrating, but they don’t have to derail your career.

With a few tools, some old-school remedies, and the wisdom of those who’ve walked this path, you can recover faster and protect your power.

If this helped you, share it with a fellow voice actor, audio pro, or anyone who depends on their voice for work. Save this blog for the next time the tickle turns into trouble. And don’t forget to follow @Keaversvoice for more voice-first wisdom and vocal care gold.

/by
Parachute
,

Who’s packing your parachute?

Who’s packing your parachute is a question we should all be able to answer with confidence. To be successful in offering premiere voice service to our clients we all need people that provide for us. People that believe in us. People that support us. Take pride in building us up. And in a myriad of ways – vocal, physical, mental, spiritual, technical, social, PR, and many more.

Becoming qualified to pack a parachute takes a particular person. They’ve passed requirements, taken classes, been reviewed, and given much more of themselves than they’ve received in return. Remember, our parachutes have to be reliable, consistent, deploy at the proper time, without snares, tangles, or twists. At the end of the day, we need to be able to maneuver our voice over artist careers without damaging our reputation or our voice by putting ourselves in the hands of people we trust.

Let’s take a look at a few parachute packers and unpack the numerous responsibilities they maintain on our behalf.

Talent managers are unique per person. You have to find someone that shares your vision and goals. And as a result, they are an extension of you and are most times the first person a company will see when being introduced to your brand. A manager may set up meetings, field prospects, get you in front of casting that may be a good fit, help determine the best agent and facilitate an introduction to an agent, advise on coaching, publicize, promote to help book and get auditions, develop brand, craft copyrighting, monitor website presence, create ad strategy, set budget goals, establish professional relationships, answer our endless questions, and I could go on and on. Most of these responsibilities are daily tasks. Not just for one person but many clients. All of whom are treated as special and unique.

Voiceover coaches are the people who sometimes tell you what you don’t want to hear. Right?! I can hear them in my sleep, can’t you? ‘Give me the read with a different tone?’ ‘In other words, humanize the copy with non-speech sounds.’ ‘Now with less inflection, make it more conversational, and a bit warmer?’ Above all, ‘let’s try that again with more acting and less reading.’ ‘A tongue-twister three times as fast is doable.’ (I dare you to try it!) Remember, your vocal coach may push through your resistance to find a vocal sound you both will enjoy. And more than anything, providing a comfortable atmosphere to make sure you’re enjoying the coaching. It is said, we retain more when we are happy learners!

Our talent agents also spend a lot of their time sending and answering emails, in addition to making and receiving phone calls on our behalf. They decipher breakdowns to determine where we fit, arrange auditions, resolve any conflict of interest, provide auditions we may not be able to get on our own, liaison to the union representative, negotiate monies and contracts, all in hopes of us booking the job. However, these amazing souls are some of the fasting moving people I’ve ever seen in the industry. On one of my visits to the office, I was astonished how many calls came through, how many internal conversations were going on at the same time, and everyone understood each other while replying to emails. Ha!

As a professional voiceover actor, we know these are not the only parachute packers by far. What about the audio guru who designs your premium sound? Or the local voiceover studio that offers affordable classes that you can attend in person or online, for instance. And don’t forget your union that provides free resources and classes. Promo producer/directors/copywriters who determine the best copy to represent you, and direct your session with valuable information that keeps you booking. What about your family and friends and neighbors who listen to you practice, practice, practice as you tell them over, and over again you booked the job? Then there’s a casting director who keeps you in their front pocket. Repeat clients. Blogs. Podcasts. Websites. And please don’t forget the hearts and likes that help you go viral so you can be discovered. #parachutepackers

So, what have we done to appreciate those who packed our parachute? Have we congratulated them, or asked how we can help them, or offered a simple hello when we are not asking for anything in return? Everyone appreciates a smile or words of encouragement. One thing I know, being prepared is one of the highest accolades we can give our parachute team. Preparing ourselves, doing on time what they ask of us, practicing when we don’t feel like it, and presenting our best when the opportunity unveils itself is the most significant way to show appreciation and say thank you!

I used to be a golfer (in my mind I’m still a golfer… fore!) and learned there is a sweet spot on the ball. When opportunity meets preparedness, you can make a hole-in-one. That was a time when I had practiced a ridiculous number of hours, and the green and the wind were at my advantage. That hole-in-one was mine! That applies to life as well. We must strive to be our best selves. Challenge and demand our best selves. Focus. Forget the 10K hours to master your craft. You are the key. Reinvent yourself and be ready when your time comes.

As voiceover talent, there is so much more to our existence than talking into a microphone. We have a to-do list that challenges the savviest entrepreneur. We have to (not in any order):

  • Be true to our brand
  • Engage with our customers
  • Keep an eye on social media feeds
  • Like posts
  • Comment on posts
  • Post our posts
  • Include relevant hashtags
  • Stay active in online social groups
  • Respect time and family
  • Study, study, study
  • Attend a VO class
  • Be in tune with our management
  • Prepare for our coaching session
  • Bring our A-game to our agent
  • Build social content
  • Update our demos
  • Listen to our audio guru
  • Examine our analytics
  • Connect with new clients
  • Create and refine our marketing tools
  • Adjust our goals
  • Act conversational
  • Have a trusted friend and colleague in VO
  • Trust ourselves
  • Practice and preach ‘Failure is Not an Option’
  • Remain committed
  • Stay patient
  • Embrace change
  • Listen

And remember ‘everything is content’

Here is the key to all of this… A while ago I had a conversation with Dan Hurst. What a great person and an amazing voice actor! I discovered his Voice Talent’s Prayer online. He also recognizes those who packed our parachute don’t get enough credit or appreciation in this business. Dan was so very kind to allow me to quote him in this very personal prayer that we can all pray and apply to our daily lives.

A VOICE TALENT’S PRAYER

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me the unique and privileged opportunity to be in the voiceover business. Not too many people can say that they absolutely love what they do, but I can!

I’m grateful for clients who must be the absolute best in the world. Well, except for that one guy that totally scammed me, but that’s between You and him now. Please bless my clients! Make their efforts and hard work completely successful. Overwhelm them with the rewards of a job well done.

And thank you for the fellow voice talents You’ve put in my life. You’ve made me better by knowing them, and I am inspired, motivated, and challenged by each of them.

Lord, there are some folks who don’t get enough credit or appreciation in this business: the engineers, and producers, and writers, and translators that make magic out of my often inane and inadequate performance. Please bless them in a special way!

But most of all, thank You for a wife and kids that put up with my idiosyncrasies and weirdness. You’ve given them great patience and a high tolerance to my obsession. I know it’s not right to stay up until 3 am working on a silly audition that I have a 1 in a 1000 chance of getting, but how cool is it that I can!?!?!

I really only have one thing to ask for. Would it be OK if I kept doing this? I mean, would You connect me with the right people so that I can keep doing this for a long time? That would be awesome!

So, I just wanted to say THANKS! I know I don’t deserve it, but WOW, You’ve been good to me! I am of all people most fortunate, and I am deeply, deeply grateful.

A Voice Talent’s Prayer is used with permission from the author Daniel Eduardo Hurst. https://www.danhurst.com/ Reference, Hurst, D.E. (2010). A Voice Talent’s Prayer.

 

/by
Pathway to Success
,

Embrace the Journey: Navigating the Pathway to Success

Every month is the month of fresh starts and new beginnings, unfolds like a blank canvas awaiting the strokes of your dreams and aspirations. As we embark on this journey, the possibilities are as endless as the pathways that grace the world outside.

Each month marks a pivotal time for reflection, goal setting, and creative rejuvenation in the world of voiceover and entertainment. It’s each month when we sharpen our skills, explore new horizons, and channel the year’s energy ahead along the pathway to success.

Embracing New Challenges:

The start of a new month or even new day often comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. It’s a time to reassess our personal and professional goals and take those courageous steps toward self-improvement.

For voiceover artists, this is the perfect moment to dive into fresh projects, expand our repertoire, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share our passion for storytelling. A morning’s crisp, cool air invigorates our creative spirits, reminding us of the magic that awaits within our vocal cords.

  1. Positive Mindset: Approach challenges with a positive mindset. See them as opportunities for growth to explore new horizons rather than obstacles blocking the path.
  2. Goal Setting: Define clear and achievable goals for yourself. Try journaling. Break down the challenge into smaller tasks, making it more manageable.

Setting the Stage for Success:

In the entertainment industry, preparation is critical. As the year unfolds, we meticulously prepare our voices, minds, and schedules for the exciting projects. January becomes a time of vocal warm-ups, script readings, and refining our craft.

And it’s not just about the voice. It’s about the dedication, the perseverance, and the willingness to embrace challenges head-on. With every project, whether a narration, a character role, a promo read, or a commercial, we bring our unique talents to the forefront, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

  1. Learn Continuously: Embrace the learning process to sharpen our skills. Every challenge is a chance to acquire new skills and knowledge. Stay curious and open-minded with creative rejuvenation. Try some new vocal warm-ups.
  2. Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek guidance from others who have faced similar challenges. Support from friends, mentors, or colleagues can make a significant difference. Consider choosing an accountability partner for script readings.
  3. Adaptability: Be flexible and adaptable. Challenges may not always go as planned, and being able to adjust your approach is crucial. Refining your craft can be an exciting journey along the pathway to success.

 A Heartfelt Conclusion:

As each month ushers us into promising new options, I’m filled with optimism and excitement for the journey ahead. The path to success may be winding, but we tread with unwavering determination and a passion for what we do.

  1. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate small victories along the way. Try a vision board. Recognizing your progress can boost motivation and confidence.
  2. Reflection: Take time to reflect on your experiences. What did you learn? How did you grow? This self-reflection can provide valuable insights for the months ahead.

Join me in embracing this month’s pathway to success. Follow for more inspiration and ignite your creativity. Let’s inspire and support each other as we navigate the uncharted territories of this year, one step at a time.

/by
Full Time (Professional Voice Actor)
,

“Are You a Professional?”

Being a professional is more than just possessing skill—it’s about delivering consistent, high-quality work every time. Whether you’re an artist, consultant, CEO, or entrepreneur, professionalism is the key to turning your passion into a thriving career. Let’s break down what it truly means to be a professional, work full-time, and balance multiple roles.

Professionalism: Beyond Skill, It’s a Lifestyle

Professionalism isn’t just about what you do; it’s about how you do it. It’s about treating your craft as a business. This means maintaining contracts, invoices, agents, managers, staff, meetings, reviews, advisors, mentors, and clear, reliable communication. A professional doesn’t just show up—they are prepared, delivering on deadlines with unwavering consistency. It’s about setting the bar high and meeting it every single time.

Key Traits of a Professional:

  • Consistent performance
  • Reliability in meeting deadlines
  • Visionary Thinking
  • Resilience
  • Risk Management
  • Financial Acumen
  • Customer Focus
  • Time Management

 What Does It Mean to Be Full-Time?

When discussing being “full-time,” this typically means that your various trades are your primary income streams. For professionals, it involves dedicating most of their working hours to related tasks—in-studio office, out-of-studio office, in-person, online, emails, auditing, networking, and marketing. Full-time professionals often have a steady stream of clients, jobs, and projects, allowing them to rely on their many skills as a career.

A full-time professional’s day might include:

    • Client meetings
    • Networking events
    • Continuous learning
    • Customer Focus
    • Leadership
    • Time Management
    • Health & Wellness

Balancing Multiple Roles: The Professional Juggler

Can you be a ‘professional VO’ while juggling other creative roles? Absolutely. In fact, many professionals are not just doing one thing—they’re directors, coaches, actors, authors, dancers, producers, editors, conference organizers, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, business owners, caregivers, homemakers, knitters, content creators, and more. Balancing these roles requires laser-focused time management and prioritization.

Tips for Balancing Multiple Roles:

  • Ensure each role complements your overall career
  • Diversify to add value to your work
  • Maintain high standards in all commitments

Diversifying your roles can enhance your career and provide additional skills, perspectives, and income streams. The key is ensuring each role enhances your professional standards rather than detracts from them.

The Power and Balance of Focus and Flexibility

To be successful full-time, you need focus. This means maintaining and improving your core skills consistently. But don’t mistake focus for rigidity. Flexibility is just as crucial—it allows you to explore other passions that might actually feed into and enhance your main work.

Cross-training in different roles isn’t just beneficial; it’s transformative. You can be ‘full-time’ in multiple areas- at the same time. Broadening your overall skillset, you gain a deeper understanding of related industries, making your work more robust and innovative. Stay flexible enough to pursue complementary passions. If you’re a sales director for a corporation, learn how to build a sales funnel for your other voiceover streams of income. If you’re a corporate narrator learn ways to do corporate narration for your favorite corporation. If you’re a nurse find copywriters who need medical narration. If you’re a homemaker find casting agents for commercial household and/or children’s products.

Professionalism is Your Pathway to Success

Remember, being a professional isn’t just about skill; it’s about consistency, reliability, and treating your craft with the seriousness it deserves. If you’re full-time and balancing multiple roles, the essence of professionalism remains the same—delivering high-quality work consistently. Focus on honing your skills and stay flexible to explore new opportunities. This balance will sustain your career and push it to new heights with multiple income streams while having fun and enjoying life.

By embodying these principles, you’ll succeed and thrive in whatever field you choose to pursue.

/by