VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

CarynClark · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:13 am Post subject: Habits

Hi,

I've been reading and looking at pictures from VOICE, and have been wondering about a couple of things. I hear mention of Mountain Dew, see people drinking Cokes and wine.... all wonderful things that I love.

I have an addiction to Coke (a Cola, that is). Really, my addiction is to sugar. For the past week and a half I've been trying to wein myself off Coke (they have to be fountain cokes, btw -- had one small one last Friday, and a large yesterday). I've been drinking nothing but water, or maybe a glass or two of diet green tea (still has caffeine, but what the hay) once in a while. Really, mostly water (and I like my H2O room temp so I'm good there). I do notice that I do not have as much phlegm (sorry to be gross) in my throat... so it's working.

All of this is to say, sugar and caffeine and Lordy knows what else is bad for the voice, right? But are you guys implying that it's ok to drink those things once in a while? How often is once in a while? Please, enable me to be allowed to drink Coke for whatever that once in a while is!!!

Are there other things you simply avoid ingesting at all costs? What are they?

And, do any of you do exercises to strengthen your voice or expand your range? What are they?

THANKS!!! Caryn
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Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

Philip Banks · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:02 am Post subject:

I do all the wrong things but I'll focus on the right things to help you move along ......

1 - The Carpenters - their old classic songs are great warm up exercises.
2 - Find a wind instrument and learn to play it. The best Voice Overs have
music in them, a wind instrument helps with breathing.
3 - Find copy outside of your comfort zone - Too loud, over written, you
know the sort of thing. Learning to lift 200lbs will help you effortlessly
lift 100lbs.
4 - Consuming rubbish is fine but always have some warm water and mouth
wash handy to remove the effects.
5 - Finally, never read anything I write as it has a detrimental effect on the
intellect.

Deirdre · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:17 am Post subject:

Half the fun of being on the road is drinking Too Much Coffee and smoking Too Many Cigarettes.

I drink in moderation. I smoke occasionally, although it's a more frequent thing when Pat F is around.
To each his own.
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DBCooperVO.com
IMDB

CarynClark · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:20 am Post subject:

Awesome!! So, it appears that I don't have to be a purist and completely knock all of this stuff out.

Yay!

PS: I was in a session the other day and somehow smoking came up - lots of vo people smoke...
_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

CarynClark · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:36 am Post subject:

I dunno Banksey, those seem like good tips to me.

You know, I'm going to go thru my CD collection today and find some of the old show tunes CDs I have. I always enjoyed singing along to those (not belting)... I'll find a couple to keep in my studio.

THANKS!
_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

DaveChristi · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:54 am Post subject:

Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 8:02 am Post subject:

Having some java right now...Mexican organic, shadegrown, songbird-protected, fair trade certified, from a Mayan-cooperative, groundbreaking socially and environmentally progressive roaster.

That'$ a bad habit... Wink

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CarynClark · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 8:11 am Post subject:

So, do you find that drinking coffee or smoking doesn't affect your voice?

I'm wondering if it is just the sugar factor of the coke that gives me the crap in my throat. I'm guessing so.

BTW, I'm not being judgemental... I simply asked this b/c of what I noticed, and my attempts to break my habit are not working so well... and so I wanted to know if there was a time period (say... you don't drink coffee the day you have a big gig) or something... no judging... hell, I have more bad habits than I care to count.

And, tell about your good habits too!!! Smile

_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

DaveChristi · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 8:12 am Post subject:

Lizden · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 8:16 am Post subject:

Yeah, I can't live without my Java!

In terms of smoking, I can relate...I came home from living in Paris for a year with a pack a day habit....took me several years to kick it, but I've been smoke-free for about 15 years now...I actually can't remember how long...I know it was before my mom got sick which was 12 years ago...anyway...

You Go Dave!!!! If you've quit once, you KNOW that you can do it!

In terms of habits, I really do belive in everything...in moderation! Coffee, wine, Sour Cream & Onion Chips,... (S,D and R&R) Inoccent

...but I digress!...

And Caryn...do you really think anyone in this group is a purist?? Wink

...except maybe purely insane!!!

It's a great question though!...now go enjoy your daily soda! Sticking out Tongue

Liz
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Liz de Nesnera O.A.V. ~ Livin' The VO Dream!
English/French Bilingual VO w/ ISDN
HireLiz.com / liz@hireliz.com

DaveChristi · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 8:21 am Post subject:

Lizden · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 8:24 am Post subject:

CarynClark · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 8:27 am Post subject:

Sugary sweet... Smile

-- what a nice guy!!

I'm sure my hubby would say the same --- ha!

I'm off to the convenience store for my Coke! Smile

_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

Deirdre · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 8:43 am Post subject:

Hart · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 8:59 am Post subject:

I had a dentist appointment yesterday and once again got a lecture about coffee with sugar, colas, sweets.. all that fun stuff I consume everyday. Yeah, I have to get another cavity filled.

The funny thing is that I just started brushing my teeth a lot more often. I've found that my newest mic is a lot more sensitive than my others and if I don't brush my teeth and drink some warm water I get mouth clicks and smacks all over the place.

So I guess that's a good and bad habit in the same story.

Ex-smoker here too. I still sneak a few on increasingly rare occasions (like at VOICE 2008 Bitchin

) but please don't tell my wife, lol.

Another good habit on several levels:

I read aloud every day to my son. Sure he's probably a little young to really get the story but it's fun putting some of Pat F's tips to use in "The Three Little Pigs" or "The Cat In the Hat." Makes the baby smile, laugh, giggle, coo, and finally fall asleep happy. Call me crazy, but it seems to help encourage me to put more story telling and inflection in my reads too. And that's something I've been struggling with.
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