We've all heard the phrase 'there are no stupid questions, only stupid answers'. Of course, we've also all been on the giving and receiving end of one of those stupid questions. However, if you find yourself too afraid of asking questions for fear of appearing stupid, you might want to reconsider.
A few months ago, I was given the opportunity to audition for a new children's show on a major network. Part of this audition required me to cry and coo like a baby. Now, it is no secret that I am a huge fan of Pat Fraley (character voice extraordinaire), so I immediately consulted my collection of Fraley CD's. There it was, the 'baby in a hanky' trick once made famous by Mel Blanc. But, there was no 'trick' to cooing.
In a moment of complete abandon, I e-mailed Mr. Fraley to ask if he would coo into a hanky the same way he might cry? Yes, I felt foolish actually typing the words...but this was a serious audition!
Much to my surprise, Mr. Fraley not only e-mailed me back...he sent his response in the form of an .mp3! He answered my question in the most entertaining and helpful way.
Imagine if I hadn't had the guts to ask?
Last week I spent a few days in Texas with my family attending a cousin's wedding. When I returned, I had almost a dozen e-mails asking me for information about the voice over biz. Most of them were pretty straight forward, but one woman pointed out that every time I write a blog or an article- I always encourage folks to e-mail me with questions. She said it was because of that encouragement that she decided to write me.
By no means am I an instructor or anywhere near genius when it comes to voice over, but I have managed to learn a few things over the years. I consider it my responsibility to answer any questions, just as so many have answered mine.
Don't let fear ever stop you in your pursuit of knowledge. Sure, you may hit a bump or two along the way...but imagine what you might miss out on if you if you stop pushing forward!
Oh, and the answer to the baby coo? Perhaps it will be on Pat's next CD :)
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8 comments:
Hey Kara -
Thanks for this post - Great Stuff!
It reminded me of my favorite quote about questions...
"One who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; one who does not ask a question remains a fool forever! - Chinese Proverb
Cool to hear what a "family" the VO community is!
Stu Gray
Stu-
I love that quote! Yes, the VO community is one of the best around, I am very proud to be a part of it :)
Thanks for the comment!
Kara
Genius! I should start answering my emails with MP3's! What would be more fun than that?!
Glad you were able to get help with that. I hope the research and resulting audition pay off for you!
God Is Love-
-Jesse
That's Pat for you!
Very generous.
And your manner is very Kara of you.
You are always respectful, never abusive of the privilege of having fast access to the time and talents of such a venerable and busy advisor - you make it easy and a joy to want to help you be your best.
Jesse-
If you start answering e-mails with .mp3's, then I'll be looking for my e-mail!
The audition went great, but it looks like the company may be going a different direction. Sometimes it's the thrill of being heard at all that matters! Thanks for your comment!
Kara
Nancy,
Anyone who has ever read this blog would know how much I value everything you and Pat have done for me. No single person has been as informative, positive, and helpful as you. I know how fortunate I am to be one of your students!!
Voice over is the best community I've ever been involved with, I hope I am here for years and years to come! Thank you for your comment!
Kara
Kara,
Somehow I'd missed this post from my regular reading of your blog. I got here today from a link on Stu Gray's blog.
Wonderful stuff. I'm so glad you both ask questions and are willing to answer them. As Nancy said, how very Kara of you. (And caring, which is one of the things being Kara means, I'm pretty sure.)
Be well,
Bob
Bob-
Thank you for stopping by! That's the great thing about a blog- they never go away :) You know I will always look up to you as one of the greats in this biz. Not just because of your talents, but because of your nature and many gifts.
Kara
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