Preparation

We all, well most at least, have heard the expression, "Think before you speak." The advice invites us to know what we want to say and, hopefully, how we want to say it before the lips engage. Brain first, mouth and lips, second.

While researching a quote I had associated with Mark Twain about not having time to write a shorter letter, this wonderful remembrance was revealed:

According to an anecdote published in 1918 Woodrow Wilson was asked about the amount of time he spent preparing speeches, and his response was illuminating:

“That depends on the length of the speech,” answered the President. “If it is a ten-minute speech it takes me all of two weeks to prepare it; if it is a half-hour speech it takes me a week; if I can talk as long as I want to it requires no preparation at all. I am ready now.”

I invite you to visit the site to learn more: Quote Origin: If I Had More Time, I Would Have Written a Shorter Letter – Quote Investigator?

In voice work, we learn to interpret the script. We did not write it. We don't know what went behind the preparation. We suspect there was lots of review "back at the home office" so we don't add or delete words. Our focus - What is the client's message, mood, desired effect? Do I dare venture into the public realm? As our Summer moves into Autumn - what is a candidate's desired effect? No, I will retreat from that. I will speak about what I know.

When I speak, I want to augment the exchange to offer value to the listener. When I voice a script for a client, I want their customers / listeners / employees to gain value from the client's message.

I recently helped a retired engineer share his appreciation for the mysteries and miracles behind the Shroud of Turin ((35) Shroud Believers Presentation - YouTube) and authors of children's fairy tales create bedtime stories (Maia Tell Stories to Kids丨Fairy Tales Around the World丨Folklore for Kids of All Ages on Apple Podcasts). I took time to understand the client's focus, the goal of the exchange.

Preparation. Effective work takes knowledge and preparation and careful implementation. As you share information in casual or professional arenas, I offer you advice from another source - "Be careful out there."

And do let me know if I can prepare a script for you! #voicetalent