While flying this evening I got to thinking about the words that are used to convey the safety instructions. Two words stuck out to me as odd as I cannot think of a time or place these words are used outside of the airline industry; aft, stowage.
Since these words are used by all airlines I am sure the exact wording is mandated by the FAA. Why would they choose these words? Why aft? Who uses the word aft? Everytime I hear it I have to stop and think..."oh, yeah, that means back or rear". Then comes the word stowage. You hear storage, but not stowage.
When did you learn of these words? Did you ever really learn stowage, or did you just make the link of stow equals putting things somewhere, so stowage must be the place to put that stuff. I don't recall ever learning stowarge in grammar school.
So why are these words used? If you don't speak English as your primary language are these words taught to you?
What are you saying in your ads? What is the copy saying about you? Is it at the right level for your audience? Maybe using unique words will work for you...if you can "own" the word, but will you confuse many in trying to be different?
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
How I Got Into Being a Voiceover
Over the weekend my girlfriend and I drove to Nashville, TN to participate in the Country Music 1/2 Marathon. This is about a 5 hour drive from St. Louis - very manageable.
We ran the race, and beat a thunderstorm on Saturday, then enjoyed the town a little. On Sunday after meeting up with some friends we started our drive back. It was about 3pm when we left town and the St. Louis Cardinals were just starting the final game of a weekend series in San Francisco. Luckily "Cardinal Nation" stretches all the way into Tennessee so we were able to pick up the radio broadcast early in our drive. This is when I remembered what it was that convinced me to be a professional voiceover.
I have always loved to listen to baseball on the radio. I have held several jobs over my career where I spent many hours behind the wheel and I listened to many a ball game. But even before I was a working man, I loved to listen to baseball. I remember listening to Jack Buck and Mike Shannon call the Cardinals games through the 1980's. I always enjoyed listening to the announcers better on the radio than on TV. When the televised games were not on a 3-10 second delay I would many times turn down the volume to hear the radio guys and see the sights on the TV.
On this drive through the rainy middle states of the US on a Sunday afternoon it all came back to me. Here I was, glued to the sounds of the game that were being so beautifully painted for me by a couple guys on the radio. I could smell the ball park, I could imagine the setting of the San Francisco park. Yes, this is what I love. Luckily I was given (and developed) a unique voice over time, but it is my love for painting a picture with my words that led me to voice acting.
The three hours of the drive when the game was on just sped by. I never got sleepy, never lost focus, never missed a pitch.
While a dream job for me would be to announce baseball at some point in my career I realize that there are many other ways I can bring a product, service or idea to life with my voice. I love this medium, I love to be a part of this medium. It is because of the Bucks and Shannons out there that I have pursued voice acting. Have you ever had a voice move you? It can be pretty powerful.
We ran the race, and beat a thunderstorm on Saturday, then enjoyed the town a little. On Sunday after meeting up with some friends we started our drive back. It was about 3pm when we left town and the St. Louis Cardinals were just starting the final game of a weekend series in San Francisco. Luckily "Cardinal Nation" stretches all the way into Tennessee so we were able to pick up the radio broadcast early in our drive. This is when I remembered what it was that convinced me to be a professional voiceover.
I have always loved to listen to baseball on the radio. I have held several jobs over my career where I spent many hours behind the wheel and I listened to many a ball game. But even before I was a working man, I loved to listen to baseball. I remember listening to Jack Buck and Mike Shannon call the Cardinals games through the 1980's. I always enjoyed listening to the announcers better on the radio than on TV. When the televised games were not on a 3-10 second delay I would many times turn down the volume to hear the radio guys and see the sights on the TV.
On this drive through the rainy middle states of the US on a Sunday afternoon it all came back to me. Here I was, glued to the sounds of the game that were being so beautifully painted for me by a couple guys on the radio. I could smell the ball park, I could imagine the setting of the San Francisco park. Yes, this is what I love. Luckily I was given (and developed) a unique voice over time, but it is my love for painting a picture with my words that led me to voice acting.
The three hours of the drive when the game was on just sped by. I never got sleepy, never lost focus, never missed a pitch.
While a dream job for me would be to announce baseball at some point in my career I realize that there are many other ways I can bring a product, service or idea to life with my voice. I love this medium, I love to be a part of this medium. It is because of the Bucks and Shannons out there that I have pursued voice acting. Have you ever had a voice move you? It can be pretty powerful.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Are People Like a Flame?
A week ago we had a beautiful evening here in St. Louis. It was dry for once and the temperature was holding in the 50's. Spring was peeking through, it was a perfect night to build a fire in the pit in the backyard. Over the past two years that I have lived in this home I have had several trees brought down by Mother Nature so I have plenty of wood. It was going to be a perfect night to burn through some of that old shade and enjoy some red wine, good music on the outdoor speakers and a little time to think.
What came to mind was most interesting. I found myself watching the fire and flames climb. My fire making skills represent my years as a cub scout, not a boy scout so it always takes me a little longer than it should to get the fire going. I know the "teepee" trick and so I implemented that along with a few pieces of junk mail to be my ignitor. The fire would ebb and flow. Sometimes it was a roaring fire, then it would die down to a very low flame. When I mixed up the timbers and logs it would ignite again.
This reminded me of people and their careers.
At some point someone lights a fire underneath you. Maybe it was your parents, maybe it was the fact that you needed to pay rent, maybe you just have that internal drive...but a fire is lit. Just like the flame your career climbs. You keep reaching for the stars. Finding your way higher and higher. When combined with other flames (other people) the two seem to get better, bigger, stronger. This was collaboration. The flame seemed destined to own the fire pit, the office, the city. But then, there was no where else to go. The flame had climbed to the pinnacle of the log. And with that the flame started to lose some of its steam. There was no more drive as there was no more to conquer on this path.
Then, out of nowhere comes this outside force. In this case, rearranging the firepit. New logs, unburned logs were now touching smoldering flames. The flames saw new opportunity. Many of them went for it. Burning brighter again. Sometimes even brighter than they had ever experienced before. The cycle repeated itself. Flames joined forces with new flames to form bigger and better flames that devoured the logs faster and faster. Then, again...seemingly nowhere to go.
"This is so much like life" I thought. People (me included) have so much passion, desire, drive to be the best then over time it seems that the best didn't get you where you thought it would. All of a sudden, something happens. Life is shaken up a bit. Maybe you did it on your own, maybe someone did it for you, maybe the environment just changed and there was a new opportunity just waiting to be "burned".
When you are burning up the track, reaching higher and higher, don't forget to look for that next opportunity that may look like it is taking you off track. It may take you higher than you ever thought you could go. Remember, fires would burn out before burning through all of the wood if no one was there to shake it up a bit. Be your own outside force, or don't be afraid when someone else is that force in your life - it may help you to your new path.
Serge
SergeTraylor.com
What came to mind was most interesting. I found myself watching the fire and flames climb. My fire making skills represent my years as a cub scout, not a boy scout so it always takes me a little longer than it should to get the fire going. I know the "teepee" trick and so I implemented that along with a few pieces of junk mail to be my ignitor. The fire would ebb and flow. Sometimes it was a roaring fire, then it would die down to a very low flame. When I mixed up the timbers and logs it would ignite again.
This reminded me of people and their careers.
At some point someone lights a fire underneath you. Maybe it was your parents, maybe it was the fact that you needed to pay rent, maybe you just have that internal drive...but a fire is lit. Just like the flame your career climbs. You keep reaching for the stars. Finding your way higher and higher. When combined with other flames (other people) the two seem to get better, bigger, stronger. This was collaboration. The flame seemed destined to own the fire pit, the office, the city. But then, there was no where else to go. The flame had climbed to the pinnacle of the log. And with that the flame started to lose some of its steam. There was no more drive as there was no more to conquer on this path.
Then, out of nowhere comes this outside force. In this case, rearranging the firepit. New logs, unburned logs were now touching smoldering flames. The flames saw new opportunity. Many of them went for it. Burning brighter again. Sometimes even brighter than they had ever experienced before. The cycle repeated itself. Flames joined forces with new flames to form bigger and better flames that devoured the logs faster and faster. Then, again...seemingly nowhere to go.
"This is so much like life" I thought. People (me included) have so much passion, desire, drive to be the best then over time it seems that the best didn't get you where you thought it would. All of a sudden, something happens. Life is shaken up a bit. Maybe you did it on your own, maybe someone did it for you, maybe the environment just changed and there was a new opportunity just waiting to be "burned".
When you are burning up the track, reaching higher and higher, don't forget to look for that next opportunity that may look like it is taking you off track. It may take you higher than you ever thought you could go. Remember, fires would burn out before burning through all of the wood if no one was there to shake it up a bit. Be your own outside force, or don't be afraid when someone else is that force in your life - it may help you to your new path.
Serge
SergeTraylor.com
Talking About Energy
Sometimes I just get lucky and I am able to combine my primary job with my secondary job to form an outcome of which I am truly proud. While at CES this January I was asked to appear on a radio show on Popular Science Radio with Alan Taylor and Karl Champley. I just (finally) received the MP3 of that show.
I was able to explain our new technology in rechargeable batteries and also give a peek behind the curtain at our new Inductive charger.
This week I was asked back for an encore appearance. First announcing our new Smart Charger that will hit the market later this month, then also talking about our inductive charger, lithium batteries and our line of hard case flashlights.
I will post a link to that second interview when it becomes available. I am thankful for the opportunity to be on Popular Science Radio and represent our great company. I never thought that I would be so "into" batteries, but 8 years working for this organization has proven to be very rewarding and I truly believe in what we do. We create power solutions for peoples' lives and in this mobile world that is becoming more and more important.
Take a listen, hopefully you learn something new about batteries that will help you power your tools, toys or whatever more efficiently. Let me know what you think.
Serge
SergeTraylor.com
I was able to explain our new technology in rechargeable batteries and also give a peek behind the curtain at our new Inductive charger.
This week I was asked back for an encore appearance. First announcing our new Smart Charger that will hit the market later this month, then also talking about our inductive charger, lithium batteries and our line of hard case flashlights.
I will post a link to that second interview when it becomes available. I am thankful for the opportunity to be on Popular Science Radio and represent our great company. I never thought that I would be so "into" batteries, but 8 years working for this organization has proven to be very rewarding and I truly believe in what we do. We create power solutions for peoples' lives and in this mobile world that is becoming more and more important.
Take a listen, hopefully you learn something new about batteries that will help you power your tools, toys or whatever more efficiently. Let me know what you think.
Serge
SergeTraylor.com
Monday, February 15, 2010
Google Buzz's Role For Businesses
There's a new social network in town, and on your email. Google's launch of Buzz should put up a good fight in the social media space for awhile. While many people are hesitant to use it as they say "it is just one more thing to update and follow", Google is building this platform on their uber-successful Gmail. So they have an immense established base.
And let's be honest, just like in real estate, location can prove to be king. Google should do well if for no other reason than the 38 million users who are already sending emails from this platform. Now they can look just below their Inbox to see how much new Buzz is going on.
So that gets me to wondering. How will businesses use Buzz? Facebook was built for students to converse, network, etc...now businesses are using it to get closer to their fans. Twitter started as a business tool in NYC for dispatching cabs. The general public then adapted it. Then came more businesses. The trend? Businesses will go where people are...location.
I just noticed while writing this blog that Mashable can be followed on Buzz. They seem to be utilizing it like a less-restrictive Twitter, asking questions of their followers.
So how do you use social media? What are your goals? How do you see those evolving in the future? What does a new platform do to your plans when you were just thinking that you were getting a handle on the current ones?
Monday, February 8, 2010
Something So Simple
As a brand/product manager, I spend so much of my day job trying to find the best way for my products to break through. What will help us stand out. It's not just me though. Every brand manager is asking the same question. When I came upon this lid for my Hungry Jack syrup this weekend I was pleasantly surprised.
So much time goes into the sticker on the front of the bottle. So much goes into the shape of the bottle, so much goes into the awareness marketing. Who would ever have time to say to their product team "what if we added a little fun to the lid?". Well Hungry Jack did. And in my opinion it works. It talks to me (not like that). But it tells me something about the brand, that they have a personality.
Next time you are working on a marketing project ask yourself "what else can be done here to improve the consumer experience?". Hungry Jack did, and they came up with this smiling lid for (my guess) no added cost. I know the next time you find me behind the microphone I will be asking myself what more can I do to improve the consumer's experience. Because afterall, isn't that what it is all about?
Serge
sergetraylor.blogspot.com
Friday, February 5, 2010
The Power of Network TV Continues
I'll admit it. I am a huge fan of the TV show Shark Tank. Every once in awhile a show will come along that I just can't miss. Amazing Race is one, The Office is another that is currently running, but Shark Tank gets my blood pumping like no other. I am an entrepreneur at heart and this show just goes right at that part of me like no other show has.
Tonight's episode was no different. Some interesting ideas, some good laughs...another good show. But this is what really got me (you may want to click on the image to enlarge it).
Looking at the "Hot Searches" for Feb 5th #1, #3, #5 and #7 were all products from Friday's Shark Tank. One show! On a Friday Night! This reinforces that content is king, and that there are new ways to interact with the content on TV.
When you are creating your next commercial (or TV show for that matter) have you thought about how consumers might interact with your content? Will consumers go online immediately for more information? Are you portraying your brand in such a way that carries through from one medium to the other. There is a lot to be said about having an integrated marketing message. Do all of your points of contact deliver the same main points? Do all of your interactions look like a family? Does all of your content sound the same?
Hey folks, TV is not dead yet. I am a huge believer in customized content and spend much more time on the internet than I do watching TV. But if a little show like Shark Tank can have 4 of the top 10 "Hot Searches" you may want to consider where your message is being seen - and where it may be seen again by the same market.
Serge
sergetraylor.blogspot.com
Tonight's episode was no different. Some interesting ideas, some good laughs...another good show. But this is what really got me (you may want to click on the image to enlarge it).
Looking at the "Hot Searches" for Feb 5th #1, #3, #5 and #7 were all products from Friday's Shark Tank. One show! On a Friday Night! This reinforces that content is king, and that there are new ways to interact with the content on TV.
When you are creating your next commercial (or TV show for that matter) have you thought about how consumers might interact with your content? Will consumers go online immediately for more information? Are you portraying your brand in such a way that carries through from one medium to the other. There is a lot to be said about having an integrated marketing message. Do all of your points of contact deliver the same main points? Do all of your interactions look like a family? Does all of your content sound the same?
Hey folks, TV is not dead yet. I am a huge believer in customized content and spend much more time on the internet than I do watching TV. But if a little show like Shark Tank can have 4 of the top 10 "Hot Searches" you may want to consider where your message is being seen - and where it may be seen again by the same market.
Serge
sergetraylor.blogspot.com
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Breathing New Life Into AM Radio
I have always been a fan of talk radio. Maybe that was one reason why I pursued a voiceover career. One thing that has typically bothered me about AM radio is that it is so hard to listen to it in the home. I have owned several AM antennae over the years and none of them brought clean, crisp sound into my house. So I was relegated to listen to good talk radio only while driving. Then came the podcast. Basically the same thing as AM radio, but on your computer. While this was going on, radio stations were still not streaming their radio broadcasts. Or if they were, they were only sharing some shows, not all.
One specific time I enjoy listening talk radio is on Sunday morning. The local news radio station plays "Sports On A Sunday Morning" each Sunday from 10am until noon. Now thanks to the internet breathing new life into this old medium I can hear "experts" talk about St. Louis sports all around the house.
I think there is more that could be done, however. How about an online radio station that plays like a podcast? Like Tivo for radio? Sometimes I miss a quote and I want to play back the last 30 seconds again. Can someone make this happen?
As someone who appreciates hearing the human voice, I am thankful that there is now a way for me to stay up on talk "radio" when I am not driving around town.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Google'ing myself
As everyone should do, I have an email alert set up on my own name. Hey, this is my brand, I want to know what is being said about me!
Today I was perusing through the 11 alerts that came up and stumbled upon this link. http://abmp3.com/mp3/03-narrative.html
OK, so I just helped their SEO score, but it is worth it. This is a great example of how machines still can't do the job of humans. If you don't feel like going to the site, I'll give you the gist of it. It is a FREE MP3 site and there is my Narration Demo. Now believe me, I am quite proud of my narration demo. A lot of hard work went into it on my side of the mic as well as the producer. But the fact that I can order my narration as a ring tone is just humorous!
Who knows, maybe some adoring ad exec out there is walking around with my demo as his ring tone. The more I think about it, maybe I should do this...
Today I was perusing through the 11 alerts that came up and stumbled upon this link. http://abmp3.com/mp3/03-narrative.html
OK, so I just helped their SEO score, but it is worth it. This is a great example of how machines still can't do the job of humans. If you don't feel like going to the site, I'll give you the gist of it. It is a FREE MP3 site and there is my Narration Demo. Now believe me, I am quite proud of my narration demo. A lot of hard work went into it on my side of the mic as well as the producer. But the fact that I can order my narration as a ring tone is just humorous!
Who knows, maybe some adoring ad exec out there is walking around with my demo as his ring tone. The more I think about it, maybe I should do this...
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Home Recording Set to Begin
A new year brings with it new challenges. As I alluded to about a month ago in a blog post I will have the capabilities to record from home. Today, the home recording studio became a reality.
With a little help from a new friend, David, at the Samson booth at CES I was able to get everything working so that I can now record from home with high quality.
I look forward to updating throughout the year on the progress of the VO biz. I was able to make a few good contacts while in Las Vegas that I hope to be quite fruitful in 2010.
If you ever need a voiceover, please consider me. I now can roll out home recordings for those projects with smaller budgets and work with your preferred studios for the larger projects.
Happy New Year!
Serge
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