Afraid to Get Started in Voice Over?

[@Dwoalin]

Your father saying he didn't want you to get stuck into a job for the rest of your life at the glass factory for good money is so huge. Kudos to your father for that. I've also realized now in my life that if I'm miserable and making big money, I won't be happy. I don't want to get stuck in the comfort of good money but being unhappy for the rest of my life.

[@gerardosalazar527]

Yes, i am F-ing afraid! I am a lawyer who have always liked acting but i never thought about getting into voice acting. That is until i was diagnosed with kerato-cone (a problem with my corneas) and started to lose my sight (i still have like 30-40%), i was fired from My job because My boss was afraid one day i could not read some fine print, so i started to work as a call center operator (i really cranked up the screen zoom in order to fill reports and Excel Pages) and one day a co-worker told me "You know about acting and You have a Nice voice, so why don't You just get into voice acting". I enrolled in a voice acting online course in a very prestigeus Academy and i did very good til i got to the last level. The coach shared his screen in a zoom meeting (as usual) then allowed me to watch the scene once in original language (English, not My native spanish) to understand what's happening and the emotions of the characters, then he allowed me to read the script while watching the scene a second time, and then it was time to record from begining to end no stop reading to the pace of the scene because - he said - that is how castings go on professional studios. Obviously i did awful and felt Even worse, that is why i am planning to work from Home for clients who would allow me to work at a pace i really can deliver high Quality results... And i really feel i need some advice.

[@elizabethkimani7297]

I really needed to hear this ,I have procrastinated due to fear .Thank you I will step up and do it ,it's part of growth

[@Exorbident]

Hey there... How are you... Would love to get an update from you on your voice over career

[@JJC991]

Bill, I'm comfortable and stuck in that factory job that my father worked in. I wish he gave me the inspiration that your father gave you. I hate it, people treat you like a number, not a person, and it hurts you mentally. One day, I hope to break that comfort zone, thank you for inspiring me Bill.

[@stacieharris]

Did you break out of your comfort zone yet?

[@jamieremus277]

Hi Bill, I appreciate your positive approach to VO. I’m just about to jump in at 61 years old and excited to make a career of this. Jamie 🙂🇨🇦

[@anthonywilson6893]

I find it easy to listen to you Bill. Your voice and style reminds me of Casey Kasem from the American Top 40. I loved listening to him and brings back fond memories. I am just beginning my voiceover journey after 20 years of incubation. I respect your candor and will look to your program when I am ready for professional training. Thanks again for your time, insight, industry experience and wisdom.

[@jakealden2517]

I watched these videos for years, but feared putting them into place. Once you commit to implementing Bill's strategies, you will find success!

[@GrandmasterofWin]

Hey Bill. Thanks for this video. It meant a lot to me. I could relate to that horrible job you experienced. I was a hardwood floor installer for over a decade. Started when I was around 12 years old. Sometimes had to work 13-15 hours in homes with no AC or heat. The hardest work I ever had if you can believe it, was working at a hotel front desk. The emotional abuse and mistreatment from some of the guests while I stood there wearing a stupid polo making $8.50/hr, the stress that there was always some other person's mistakes to apologize for, knowing that other employees may not show up and I'm stuck for 12-16 hours instead of 8... Then back the next morning. It was hell. Worse than physical labor. I finally quit and went back to college one day. The last straw was when I was told to come in on the day of my best friend's funeral who died of suicide. It was a horrible winter and a very hard time in my life. I've been afraid to start VO because I don't feel like I'm good enough. I picture either getting no clients or starting out with tons of negative reviews. I've worked so many horrible jobs for terrible pay that it feels like that's just reality, that it'll take too much time to even get enough clients to survive. I didn't even realize why I was dragging my feet though until I saw this video title. It is fear. Thanks for putting things into perspective. I can't afford rent or food right now but I'm not giving up. I'm standing up and believing in myself for the first time in my life. It's very scary and vulnerable here, and I'm getting a lot of criticism from well meaning people but as I said I can't give up. Ignoring your inner voice is hell, and the last thing my friend did was send me an email where he wished me luck and success in life and told me to not be afraid and to take risks in life. Anyway thanks if you made it this far.

[@leila1662]

I hope you made a start on it? 👍👍👍

[@roromon1970]

I really hope you are doing good. No matter what happens in your life, KEEP ON GOING!!!!

[@martyshafer2936]

Pm I

[@NiniRockX]

Never give up !! You have nothing to lose !!

[@novathezombiefighter455]

I'm sorry about your best friend and about the horrible job experiences you went through.. Being hesitant is only human.. I hope you're doing great now whatever you're doing.

[@DanielleBaylor]

I got stuck in one of those door to door jobs. I was 18, and would get dropped off in some really rough neighborhoods in Nashville actually with no way to leave. I made no money though, but had plenty of people cuss me out, threaten me, and slam doors on me lol. Surely I can conquer this

[@dagmawilemenih]

Came here for the voiceover pointers, stayed for the life advice. I needed to hear some of this

[@AndreyKarlovich]

Thank you so much Bill! I have been a baby photographer for 9 years and had customers and friends to tell me that I should get into voice acting and here I am, about to start, just got my first microphone in the midst of getting other equipment. To be honest I went up to Fiverr and I saw the voicereels they do, I feel hopeless because I feel that I may not be as good. This really encouraged me to push forward!

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

No problem! That's a great spot to be in. Just keep at it!

[@Jabeezy02]

Even if you’re not doing voice over stuff this is top-tier advice. Thank you.

[@shirleycurlywurly]

You're truly an amazing teacher. Thank you 🙏🏽 for being in this space, encouraging us all

[@azistephen5013]

Thank you so much for reminding me that it’s a paper tiger. The worst thing that happens is rejection. It isn't going to kill me. I'll feel bad now, but better in the morning.

[@TheCoachMusicOfficial]

This is one of the best dad talks I’ve ever had. Thanks Bill

[@ScottRoberts]

Last week I actually had someone from a production company hang up on me. Oh well, you need to have a tough skin and keep "pounding the pavement" and not let any "nos" set you back. Keep advancing! Thanks for all your encouragement, Bill!

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

Hang in there! :-)

[@Luv4beauty]

Wow! I can't believe someone actually hung up on you.

[@remnantfewministriesminist495]

That's so rude. Surprised at the behavior too as a professional?

[@williammalicki718]

Thank you for your kind-hearted method of teaching and coaching regarding voice over. I'm 69 years old and I am starting over in voice over work .31 years since I worked in the business. I'm thankful for your help.

[@MsPatriciadelaGarza]

I love the paper tiger analogy. Thank you!

[@khalid.6540]

Thank you for the video ❤️!! I’m a new subscriber

[@niteman62]

Even though I've been in broadcasting for over 30 years I have always been open to learn and you have definitely helped me to overcome my doubts about starting a voice-over business/career...I appreciate all of your advice and will reach out to you for coaching in the near future.

[@trampshady]

Bill! I also was a door to door, business to business, PERFUME salesman! It was a life and character changer. I thank you for these kind , and encouraging words as I seek to crush my “paper tiger!”

[@remnantfewministriesminist495]

I was too!

[@MyfeelMyview]

Hi Bill .im 60 going 61 next month and im obsessed with voice over..mainly lacking resources is the reason i have not started yet. I do my demo on my mobile phone..my family encouraging me and think im really blessed with a good voice and can do it...

[@abderraoufbenaki2023]

its really priceless to get this kinda of motivation from an experienced voice over artist like you ,thats so helpfull, and i know that it will effect me and others in a positive way , thanks bill you're my inspiration

[@srashworth]

Bill, the summer of 1980, I sold books and Bibles for Southwestern. I went to college in Nashville, so the training was near by. They sent us to east Texas. I lasted a month until I had to go home and have knee surgery. I ended up owing $110. My indication that sales was not for me!

[@ShaggyJenkins]

I'm from Gastonia! I've been in radio for 27 years now, and making the jump to VO

[@indonesianfemalevoiceover]

Dear Bill, I really have to thank you for this amazing video. Rejection is what we are scared of, that is true! And the rest is actually about hard work. Thank you Bill for this motivational video ❤

[@Ms.Willow.]

I cannot thank you enough for the encouragement. I have been working on my narration in podcast format for the past few months with the little thought of voiceover at some point in the future and definitely gave in to the doubts and the "paper tiger". Not there yet but someday :)

[@davidriley4895]

I also came across this video exactly when I needed to, because I have my microphone that I purchased and I have been procrastinating doing my demo in garage band and getting started. Not anymore. Thanks again

[@cyrusjafari7392]

Bill, you are full of encouragement. You pumped me up! Thanks for being such a positive and great coach.

[@coacharielandersson]

THANK you.. I’ve been a bit overwhelmed by others Discouragement and all the details to set up , following your generous advice.. Today, I was thinking, maybe this is all crazy! And, then, this older vid popped up.. VERY thankful.. for the message.. I had a similar experience as that book selling with census.. hmm.. perspective:)). Also, helps to hear your experience with vo clients/potential client= kindness.. Diving into recording demo tomorrow..

[@slanghope4530]

What a great life message “don’t be afraid to knock on the doors..” 💯

[@RobertFleming]

Bill, I can’t tell you how encouraging you’ve been over the years. I greatly appreciate your attitude and the way you operate in business. It’s easy to see why clients treat you well.

[@danastamey7020]

Bill, you sold books in Gastonia, NC...that's 45 min from me, you ever heard of Granite Falls, Sawmills area, it's about 15 min. about Hickory. Thank's for all your help...trying to get set up and start soon. God bless!

[@lisaroberts2784]

Thank you for this and your heartfelt honesty! 😊🙌🏽

[@steelegomez3165]

I resonate so much with your perspective and appreciate you putting such positivity out for viewers to take in and benefit from. Thank you so much for your honesty, empathy, and humility in preparing and producing this content.

[@WorldvsTruth]

Thank you Bill. It seems we're on a similar page personality-wise. I'm an outgoing introvert. That is to say, I need to "psyche myself up" for a few seconds to get past the shyness, then it's go time, and I have a blast! Have a wondedful day Bill, and God bless you and your family. 🙏😊

[@jerrybedwell6290]

Love the paper tiger analogy. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@Godzilva]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! 💖😊

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

My pleasure!

[@novathezombiefighter455]

Thank you for sharing your story.. It's wonderful how far you've come

[@edwin-0034]

I will Bill DeWees it is tough now but a blessing, I live in Charlotte, NC and Gastonia is a wild place that was before I was born when you came here. So I can only imagine the fun deliverance kinda of times you had. :) So thank you so much for those insights and encouragement. God bless you.

[@e.m.tanner179]

Thanks, Bill, for all your content and encouragement. I am excited to get started in VO work, even tho' I'm 69 years of age!. But what I've never heard anyone say, is that this work is FUN. So many actors will often say "I loved working on this film (or play). We had so much fun making it!" So what about VO actors? If they love their job, even tho' it's hard work.... don't they have fun doing it?

[@pseudonymlifts2]

I worked sales as an introvert kid too. Your story reminded me how horrendously difficult I found those early days of work, and it also reminded me that I got through it. You gave me perspective of how good I've got it now and how close I am to doing what I want. Of course, the difference is that now I have bills and something to lose BUT aside from that, there is little to fear and much to gain.

[@kupokuporay]

I am so glad I watched this video. I have been mulling over just getting started in voice over work for years now but had always made excuses due to my own pre conceived notions. I was a breath of fresh air for your to remind me that many of them are unfounded and that you simply need to 'knock on doors' and step out of your comfort zone. And so with that, I've booked myself into some introductory sessions at a local voice studio in my city (Melbourne, Australia) that will go over the basics and more as I learn and develop my understanding and skill with everything involving the craft. Just baby steps for now but want to make them strides.

[@TeodeleneQuidato]

Glad to hear you

[@benmccainmedia]

Great advice! Bill DeWees is a great motivator.

[@ladyracer84]

Wow we were practically neighbors. I'm from Stone Creek, OH. Small world.

[@PaladinsProgress]

Would that glass factory happen to be Anchor-Hocking in Lancaster, I worked there for a few months in the distribution center. Love the videos!

[@themanyvoicesofduncan]

Just getting started. Great motivation and help. Thank you for sharing.

[@hayesjue9438]

This is a big video for me. I am working on my first audition and It's making me melt with the anxiety.

[@oidodsonido]

Glad i found you in this sea of information man you seem like a truly genuine person and i love your stories. keep them coming

[@johnrobinson7928]

Bill, thank you so much for putting these videos together. They are so insightful and motivating for all of us.

[@JimMcNicholas]

Really great video Bill! Some days encouragement is what I really need.

[@Robert-j7c]

Those within the industry who you mention criticize your business practices- I am sure we know who many of them are- Seem to spend their days just searching for those to "hate upon"... I can't help but wonder if they are truly even doing VO, as they seem to have so much free time on their hands!

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

It certainly makes you wonder . . .

[@MyfeelMyview]

Thank you for your encouragment..

[@MatriarchWellness]

Thanks so much for these encouraging words 😊❤🙏🏽

[@007Liles]

Thank you so much for your words and videos.

[@mattgallagherVO]

Thank you Bill. I sincerely appreciate you, and your encouragement and your testimony.

[@micadobbins1281]

Thank you so much Bill! I just found you and I'm thankful your words of encouragement.

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

You're welcome! I'm really glad you found it helpful. :-)

[@Crazyibbes]

Thank you for the great talk Bill :)

[@keepontruckin5862]

Always great information me and my daughter hope to do voice over one day God bless brotha.

[@PrepTopia1]

Yeahh! I worked for that company as well! Summer after my freshman year in college (1994). Went to Portland, Oregon. Made zero dollars (well, just enough to cover my expenses). Walked a billion steps. Got the cops called on me, got a thousand doors slammed in my face, etc. But I also met some really nice people too!! Even though I didn't make any money, I was bitten by the "build your own biz" bug.

[@YerbaMateo]

I know this video is from 2020 but WOW this had so many of my thoughts and fears laid out into words. Excited to get going on this journey and wish success on every one of you guys in this comment section. WE GOT THIS

[@sooner1458]

Thank you for making me know I can your an amazing teacher

[@sabrinainlove]

so helpful. exactly what i needed. thank you!

[@makesomenoise90]

Bill, thank you for this video! I am launching into a new career in voice over in the new year and I am admittedly very nervous! But your videos really get me excited for what's to come. Have a great holiday season.

[@Omonike88]

How has it been for you, so far??

[@epicbyyennysatriawan]

Thank you, Bill. Your story reminded me of the time I sold encyclopedias after I graduated from college.

[@stephenflynn7600]

Thanks for the reassurance!

[@briangimbel7973]

Again, a timely message.

[@fabbynavarro5402]

Thank You Bill!!!!

[@Pettidee904]

Thank you for this video I'm just starting out in VO coming from the music industry & this is incredibly encouraging

[@j.c.ca.o.l7035]

What a great guy.

[@peaceofireland3125]

Thank you so much !!You are so incredibly encouraging Bill.

[@uqox]

Goodness. I am so glad I found your channel. I've admitted to myself that I'm very afraid. I'm no spring chicken and the initial investment into equipment will be fiscally challenging but I'm hoping with your guidance I can find a viable pathway forward into a VO career that will help me achieve important financial goals. I'll search your video library and see what your suggestions are for temporary booths. Thank you for your help!

[@jordanhelco1440]

Needed this today, thank you for sharing!

[@annettejackson1559]

Thanks for this excellent video.

[@freeradical1567]

Great encouragement!!!

[@henriettasenkwe12]

Bill sometime back I signed up on fiverr and voices but never took it seriously as I thought it was hard. Watching your videos has really motivated me to actually think about doing this like with the seriousness it deserves. Am stuck on basic equipment and recently started a fundraising campain and its not doing okay. Please can I please share my link with you so you can share it and help me get started? Thank you.

[@charlesbutler7868]

Thank you for the encouragement!

[@catjack90]

You're too awesome God bless you

[@rockingtheages8925]

That's a funny story, my son also got contacted for the EXACT same job, which he turned down

[@calripplebear1293]

So I'm starting (or trying) to start voice over from the beginning. I got a Fiverr account and am on the gigs page, but I'm a bit intimidated because there are all these features that I am not familiar with, such as "script proofreading, HQ audio file (WAV) format, timed audio sync, splitting files, and adding background music. I've looked up many of these and most of them seem like something I _can_ do, but I have yet to get a gig so I am not sure. However, I'm still a bit intimidated by "timed audio sync" and "background music". I have watched videos on it and it seems very confusing. The same goes for timed audio sync. What would you suggest to noobies out there who have done none of this stuff? Should we exclude it from our gig? Or just allow it and fumble around (perhaps end up doing badly on a gig) until we learn it? I Can't think of a way to get good at it without having a customer gig request. Any advice?

[@purplechux97]

Thanks Bill, encouraging as always.

[@thatdude2783]

My fear, is failure. But, I'm determined as hell to make it work. I will not accept failure as an option.

[@TTG2025]

I hope things worked out for you. How are things going?

[@arturostm8960]

sup people God bless u haha, currently I'm in that time in life where you dont know what to do for a living, and im strongly considering voice over, and all of your advice has been surprising for me, thanks.

[@imnotgonnasay3612]

Okay, American Honey! Love that movie!

[@kakeen1977]

My hesitation is I have literally no place to make a workspace..1 bdrm condo w/3 of us, there's no where to have a soundproof area. And everyone says you HAVE to get a coach, they're really expensive

[@uruguayan1312]

Thanks Bill, I’m on the very early stages myself and your videos do help me to prepare for this journey. I hope to be able to seek some more in depth help from you real soon. Keep them coming! 😎

[@lindanovell4763]

Thank you for your words of encouragement!

[@theflyingvoiceartist]

hi bill ....can you make a video on how to record while travelling

[@marilyncampbell4042]

Thanks for the encouragement and motivation. Always appreciate the insight that you share.

[@sarahchapman6377]

This really spoke to me as I am, like yourself, a listener rather than a speaker but VO is something that I feel really interested in. I just don't know where to start as I don't have an experience or the funds to get started. How do I even know if my voice would be good enough for this type of work, before investing too much in to it?

[@jimwilliams6827]

Was this encyclopedias? My brother did this way back when!

[@robertcurran170]

I have just begun. I have one audiobook done and another working. I am trying to find other potential paths though. I know you have suggested fiverr. I am still trying to figure that out. Are there other avenues you would suggest for those just beginning?

[@newsbuzz9787]

Sounds like Casey Kasem. Kudos!

[@fredericngangue8738]

Thank you Sir. Encouraging enough

[@espadaenchiladas5473]

I'm really afraid of learning how to act. I don't have any experience acting but I love the idea of voice over, I want to give it a go. I just don't know how to learn the acting part, does everyone go out and do theatre? I'm scared :(

[@hali9395]

Its really hard to get started on platforms such as fiver. Even there, most of the talent have some type of relative experience and years of radio, public speaking, or acting prior to "starting" fiver. Yet here is am 10 years after taking high school acting classes and just beginning paid coaching, it seems like I dont even qualify to be there until I get a professional demo

[@DemonMix]

Thanks

[@HeartAndSoulEmpowerment]

Hi Bill! My name is Andrew and I have a question about Bunny Studios vs Upwork. I’m currently recording for a long form narration project that consist of 14,714 words. Payment on upwork is 62.50 an hour, max 3 hours per week. While if this was on Bunny Studios, I’d get paid for each word, which would cost up to $5300. How do I go about matching the price? Or would I just bite the bullet and finish the project and get what the client pays? I’d really appreciate some help! And thank you for all of your tutorials on KZbin! Huge fan of those and your book, 6 Figure Income! Talk soon!

[@I_NeedCoffee]

I am just beginning and I know I can do this. I am just trying to find a path. Any advice on choosing that path?