Audiobook Performance Masterclass

What if you could get a personal crash course in audiobook performance from one of the best narrators in the business? In this episode of ACX University, you can do the next best thing: sit in as a fly on the studio wall while Scott Brick, narrator of over 950 audiobooks, works one-on-one with emerging audiobook actor Holly Palance. You’ll get a sense of what it’s like to receive personal performance coaching and learn how to put your unique self into your performance. In this episode, you'll learn:
● How to recognize and voice the three types of third person narration.
● How to treat narrative text as a character unto itself.
● How to bring your own personal style to your interpretation of the text.

[@1EveNew]

Both of their voices are like butter! This was fantastic instruction and insight.

[@greghernandez104]

Scott Brick is the Yoda of audiobooks! This truly is a master at work. This was one of the best episodes from ACX University. Plus, the production is top notch. The audio from the Neumann U87 is superb.

[@mroctober3657]

She's a natural. Her voice reminds of the voice over used at the beginning and end of Desperate Housewives.

[@Centella9]

yes! exactly

[@sportsmedia25]

Holly used to co-host Ripley's Believe It Or Not with her father Jack Palance in the 1980s

[@mroctober3657]

@@sportsmedia25 Interesting. I fondly remember that show.

[@Getitgirlllll4717]

Yasss

[@jtrinity87ify]

I thought the same exact thing!!!

[@katfoxvan2]

“...put character in narrative ...” Yes! Valuable. Thank you, Scott Brick.

[@kathleencarpenito6071]

This is amazing!!! Choose how much you want to invest!!! Learned about the change in tone.....so perfectly natural and instinctive!!!!

[@williampaxton871]

One more thing, she is brilliant! What an ability to take and use direction. Wow!

[@codacreator6162]

Narrative training comes in the study of literature. Voicing it come in the training of vocal performance. Sometimes, a writer is good at reading his/her own stuff, but usually only from an academic standpoint. I've listened to the self-reading of 3 killer writers, none of whom are anywhere near as good as their performance counterparts, the best of whom bring an additional level of texture to the story itself. My advice is, like any great literary criticism, to read the story through at least once, better twice, if you can. Foreshadowing crops up in some pretty unpredictable places. And if handled wrong, it has the same effect to the listener as a skimming reader missing an important element and having to flip back to find out what she missed. It snaps the suspension of disbelief (or engagement in non-fiction) and destroys verisimilitude.

[@ontoya1]

It's not every day I see a word I don't understand that's not scientific. And verisimilitude is one of them. Thank you. ' casually places in top 50 favorite' words'

[@koyasmom9700]

It's a testament to how good she is because while she was reading the second text (Silas one) I actually teared up listening to it. I felt the emotions. Wow. What a talent. She is what I aspire to be one day when I start narrating. I hope I can be at least halfway as good as her.

[@Overit5000]

As an author who just finished his first book, seeing the depths this man feels narratives makes me almost emotional. An author could only be so lucky to have him preform and produce their audiobook, it's truly amazing. I have several books in my library he's done. its awesome to see him work.

[@billyzig]

Congratulations, JP. It's an amazing feeling when you finish your book - never let go of that moment. All the best!

[@a.studios9930]

Bravo! I'm blown away. ACX got the Audiobook King of Narration to share this much of direction in a masterclass?! Wow...just wow.

[@jakeowen3390]

When she rereads the exert around 25 minutes, it was captivating. The first time through, the repetition of Silas felt irrelevant, but the second time around, I was getting chills every time she said his name and shifted. Great work you two!!

[@matthewives3933]

The first takes were good, the second takes are amazing. The one with the women at the end was an incredible change. They went from characters, to people.

[@_kacynicole_]

This was so mindblowing and informative. Absolutely loved it. "You want to get it right. But the point of the exercise is not to get it right. It's to make it me." The feels! Scott is an amazing coach.

[@intothedetails1972]

Wow what an incredible treat to listen to the two of them speak. So many nuggets of wisdom. Went through so many emotions watching them work. Thanks for sharing this.

[@katrinavoiceover3031]

Scott Brick is amazing! Holly is also amazing, the result of him coaching her through the "Silas" scene gave me chills and almost brought me to tears. This must be the reason vocal coaching is so important, the difference is like night and day in their interpretation of the writing. I love this "fly on a wall" perspective.

[@jasoncuzzz]

This is so good I've been listening some samples on Audible and they're so dry! Give yourself permission to go there.

[@williampaxton871]

Scott, I just discovered you today. Boy am I glad that I did. I'm going to record my own audiobooks of my short stories and I can't tell you how much I have learned by listening to you in this video. Thank you. Bill

[@kpag3030]

She is so easy to listen to. She draws you in so well.

[@thomasnance7665]

This has been useful. While my background has trained me to put myself into narration, I learned from viewing this that I can be much more invested than I have been, of course when the text calls for it. The format of working with an already skilled artist was quite effective. .... and Orson Scott Card rocks . . .

[@jeffreywarrensmith581]

What a great teacher to be able to let the pupil express themselves so much without taking the reins himself.

[@BlueSkies7]

I love Scott Brick. He's so amazing and definitely one the best narrators out there.

[@Dontdothat5300]

Orson Scott Card’s book on Character and Viewpoint was amazing - read it 30 years ago and it’s clearly still a reference!

[@pattibullock3642]

Absolutely loved this master lesson!! Thanks so much...I found this content so very helpful! I'm a Newbie Narrator and began as a hobby last November. Currently, I am very busy with ACX in Narrating Instructional, Wellness, & Cookbooks Audiobooks. I can now see how treating narrative text as a character unto itself fits into this style of Narration as well. All very challenging and I am loving growing and learning something new every single day! :)

[@korenski23sjustdancetv47]

This was so immensely helpful. It’s amazing the difference after applying Scott’s technique. Also thus actress is an amazing narrator.

[@nightnol]

Wow! I love that moment of clear contrast between hope and the acceptance of her loss.

[@davidzolla3773]

If Scott Brick reads it, I want to hear it! That's been my attitude for the past ten years as I've listened to his book narrations and I'm honored to be able to learn from him as he teaches a subject I find very interesting. Great stuff!

[@lonedramap.8259]

Is there market for narrators in the Spanish language?

[@laurakay4623]

I ADORE this video!! I think this advice could and should be applied to pretty much any aspect in life. Scott Brick is amazing and will definitely be looking out for more content like this!! 👌🏼🙌🏼

[@catherinebisset72671]

God this is brilliant. To see the level of acting skill involved is pretty humbling and the lessons and tips are really clear and useful for a beginner like me. Thank you!

[@CecilyJamelia]

Wow just wow. I’m so impressed and inspired to record my first audiobook. Especially love how he explained the options she could take for the older black character.

[@tomcarr4630]

The best ACX tutorial I’ve seen to this point! Will be re watching this many times.

[@alrivs]

Coaching throughout your career as a narrator is so important.

[@BasicFilmmaker]

Excellent demonstration packed with great info. 👍

[@writerducky2589]

This was great listening to and informative. While I'm not an audio book narrator myself, I always strive for "living in the text" when reading out loud. I don't why, but I'm still surprised whenever I hear someone reading out loud without acting, or at least trying to (unless it's a math book or something). Holly was really impressive, especially on her second reads.

[@amahra100]

Wow, this makes me love my narrator I've used on four books, now. I listened to Rick, then listened to a sample of one of my books and discovered that my narrator had done many of Rick's suggestions. He's not as good or famous as Rick, but my narrator did all right by me.

[@thebeastdeepinside]

he asked....Orson Scott Card....he asked him. directly. holy crap.

[@tec7910]

I am bramd smacking new. Somewhat hesitant on where to begin. This was a must see video of exceptional coaching. Cant wait to hear more. Im sold.

[@howardcorporatecentrellc4178]

I'm preparing to self-narrate my own book and this video and tips were very helpful - thank you!

[@kris.monroe]

This is such a VALUABLE video. Something with audiobooks I struggle with and frequently talk with clients about (before and after the fact) is breathing. .. I understand we aren't seeing the post-process, but these professionals are clearly just breathing normally - not re-directing their head, not hiding it, in fact often almost gasping a big sharp/deep at times. What are they doing in post?

[@garyclement5527]

This is awesome. Teaching me a lot about how to not only write a story, but how to narrate and tell a story as a voice over actor.

[@ACLV100]

Her first reading put me to sleep. Her last reading I was able to feel and see her emotion in my mind.

[@elleari89]

This was wonderful and full of amazing content. Brilliant and lovely to listen to, I would take his class in a heartbeat

[@EZENS.]

Her style is AMAZING and together it’s getting even better ; lovely Thanks for the hints 💛💫🌿🙏🏼

[@joyannwaterman6268]

I just came across this video a truly amazing job was done. I am not a voice over actor or an audio book narrator, but listening to this information would make me want too. Scott Brick you smashed it. Awesome job👍

[@rayasvoicepudding2257]

THIS IS AMAZING! I'll definitely use his tips. I have a younger, warm female voice...so I can't get too low a tone.

[@richcraftstudios9485]

Woot, woot WOOT - I have PERMISSION!!! :-D

[@billyzig]

Absolutely amazing advice. And Holly's voice is just devine!

[@territ.5357]

This was so encouraging and helpful. I needed this. What book was that??? I'm intrigued. Thank you two for such major nuggets of information. I have PERMISSION.

[@izstrella]

Holy hell, so insightful and eye-opening - thank you to everyone involved!

[@risedaughterrise8202]

This is a great video!! I’m looking into voice over acting so this has really made me appreciate the hard work voice actors put in.

[@NYCAppl3]

Excellent work! Your feedback was perfect and I could completely hear the difference. I loved this! Thank you 😊

[@PaulCoffeeNMe]

I'm in love with Scott's voice!

[@missjewel3118]

This is absolutely awe inspiring! I am being fed with such nourishing information, it vitalises me and encourages me to take a step towards narrating a book! Thank you!

[@muthias4582]

In cause any of you need background info on Scott Brick, he’s one of the primary narrators for the Dune franchise.

[@drtrishmd]

This was so engaging, I was totally drawn in , to the teaching as well as the narration ! Dancing to words indeed ! Brilliant 👊

[@LungsOutJem]

Great class, if you're already a thoroughly trained and practiced actor.

[@Rocktheworldgirl]

I love Scott, I worked with him when he first started coaching. It was a lot of fun and I learn something new every video I watch since I can't see him in person.

[@sherifuntastic]

Beautiful, I could listen to this all day!

[@sherifuntastic]

I want to learn all that I can as this is a career shift that I want to make!

[@EMI325]

Loved ❣️it I only want to listen to both of them 🤩🤩

[@traceysilver6357]

This is fantastic! Thank you Scott, Holly & ACX.

[@enioluwaodunjo]

Thank you for making these amazing videos

[@ewaeniodunjo]

Thank you for sharing this with me.

[@EZENS.]

“I wanted to cry” 😭 🥰🌿🍃 - yes me too , when I heard that romance grief scene

boy they both have such great voices, seems my voice is not on par. but I have been asked if I am on the radio so maybe its my face maybe its my voice. how do singer, narrators know their voice sound so great?

[@theportraitist4888]

How does this narration breakdown apply if you're actually narrating your own book, which is based on your own real life story?

[@codacreator6162]

I wouldn't. But, if you have to, put the MS aside for a month or two, let it recede in your memory so that when you come back to it, it has a distant, remembered familiarity but enough of a sense of discovery that your interpretation reveals that discovery (also helps maintain your interest and engagement when you've read through and rewritten the same manuscript fifteen dozen times).

[@kpag3030]

Interesting and good question.

[@EpicReign]

This was exceptional!

[@saltyo1484]

What kind of mic is good for a new person auditioning?

[@ConraddeVries]

Thank you for posting this video. Fantastic advice and performance alike.

[@jackfleming6577]

This is exactly what I have been looking for. Thank you. I can use more instruction.

[@tracyannjohnson5724]

What a lovely warm voice she has

[@Kinsman19]

This is SO helpful. Amazing.

[@lorettabrail7806]

Learned so much here! Thank-you!!!

[@Sweetteagir]

I have a southern accent. IS there a place for my voice in narration?

[@kenzielens6114]

This was sooooo good!!! Definitely learned a lot of valuable information.

[@queenofweaves916]

I love her voice! 🥰

[@sharoncampbell5636]

Wow, this gives so much in so little time! Thank you!

[@ernestroberts5782]

Good Afternoon I have the natural gift of Being blessed with this GIFT I would like to get started

[@vanderavortdebije]

This is TOP! Thank you Scott Brick!

[@robintuition4164]

What book is she reading, about Silas?

[@kelliearchie1488]

I need Scott!

[@theportraitist4888]

That was excellent. Thank you.

[@lorettabrail7806]

Nice voice, Scott!

[@bennyfifeaudio]

Is she Jack Palance's daughter?

[@dvnobles]

Yes, she is.

[@bennyfifeaudio]

Had a sneakin suspicion. Some family resemblence.

[@fowlerpe]

I want feedback from Scott. Please coach me!!! Fantastic information. I want more, please.

[@remyscreepycorner5135]

Thank you all so so much for sharing your knowledge with us scrubs

[@yvetteroman6193]

Great tips thank you

[@JimFosterVO]

Thanks for fixing this!

[@JaCeeMusic]

super thanks to all!

[@codacreator6162]

She has a great, sing-songy kind of delivery that sort of feels like Flannery O'Connor, but a lot less like Orson Scott Card. I'm not a huge fan of female narrators over a male protagonist, or vice versa. But, that's just me.

[@repalmore]

11:38 If I understand what you are OSC is saying, the narrator is just like another character int the book. Just a like a person reading it to you and jut a disassociated voice.

[@kiikiinpiink]

This video was GREAT!

[@SigurdB.]

Excellent

[@unlimithealth9846]

very good THX ♥

[@skip777]

Listening to a (Performance ) of a book... a lot of the time.... becomes overbearing with TOO much emotion.....sometimes a more sterile voice allows one to consume the story without getting overwhelmed in emotions.......must a read (always) be emotionally expressed.... continuously?.... It becomes old very fast.....makes one feel a need to take a break from the narrator's performance To seperate them from the story.......if i could suggest to this guy one thing.....get someone in your life that can tell you....your OVER narrating....your adding TOO much of yourself .....

[@amaymankad121]

He is reading it because he wants to make it his own. I disagree with you.