Derek Chappell - The Voice of Your Business

2011-10-25T08:03:00.001-05:00

http://thevoiceofyourbusiness.com/blog/?p=2200 http://amplify.com/u/a1fmqo

WE'VE MOVED!!

2011-02-13T01:27:00.000-06:00

Derek Chappell - New Voiceover Blog

With much excitement, new features, and a new look, I'm proud to announce that my blog has moved to a new address... www.thevoiceofyourbusiness.com/blog/

If you were a subscriber to this blog address, or received the blog via email, I hope you will join me at my new location, and subscribe again. The new blog is still somewhat under construction, but will be completed soon. I am planning on continuing to provide relevant and interesting posts about my business and the voiceover industry, social media/marketing articles, and entertainment coverage (see the new FUN VIDEOS page). My hope is that you will enjoy the new content and thus enjoy following along. Feel free to pass the site along to friends that you think might be interested as well.

Thank you for your interest and support of my passion for voiceover.

Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

2011-01-26T23:05:00.001-06:00

Jayhawk fan, or not, please pray for Thomas Robinson and his 9-year old sister, Jayla. One of the saddest stories I've ever heard. http://amplify.com/u/anq4c http://amplify.com/u/anq4j

2011-01-21T07:31:00.001-06:00

Let's try this again...this is worth watching http://amplify.com/u/an7pv http://amplify.com/u/bn7pw

Vicki Lawrence, "Mama", isn't a Ted Williams fan

2011-01-13T12:58:00.000-06:00

The debate over Ted Williams and his 'instant' celebrity seems to have those who love him and those who hate him at odds. There's no doubt where Vicki Lawrence, and her alter-ego, "Mama" stand...in the bushes. (thanks to Taylor Morgan for posting original in VO Pros)

Derek Chappell - The Voice of Your Business

Homeless Voiceover Phenom Ted Williams to Enter Rehab

2011-01-12T16:16:00.004-06:00

The whirlwind of fame surrounding Golden-voiced and homeless man, Ted Williams, has come to a temporary stop for now as he reportedly enters rehab for alcohol and drugs. Read more here.

Hopefully he can come to terms with LIFE first, then Family, before he tries to move forward with the fame and voiceover career.

-Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

A VO Show? Yes or No?

2011-01-09T23:27:00.004-06:00

Due to recent events, ie, The Homeless Voiceover wonder Ted Williams, two different groups who were in pre-production with a Voiceover Reality Show have tipped their hand. MUCH more to come about these two competing shows and Vegas VO and Social Media guru, Dave Courvoisier spoke to one of the show's producers. Read Dave's blog post about his interview here.

Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-01-01T00:58:00.001-06:00

2010-12-29T19:53:00.001-06:00

Hi Amplify friends... I'm new here. Looking forward to sharing interesting things, learning something new and engaging in conversation with you! http://amplify.com/u/k022

The Troublesome Truth about a Voice-Over Career

2010-12-29T13:42:00.001-06:00

This video by veteran VO Pro, Paul Strikwerda, will now become 'the primer' for those who have misconceptions about how easy it must be to just 'talk' for a living.

A Special Holiday Greeting from the VO Community

2010-12-21T23:00:00.003-06:00

Just a few of the very talented men and women that make the Voiceover community one of the best group of people you'll ever know, want to wish you a Very Happy Holiday:

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM VOICE TALENT EVERYWHERE!

With thanks to Terry Daniel for his idea and skill in putting this together...in a day.

Derek Chappell
-The Voice of Your Business

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T02:50:00.001-06:00

Wishing you a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Social Media and Audio Married - Audioboo

2010-10-04T01:23:00.006-05:00

You never know where your next client may come from. Better yet, you never know just how that client may have found you. That is why you brand, market, sell, and get yourself 'out there', to be heard and hired. That being said, I came across a blog article a few weeks ago, written by my friend and fellow VO artist (and social media guru) Dave Courvoisier, about a program that 'married the best of social media with audio', called Audioboo. Sounds perfect for a voice actor, huh? Dave's explanation of Audioboo is as simple as the program itself:

Record audio, match it with a picture, a place, some words…upload, post, cross-post to other social media platforms. Share, podcast, follow, comment, get followers. The program is pretty intuitive and it does a lot. You really need to visit and watch the video where they introduce its features.

I figured I'd give Audioboo a try as one more way to get my voice 'out there'. Right away I came across a practical use in my VO business. I produce a daily sports calendar for a small, local radio station. Their budget isn't huge, so their website isn't fully equipped to handle a lot of audio. So, I linked the daily sports calendar from their website to my Audioboo page. Now, when someone clicks to listen to the sports calendar, they are taken to my Audioboo page, where they can also listen to other audio of mine that I've posted on the page, such as my demo's and recent work I've completed. You never know who just might click and listen...it may be my next client.

Derek Chappell

The Voice of Your Business

September named as - National VoiceOver Appreciation Month

2010-09-01T19:48:00.004-05:00

January gets "The New Year....February gets "Valentines Day"....March is flowing green with "St. Patrick's Day"....etc, etc, etc. Well move over November & December, because the fabulous month of SEPTEMBER has arrived....as the self-proclaimed - NATIONAL VOICEOVER APPRECIATION MONTH !!!

Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

The Art of Voice Acting - 4th Ed.

2010-08-17T07:48:00.003-05:00

If you, or someone you know, is even remotely interested in the fun and fascinating field of Voiceover, then this book is a MUST. THE ART OF VOICE ACTING, now in its 4th Edition, is considered by many in the industry, to be THE Voiceover Bible. Written by my friend, mentor, and voice coach, James Alburger, it covers every topic and answers so many questions you may have, whether you are a beginner or life-long pro.

I encourage you to pre-order your copy today by going to www.voiceacting.com.

-Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

Longtime Yankee Announcer Passes

2010-07-11T17:39:00.002-05:00

May we all live so long and enjoy what we do. Longtime New York Yankee PA announcer Bob Sheppard passes away at 99. What a legend he was and oh what legends he saw play the game.

Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

Derek's Voice Career on Google

2010-06-01T22:16:00.001-05:00

Working Without a Net

2010-03-31T22:27:00.003-05:00

Since I started this blog as an avenue to share news, thoughts and insight about my passion and part-time gig as a voice talent, I've not mentioned anything about my "day job", thinking it a good idea to keep them separate. But, my day job is a huge part of who I am and what I do, so I think it is worth mentioning in this forum.

For the past 14 years, I have practiced law as a partner in the Jordan & Chappell Law Office. My partner, and mentor in the practice of representing injured workers all over the state of Kansas, Gary Jordan, and I, have mutually decided to end the partnership and continue to practice as sole practitioners. I am very glad to say that we part, as partners, on very good terms. We have decided to continue to share office space, staff, etc. It is a move that will benefit us both in the long term.

I am very grateful to Gary for the opportunities and guidance he has given me, as well as our staff for their support and understanding. The Jordan & Chappell Law Office officially ended its existence today. I feel like the safety net under my high-wire has been removed.

Today, April 1st, a new era of business and responsibility begins for me as I continue to represent my clients, as....Derek R. Chappell - Attorney at Law.

No Foolin'.

Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

My Demo's Are Now on My Voiceover Blog

2010-02-24T19:47:00.006-06:00

For your convenience, I've copied my demo's from my website to my blog. (Ok, I didn't actually do it because it was way too complicated for me.) My thanks to Jason Sikes at Village Green Studios, for doing the 'technical' work.

Jason created my website and has done so for many voice and on camera talent. His website is very entertaining, like reading an old comic book, and you can see samples of the websites he has created. If you are in need of a website or web host, I highly recommend Jason @ Village Green Studios.

If you haven't signed up to receive my blog via email, I hope you will consider doing so.

Thanks.

Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

Social Media vs Having a Life - Find a Balance

2010-02-17T19:24:00.005-06:00

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, My Space, Google Buzz, Blogger......

It's easy to feel overwhelmed in this ever-expanding world of 'Social Media'. I found this article on Mashable very helpful in remembering how to have a balance in your life.

Derek Chappell - The Voice of Your Business

Thank You - 2009

2009-12-30T21:42:00.011-06:00

As I look to 2010 with great excitement and anticipation, I must wave a fond farewell to 2009. This was THE year that I stopped wishing and wondering if I could become a voice talent and actually took the steps necessary to make it happen. I've had a blast in 2009, but it was all just the groundwork for what lies ahead in 2010 and beyond.

The rush of excitement from attending VOICE 2008 in Los Angeles, carried over into 2009, which led to many pieces of the puzzle coming together to form THE VOICE OF YOUR BUSINESS. A business plan, positioning statement, logo, website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and, Voices.com, all came to life. During that time, I took more classes to learn so much more about the craft of voiceover itself. I quickly learned that it's not what your voice sounds like that is important, rather, What You Can Do with your voice that really counts.

I was fortunate to have a good friend who owns a radio station who allowed me to write, record and produce numerous features and commercials to put the lessons I learned to the test. I was able to write copy that allowed me to record with my daughter, Gracie. A real joy. I thoroughly enjoyed providing the live announcing at a number of area sports events. And, the icing on the cake was my trip to San Diego in the fall, to work with Jim and Penny at the VoiceActing Academy to produce my commercial and narration demo's.

There are many more pieces of the puzzle left to be put in place, as well as many, many more lessons to learn, and practice. But I'm moving forward. No longer wishing and wondering as I was just a year ago.

Thank you Jim and Penny, Brad Howard, Dave Courvoisier, Jason Sikes, my AOVA classmates, and Rhonda, for all of the opportunities, advice, support and knowledge in getting me this far. I CANNOT WAIT TO LIGHT THE FUSE ON THIS SHIP BECAUSE IT'S GOING TO SOAR IN 2010.

May you and your family have a Safe, Healthy and Happy New Year, filled with all of your dreams come true in 2010.

Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

"Twas the Night Before Christmas" - Voiceover Style

2009-12-21T21:06:00.004-06:00

The professional voiceactors from the VO-BB.com present the holiday classic, "Twas the Night Before Christmas" - voiceover style. These are truly some of the most talented people in the business and it's a pleasure to get to hear them and SEE them in this rendition.

Happy Holidays!!

Derek Chappell

-The Voice of Your Business

3 Generations of Voices

2009-12-09T01:18:00.005-06:00

Recently, after completing my demo with Jim and Penny at the VoiceActing Academy studios in San Diego, Penny posted the story of my involvement with 3 generations of voices that I thought you might find interesting.

Derek Chappell
-The Voice of Your Business

VO To Do List - December 2009

2009-12-05T22:00:00.002-06:00

Dave Courvoisier - VoiceActing in Vegas, has compiled a great list of things to do to further your voiceover business as 2009 winds down and 2010 cranks up.

10 Things all VO's Should Do in December

Derek Chappell
-The Voice of Your Business

What kind of day will YOU make it?

2009-12-02T10:46:00.003-06:00

My dear friend and voice coach, Penny Abshire, from the VoiceActing Academy is one of the most positive and motivating people I've ever known. She's always there with a smile and an upbeat attitude, no matter what the situation. I wanted to share her recent thoughts about how YOU can make each day what you want it to be.

"It is what you make it"

Derek Chappell
-The Voice of Your Business

New Demos Posted - Website Updated

2009-11-11T21:29:00.003-06:00

With great enthusiasm and excitement, I am proud to announce that my new commercial and narration demos are now posted on my website at www.thevoiceofyourbusiness.com.

I want to thank James Alburger and Penny Abshire for their guidance, encouragement, expertise, hospitality, and patience during our recent session at their studio in San Diego. I cannot speak highly enough of their professionalism and skill in every aspect of my demo production. Be sure to visit their Voiceacting Academy.

I also want to thank Jason Sikes from Village Green Studios for the creative design and professional look of my website. Jason's vision and expertise in web design for voice actors made it a real pleasure to work with him on this project.

I certainly hope you enjoy the website, which we've made more interactive. You can hear my demos and greeting, log onto this Blog and my other Social Networking sites, and find out more about how I've made it my business, to be
The Voice of Your Business.

Thank You.
-Derek

Success - One Small Step at a Time

2009-10-10T11:05:00.004-05:00

Earlier this week, veteran voice actor extraordinaire, Bob Souer, posted a quote on his blog that was sent to him by his manager, Stacey Stahl. I've thought a lot about this quote all week in the context of where I'm headed on Monday and what I will be doing.

Success will never be a big step in the future,
success is a small step taken just now.

If you've read any of my blog in the past, you know that I've started this journey of voice acting with the goal of becoming an "A" list talent. I realized before I ever started that this journey had to be taken one step at a time. This is not something that just happens overnight. That philosophy has been very difficult for me. I'm not always the most patient person when it comes to pursuing a goal with a passion, but learning more and more about this exciting field of voice acting has taught me the value of patience and how a methodical approach to pursuing a goal is more likely to make it a reality.

For those of you who read my blog who are not well-versed the field of voice acting, I appreciate your reading and your patience, since it is a subject that may not be of complete interest to you. But in the voiceover world, one step, some would say, THE most important step, is having a demo produced for you to use in marketing yourself to potential clients. It's your "calling card".

A demo is a 60 second snippet of parts of various commercials where you can showcase your talents using a variety of emotions, attitudes, tempos and volumes to engage your listener into wanting to hear all that you have to say about the clients product or services in their advertisement. Most, if not all demos, are professionally produced with voiceover coaches and engineers, to help you get the best interpretation and sound quality possible.

On Monday, I will be taking the huge step of heading to San Diego to have my demo recorded and produced by two of the greatest coaches, engineers and people I've ever met - James Alburger and Penny Abshire, in their Voiceacting Academy studios. Both are accomplished and award winning voice actors, engineers and coaches, and are extremely well respected in this field. I am very lucky and blessed to have them in my corner.

Once my demo is completed, I will post it on my website and blog for all potential clients to hear and enjoy (I hope). I am excited for all of you, my friends, to hear it as well. Yes, this is a big step toward my future as a voice actor, but it is really just another small step taken just now.

Derek Chappell
-The Voice of Your Business

Beep, Beep, Beep - I'm Backing Up

2009-09-27T11:01:00.003-05:00

Beep... Beep... Beep. You know the sound. When you hear a big truck "beeping", you know it's backing up. Oh how I wish I would have heard that sound last week - from my computer!! For a long time now my good friend and IT-wizard, Bill McBeth, owner of EliteTeks, has preached the importance of 'backing up' my important files. Why didn't I listen?

Last week, my external hard drive, where I keep all of my voiceover files, recordings, sound effects, music, etc....just quit working. That wouldn't have been a problem, if I had listened to Bill and backed it up!!!

Thanks to his genius, Bill was able to pull the files off the old drive and save me. And now that I've learned my lesson, you can hear my computer going beep...beep...beep, because it's Backing Up!!!

Derek Chappell
-The Voice of Your Business-

100th Episode of Voice Over Experts Podcast from Voices.com

2009-09-23T12:40:00.002-05:00

Stephanie and David Ciccarelli, founders of Voices.com, have provided invaluable information by allowing other voice actors and coaches to share their expertise through their Voice Over Experts Podcasts, on Voices.com. Today marks the 100th Episode. If you're a voice actor, signing up to receive these weekly podcasts is a MUST. Enjoy the listen.

Derek Chappell

-The Voice of Your Business

The Social Medial Revolution - Interesting & Scary

2009-09-19T15:15:00.003-05:00

If you're reading this right now, you are a part of the Social Media Revolution, whether you realize it, or not. I found this clip about the phenomenon of the Social Media Revolution to be very interesting, very thought-provoking and a little scary. Thanks to Bob Souer for posting it for others to find. What are your thoughts?

Derek Chappell
-The Voice of Your Business

Access + Process = Success by Dave Courvoisier

2009-09-13T15:50:00.002-05:00

Las Vegas News Anchor and Voice Actor, Dave Courvoisier has developed his own formula to deal with mental roadblocks we all suffer from at times. I have found Dave to be one of the sharpest minds in the VO business. He will also be the master of ceremonies again in June at VOICE 2010 in LA.

Derek Chappell
-The Voice of Your Business

Voices - Ever Wonder What They LOOK Like?

2009-09-03T08:43:00.010-05:00

Who doesn't love magic? The slight of hand, the illusion, thinking to yourself, "How do they do that?" The fun is trying to figure it out. The frustration is never being able to. With magic, we all want to SEE how it's done, to get that visual satisfaction that our minds can't comprehend. If we are ever lucky enough to be shown how a trick was done, we're amazed at how simple it actually was, as opposed to how complex it may have looked before our very eyes. We get that, "Wow, that's how they do that", look on our face.

What does magic have to do with voiceacting?

When I was a kid (and, in fact, still to this day) I was always intrigued to find out just what the person looked like who's voice I was hearing, whether it be a cartoon character or a movie trailer. To me, hearing the voice is like watching the magic trick. I'm amazed and in awe of how/what the voice actor is doing. Then, to actually get to SEE the face of the voice actor creating this magic, to me, is like being let in on the secret of how this 'voice' magic is done.

You know what I mean. Be honest, how many of you actually pictured James Earl Jones when you heard Darth Vader tell Luke he was his father! The Voice created the Magic. Or take the legendary Mel Blanc, the voice of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, and hundreds of others. Once you eventually saw his face, didn't you actually picture Elmer Fudd?

Ok, here's the payoff for reading this far...Recently, LIFE Magazine ran a series of photos of some Epic Voice Actors. These are just a few of some great actors who's voices have given life to some of the most memorable characters of all time. I was especially excited to see the face of SpongeBob Squarepants, Tom Kenny. I was a hero when I showed the picture to my kids and I got the satisfaction of seeing that look on their face that said, "Wow, that's how they do that."

Derek Chappell
-The Voice of Your Business

(Thanks to Bob Souer and Stephanie Ciccarelli for posting this link on their blogs for me to find.)

Voice 2010 Registration Now Open

2009-08-28T08:04:00.006-05:00

Registration is now open for the Voice 2010 conference in Los Angeles in June, 2010. This conference is the ONLY voice conference held in the world for voice actors. The amount of information provided by some of the biggest names in the business is priceless. The early bird sign up saves you $150. Whether you're new to the field, or a veteran of many years, you cannot afford to miss this conference. I'll see you there...

Derek Chappell
-The Voice of Your Business

A Vision for Your Voice

2009-08-16T02:23:00.004-05:00

As Voiceover Artists, we are in the business of using our voices as our craft, but also having clear 'vision' can help. Caryn Clark , the Hip Chick Voice, describes an interesting way to use 'vision' to help you succeed and be grateful for what you have through use of a 'Vision Board'.

I found this interesting because for some time now I have hung pictures of a number of my favorite and highly successful voiceover artists, athletes, musicians, and friends, in my studio that I look at daily for motivation. By surrounding myself with pictures and images of positive and successful people who have reached heights that I aspire to obtain, I have found that I stay focused and gain more confidence in my own abilities striving to obtain that same level of success. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not trying to compare my current level of talent to those on the "A" list, but in knowing that they were once at this very same point in their budding careers sure helps to motivate me to use the same desire and perseverance as they did to succeed.

What do you do to enhance your 'vision' to succeed?

Derek Chappell
-The Voice of Your Business

Voice for Community Service

2009-08-14T21:02:00.003-05:00

I was honored earlier today to be asked by Ottawa Police Chief, Dennis Butler, to be The Voice of the new Ottawa Police Officer training video. I really enjoy doing this type of voiceover, having already voiced the 75th Anniversary video for our local hospital, Ransom Memorial Hospital, and the 50th Anniversary video for our local Catholic Church, Sacred Heart.

Derek Chappell
-The Voice of Your Business

Bueller? Bueller?... Anyone? Anyone?

2009-08-07T02:48:00.005-05:00

Growing up in the 80's had it's advantages, thanks to movie-makers like John Hughes, who passed away, unexpectedly, yesterday, at the age of 59. John Hughes made movies about teens..for teens. I can't even begin to count how many times I quoted a line from a John Hughes movie in the 80's and early 90's. There were just so many characters, lines, situations, and laughs in his movies that are still receiving their due to this day. Just a few weeks ago, I sat down with my teenage daughters and watched, Ferris Bueller's Day Off. They laughed and laughed, and on more than one occasion said, "Ok dad, now I know where you got that." I was busted. All this time my girls thought I was a clever, witty and funny dad who was always ready with a quick comeback or the perfect 'line' in a conversation. They realized, as did I, that my lexicon was filled with quotes from John Hughes movies.
Mr. Mom
National Lampoon's Vacation
16 Candles
The Breakfast Club
Weird Science
Pretty in Pink
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Some Kind of Wonderful
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Uncle Buck
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Home Alone
Curly Sue

I dare you to pick just one favorite from this list. If one had the opportunity to go through life with a script-writer following them around, so they would always have the perfect thing to say at any given time, I would have wanted John Hughes following me, because, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it."

Derek Chappell
-The Voice of Your Business

Are you working, or enjoying?

2009-07-30T01:27:00.005-05:00

Earlier, I recorded the Sports Calendar and a Royals Ticket giveaway promo for KOFO, and a commercial for Creason Tawney GM Center Service Department.

Tonight I'll work on the P.A. scripts for the American Legion State Baseball Tournament which starts on Friday.
Then, next week, I'm concentrating on compiling the scripts for my demo, which I MUST GET DONE ASAP.

It sure doesn't seem like 'work' when you enjoy what you're doing !! What are you doing today that you enjoy?

Derek Chappell
-The Voice of Your Business

Public Address Announcer - State Babe Ruth Baseball Tournament

2009-07-27T01:07:00.002-05:00

I want to thank my good friend, Josh Todd, Recreation Manager at Ottawa Recreation Commission, for asking me to be the Public Address Announcer for the 13 year-old Kansas Babe Ruth Baseball State Tournament that starts this Friday, July 31, and runs through Monday, August 4, in Ottawa, Kansas. Josh is the Tournament Director and has spent countless hours preparing and organizing all aspects of this tournament. I am thrilled to be a part of the tournament and grateful for the opportunity.

Play Ball.

Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

Postive Thoughts for Voice Actors

2009-07-24T12:45:00.004-05:00

If you need a little push for the weekend to have more positive thoughts about your VO business, please read this post from the lovely Kara Edwards, titled 11 Reasons Your Voice Over Business Will Be A Success.

Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

How Walter Cronkite taught me to read-pt.2

2009-07-23T01:24:00.005-05:00

Having painfully realized that wearing Cronkite-like glasses in the 1st grade was more style than substance, I quickly had to figure out exactly what the 'substance' was that made him so important. Clearly, it was the words he used and the way in which he delivered them that made people want to hear what he had to say. Now I don't know about you, but in 1st grade I didn't know a lot of important words, let alone how to say them.

I set out on a quest to learn to read anything and everything I could...out loud. At the grocery store, I would walk up and down the aisles, reading the words on the cereal boxes, shampoo bottles, and the headlines on the tabloids...out loud. I embarrassed my mother in public on more than one occasion with my verbal onslaught. I read any book or magazine I could find around the house. I read road signs as we traveled across town to my grandparents house, only to arrive and realize that they had more and different things to read...out loud.

Then, one day it hit me. I was just reading, to be reading. I wasn't 'presenting' the words in a way that made anyone want to listen to them. I needed to learn how to do this properly. But where could I find the important words to practice doing such a thing? I didn't have news scripts from which to read. Or did I? I grabbed the newspaper and began cutting out the articles. They contained most of the same stories and words that he was reading every night, out loud.

I went to my room (because isn't that where all kids play out their dreams and fantasies?) and made my very own anchor desk. I organized the stories I had cut out of the paper by topic. News, sports, weather, etc. I had to learn how to 'present' these words like he did, staring straight ahead as if telling each person individually about the news of the day. Since my little brother was too small to hold up cue cards, I went with plan 'B'. I taped each story to the wall opposite my desk. Viola, instant teleprompter. I then placed my black-framed glasses upon my face, turned on my desk lamp for lighting, and in that instant, I became THE anchor of the Evening News, as I 'presented' story after story.

After weeks of 'presenting' the news to no one in particular in my room, the time finally came. Our teacher asked for a volunteer to read a page from our book...out loud. My hand shot up so fast, you'd have thought another mission to the moon had just blasted off. I couldn't understand why no one else raised their hand. Was it the frames that intimidated them? When the teacher called on me, I knew exactly what to do. I sat up straight, glasses perched upon my nose, cleared my throat, and 'presented' those important words from our textbook to my classmates, as if I was being beamed into millions of homes, just like that important man in the black frames did every night on my TV. At that moment, I was so glad that he had taught me how to read.

Derek Chappell
-The Voice of Your Business

How Walter Cronkite taught me to read-pt.1

2009-07-21T18:44:00.007-05:00

In 1st grade, most kids could care less about anything outside of the sandbox. 'News' and 'Current Events' weren't exactly the buzz words found in our weekly spelling lists. With the passing of Walter Cronkite this week, I found myself taken back to the time in my life when I first developed my passion for using my voice and communicating with the spoken word. I may not have fully realized it at the time, but Cronkite's persona and ability to engage the viewer/listener actually helped me to think 'out of the (sand)box' at a young age.

As a kid, I remember seeing the man on the TV who reminded me of Captain Kangaroo. He wore thick, black-framed glasses and sounded a bit like the walrus on one of my favorite cartoons. At age 7, I didn't understand half of what he was talking about, but by the way he said it, and the way he had my parents seemingly hanging on every word, I knew that whatever he was saying must have been important.

I learned that this deep-voiced and serious looking man was informing us of the events of the day. He had such a way of telling his stories that I felt like he was talking directly to my family in our living room. I thought it was so cool that this one guy could be telling me just what was happening in the world. No wonder he seemed to be so important.

Later that year, I had to get glasses. Traumatic, yes. But, when the eye doctor showed me the case of frames from which I could choose, I knew exactly what I was looking for.

The next day at school, I strolled into the classroom donning my thick, black-framed specs that looked just like the ones that the important guy on TV wore every night when he peered into my living room to tell me what I needed to know. I thought I was now the most important person in the 1st grade. Unfortunately, my self-prescribed importance was lost on a class who obviously didn't know who the important guy on TV was, or perhaps didn't understand the importance of what he had to say each and every night. No, I quickly learned that unless you know how to read and communicate something of importance, you are just a thick, black-framed, glasses-wearing dork in the 1st grade.

(Tomorrow, pt. 2)

Derek Chappell Blog Now Available via E-Mail

2009-07-18T15:07:00.003-05:00

I hope you have enjoyed my voiceover blog over these past few weeks as much as I have enjoyed writing it. I thank you for your support and hope my content will continue to bring you back often. I have now made it easier for you to follow my blog. You can now sign up to receive my blog posts via email.

On the blog you will now see a heading on the right side of the page that says, "Subscribe by E-Mail". Just enter your email address and click on 'subscribe'. Follow the quick and easy directions then look for an email from Feedburner Email Subscriptions in your inbox. Click on the link in the email to be subscribed, via your email address. It's just that simple.

If you know of others that you think would like this blog, please let them know about it and how easy it is to get the blog via their email inbox. Thank you again for your support.

Derek Chappell
-The Voice of Your Business

2009-07-18T03:07:00.000-05:00

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Pieces of the Puzzle

2009-07-15T23:11:00.003-05:00

Tonight, my daughter and I worked on a puzzle. I admit that she did a lot more "working" on the puzzle than I did. She has an extreme amount of patience for puzzles that I simply do not possess. She can look at the box to see what the puzzle should look like, then seemingly go right to the piece or pieces she's looking for and put them together. While she's being very efficient, I'm spending way too much time looking for just that 'one' piece that's going to really get me started. Well, you don't have to guess who had more of the puzzle put together by the time we stopped.

Establishing oneself in the very competitive voiceover market is much like putting the pieces of a puzzle together. It takes extreme patience. You look at the completed picture of the puzzle on the box, which is actually a picture of you and your goals and your passion, eventually coming to fruition. Then you look at all of the pieces scattered about the table and wonder how you're ever going to put them all together. It just seems too overwhelming. Where do you even start?

Obviously, you start with the first piece. Then you find the next and the next and the next and before you know it you've got part of the picture coming together. Those pieces represent all of the aspects it takes to be a successful voiceover artist in today's market. There are pieces of training, technique, practice, coaching, characters, equipment, computers, software, soundproofing, demo's, websites, blogs, marketing, agents, unions, auditions, etc, etc, etc....a lot of pieces scattered all over the table. But, isn't it comforting to know that you actually have all of the pieces that it takes?

If you will be realistic with yourself from the start and know that it is going to take time, patience, and perseverance to complete the puzzle, then as you put it all together, one piece at a time, you will actually start to see the picture on the box take shape right before your eyes. You must remember that it is YOUR puzzle and that no two people use the exact same piece in the exact same order when putting a puzzle together. Set your pace, your strategy, your technique and follow it, piece-by-piece and enjoy the successful feeling of accomplishment along the way.

So, have you started putting your pieces together, or are you just staring at the box?

Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

"Art of Voice Acting" Friends

2009-07-12T10:09:00.000-05:00

These are just a few of the lifelong friends that I made in September 2007, in our "Art of Voice Acting" Intensive Class, taught by James Alburger and Penny Abshire, creators of the VoiceActing Academy. The encouragement and friendship that I have received from these wonderful people has provided me with an incredible amount of motivation to succeed. This picture was taken at our "mini-reunion" in Los Angeles at VOICE 2008. I can't wait to get together again at VOICE 2010.

(front: Jay Elzweig, Ann Coyne, David Sigmon, Sonnie Brown, Stephanie Clair)
(back: Derek Chappell, Daniel Wallace, Rich Owen, Harvey Hlinka, Jeff Thetford, Vox Fox)

Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

Voice-Acting in Vegas' Dave Courvoisier - Kindly Encourages the Newbie

2009-07-11T02:02:00.008-05:00

Voice-Acting In Vegas' own Dave Courvoisier was kind enough to put my blog on his blogroll. But he didn't stop there. I was very humbled by the fact that Dave took the time to make such kind comments.

Dave is one of those actors in this business who gives back to others, especially in his offering of free advice and encouragement of fellow voice actors. That's just one reason why he has been asked once again to be the master of ceremonies at next year's Voiceover International Creative Experience - VOICE 2010 in Los Angeles. Congrats to you Dave on this honor.

Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

FOUND SAFE Please help find Missing Person - Justine Martin

2009-07-09T18:23:00.006-05:00

**UPDATE 7/11/09 - Per Terry Daniel....Justine Martin has been found, safe. Thank You.***

Terry Daniel, an accomplished voiceover artist from Minnesota, has produced a video on YouTube in an attempt to help his agent, Julie Martin, locate her missing daughter, Justine Martin. Please take the time to watch his video and help in any way possible.

Just click on the title of this blog post to see the video.

Thank You.

Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

Thanks to the Professional Storyteller - Bob Souer

2009-07-08T09:52:00.003-05:00

A special "Thank You" to Professional Storyteller and one of my favorites in the business, Bob Souer, for putting my blog on his blogroll. His list of blogs and forums about voiceover contains some of the best in the business, so I am honored to be listed. http://bobsouer.com/blog/

Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

Wanna-bee, New-bie, Accountabili-ty

2009-07-06T08:35:00.003-05:00

As a Wannabee, you sit on the end of the bench, thinking to yourself, "I wish I could do that." Then, along the way, something happens inside of you that gently nudges you into actually 'doing' something to stand up off that bench and step onto the court. When you actually get a feel of the action, you begin to realize that you don't need to 'wish' anymore. So you start to study the game, practice the skills necessary, and perhaps get some playing time.

Congratulations, you are now a Newbie, still learning as you go. But as a Newbie things can be overwhelming. You can fall into a comfort zone of thinking, "Well, since I'm new at this and not expected to be really good yet, mistakes don't matter. No one is really counting on me anyway." The problem with this thinking is that there is at least one person counting on you - YOU. And you don't want to let that person down.

I share this example because over the past few days I've realized that I've been locked in that thinking of a Newbie. I've told some people what I'm doing and what my goal is, but, I've become comfortable in that "non-expectation" phase. However, I've discovered that nothing gets you out of that 'comfort zone' than having to be accountable. I've had my website for awhile now, business cards printed, told a few people what I'm doing and actually done some really good work so far. But, I didn't really 'put myself out there' until I started this blog. I've now told my friends and family. I posted a link on my Facebook page, informed my Twitter followers, and emailed my fellow voiceacting classmates. In just a couple of days of doing so, I've had those same friends, family and classmates wish me well and encourage me to keep chasing this dream. What I've noticed is how I now feel 'ACCOUNTABLE' because I've put others on notice that they are going see me succeed. Nothing creates a feeling of accountability like telling others what you're going to do, because now you have to do it.

So, if you're considering pursuing the craft of voiceover, or anything that you have a passion for, tell as many people that matter to you as you can...they will help you with your Accountability.

Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

(If you are enjoying this blog so far, please tell your friends so they can follow along too.Thank You.)

The Desire Creates the Power to Succeed

2009-07-04T12:30:00.006-05:00

Is it a coincidence that I start this blog on Independence day? No. In 2007, I declared my independence from the voices in my head that were telling me that this was a crazy idea. I was literally drawn to a website that has changed my life. That website was www.voiceacting.com, run by James Alburger and Penny Abshire. I knew that I always wanted to pursue my passion of voiceover work, but never thought I could. That was until I attended a class in San Diego, taught by Jim and Penny, that not only allowed me to realize I COULD do this, but it also allowed me to meet some wonderful people that have changed my life.

Desire is a very strong emotion. It creates the power from within that allows you to acknowledge your dreams and have the courage to chase them. I had that desire long before I flew to San Diego in 2007, but it was that spark of power from within that allowed me to be able to say, "at least I tried."

Since 2007, I have attended many more classes, was fortunate to travel to LA for the Incredible Voice 2008 conference, made friends with some of the most talented people in this business, built my own home studio, spent hours in that studio..practicing this craft, built a website (with the help of Village Green Studios), and now am embarking on the latest piece of the shameless, self-marketing puzzle, the Blog.

That leaves the #1 piece still uncompleted: The Demo. In the next few weeks, my demo will be produced with Jim and Penny's guidance and expertise. I can't wait. I am excited because even without a demo to date, I've already had the opportunity to voice numerous commercials for a local radio station, produce a daily sports calendar, written copy for numerous local advertisers, voiced documentaries for hospital and church videos, provided the PA for High School and College Sports, and been asked to emcee a number of local charity events.

The desire burns strong. It creates the power. The power creates the opportunity. It's what you do when given the opportunity that shows your true character. I thank you for showing the interest in reading this far along and hope you will continue to join me for what I guarantee will be a fun and rewarding ride.

-Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

Derek Chappell - The Voice of Your Business

WE'VE MOVED!!

Vicki Lawrence, "Mama", isn't a Ted Williams fan

Homeless Voiceover Phenom Ted Williams to Enter Rehab

A VO Show? Yes or No?

HAPPY NEW YEAR

The Troublesome Truth about a Voice-Over Career

A Special Holiday Greeting from the VO Community

Happy Thanksgiving

Social Media and Audio Married - Audioboo

September named as - National VoiceOver Appreciation Month

The Art of Voice Acting - 4th Ed.

Longtime Yankee Announcer Passes

Derek's Voice Career on Google

Working Without a Net

My Demo's Are Now on My Voiceover Blog

Social Media vs Having a Life - Find a Balance

Thank You - 2009

"Twas the Night Before Christmas" - Voiceover Style

3 Generations of Voices

VO To Do List - December 2009

What kind of day will YOU make it?

New Demos Posted - Website Updated

Success - One Small Step at a Time

Beep, Beep, Beep - I'm Backing Up

100th Episode of Voice Over Experts Podcast from Voices.com

The Social Medial Revolution - Interesting & Scary

Access + Process = Success by Dave Courvoisier

Voices - Ever Wonder What They LOOK Like?

Voice 2010 Registration Now Open

A Vision for Your Voice

Voice for Community Service

Bueller? Bueller?... Anyone? Anyone?

Are you working, or enjoying?

Public Address Announcer - State Babe Ruth Baseball Tournament

Postive Thoughts for Voice Actors

How Walter Cronkite taught me to read-pt.2

How Walter Cronkite taught me to read-pt.1

Derek Chappell Blog Now Available via E-Mail

Pieces of the Puzzle

"Art of Voice Acting" Friends

Voice-Acting in Vegas' Dave Courvoisier - Kindly Encourages the Newbie

**FOUND SAFE** Please help find Missing Person - Justine Martin

Thanks to the Professional Storyteller - Bob Souer

Wanna-bee, New-bie, Accountabili-ty

The Desire Creates the Power to Succeed

FOUND SAFE Please help find Missing Person - Justine Martin