In ep 178 of “How Do You Say That?!” Trev Fleming joins Sam and Mark to talk about splitting the difference between dynamic and powerful to create a compelling read and how strict timings can impact a performance. We learn how to teach something whilst being conversational in a long e-learning course… and why being clean with no ‘ums’ and ‘errs’ is a presenter trait rather than an actor’s one. Did you know other languages have “thinking words” where we just put in an ‘umm’ or an ‘aah’?

Our fun facts cover Geography graduates, smashing pedal bikes, and a slicing knife nightmare that might make you feel queasy. Our wildcards are a lizard person from the centre of the earth, an irate football dad on the sidelines, and a dog who gets excited when he hears the word walk!

Our VO question this week is all about whether actors get a better reaction from casting directors when they stop trying to appear impressive.

Get involved! Have you got a Wildcard suggestion that we should try or an idea for the show? Send it to us via Mark or Sam’s social media or email it directly to podcast@britishvoiceover.co.uk

Script 1

Bill Burr, one of the biggest comedians on the planet, has had a podcast for the last 10 years on YouTube. This is his thumbnail. The same one, each and every time. For me, as a big fan, I immediately recognise it when I see it mixed in with other videos on the recommended sidebar.

Is this thumbnail good? No, it’s actually modest, at best! It does show his face and you can clearly read the text, but that’s about it. Still, this style works for him. He doesn’t want to hire a person who handles his graphics, he just wants to put his content out there ASAP.

Script 2

To meet these challenges, we designed precise, dynamic, evolving adaptations.

A soundtrack that adjusts in real time to the lights, the pace, and the energy of the arena.

This is not just background music.

It’s a signature.

A wave that resonates through the players’ entrance show.

That elevates the ceremonies.

That fuels digital platforms and social media.

A sound that amplifies the experience—and the power of the competition.

We’d love your feedback – and if you listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, hit the follow button today!

**Listen to all of our podcasts here – you can also watch on YouTube, or say to your smart speaker “Play How Do You Say That?!”

About our guest:

Trev Fleming is an experienced actor and voice actor who’s been doing silly voices for over 15 years (well, longer actually but that’s how long he’s been getting paid for it!). Whether it’s TV, Stage, Film, Greenscreen, Prosthetics, Mocap/P-Cap – Trev’s your guy. He’s a professional nerd and has voiced game trailers, indie games and Triple A titles, IVR, TV and radio commercials, audiobooks, audio drama and has been the voice of God in numerous stage productions.

Trev’s Website

@trevfleming.actor.voice on Instagram

Resources: Click here for the Wildcard Generator and don’t forget to think of an action your character can be doing!

About your hosts:

With over 40 years representing major international clients such as Google, Emirates and HSBC; Mark Ryes has been trusted to be the voice for some of the world’s biggest brands. If your business needs a fresh voice to represent you, then make it Mark’s British voice. As a voiceover, TV presenter, podcaster or product demonstrator – Mark makes your brand truly sparkle!

Mark’s demos & contact details: https://linktr.ee/britishvoiceovermark

Elegantly British with an intelligent, warm and seductive voice, Samantha Boffin helps creatives and production companies create great audio that really connects with their audience. BBC-trained and with over 20 years of broadcast experience on both sides of the mic, she’s created award-winning promos, narration and commercials for companies all around the globe, including the BBC, Sky, Games Workshop, John Lewis, Audible and Penguin Random House.

Samantha’s demos & contact details: https://linktr.ee/samanthaboffin