Episode 94

Chris Tester: The one that's a Bit like a Sonnet!

In episode 94 of “How Do You Say That?!” sponsored by Voxbox, Chris Tester joins Sam and Mark to talk about making a stand in a directed voice session, how visualisation can put you in just the right creative space, and how to turn a wordy commercial into something more Shakespearian.

Our VO question this week is all about how to market the voiceover genres you want to excel in, without becoming a jack-of-all-trades!

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

My freedive in the kelp is at summer's end when the water is still balmy from a season of sunshine. The kelp look shabby, abraded and overgrown, signs of imminent change and a shift towards autumn underwater. An invisible pulse of energy sweeps the ragged fronds one way, bending and flexing the stipes, then hauls them back the other. They flutter and billow in the flow like drapes in a blustering wind, as the surge pours through and over them. In heavy seas, this is where their strength lies. No oak, pine or redwood tree could survive such ferocity on land.

Script 2

I get that you’re upset. I’m not doing it on purpose.

Look, Monday night was just a few with the lads after 5 a side.

Tuesday, that was that works thing I told you about, ages ago.

Wednesday, we went out, and then last night was just a couple in

front of the telly.

I know you think I’ve got a problem, but I can stop whenever I want.

I don’t need it. It relaxes me. It’s how I unwind.

What? This? It’s the end of the week.



**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:

Chris Tester graduated from Warwick Uni in 2003, then Central drama school in 2008. He spent 12 years doing mainly stage work while VO slowly crept into view, before it became his main job from around 2017. He comes from a family of teachers.

He’s been in Total War: Warhammer II, Unsinkable and Lego Marvel Superheroes 2, he’s also an experienced audiobook narrator and - after being nominated 22 times in various voiceover categories at various awards ceremonies – Chris won Male Voiceover of the Year 2024 at this year’s VOX awards!

Christopher's Website

@chrisnaturallyrp on Instagram

@CGTester on Twitter

Christopher on YouTube


Resources:

Check out our sponsor Voxbox - the portable, foldable, storable audio booth.

https://www.voxbox.studio/ Now you can get 10% off a Voxbox by using the code HDYST24

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



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

Sam's demos & contact details: https://linktr.ee/samanthaboffin

About the Podcast

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How Do You Say That?!
A fun podcast showing there are unlimited ways to read a script - sponsored by https://www.voxbox.studio/

About your hosts

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Mark Ryes

With over 40 years representing major international clients such as Google, Emirates and HSBC; Mark has been trusted to be the voice for some of the world’s biggest brands. Beyond the big names, it’s his reputation with clients that truly speaks to his professionalism and work ethic. If your business needs a fresh voice to represent you, then make it a British voice…
Mark's also seen weekly on television across the UK, both on ITV1 and Ideal World.
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Samantha Boffin

Elegantly British with an intelligent, warm and seductive voice, Samantha 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.